Chewy Shiitake Mushroom Stems & Fish Cake Stir-fry
Chewy Stir-fried Shiitake Mushroom Stems with Fish Cake
I recently bought some very fresh shiitake mushrooms from the supermarket, and their stems were so long and firm that I decided to stir-fry them with fish cakes instead of discarding them. To my surprise, the texture was incredibly chewy, almost like meat, and the flavor was absolutely delicious! This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a delightful side dish that’s packed with flavor and a satisfying chew. It’s a fantastic way to add a unique and tasty element to your meals.
Main Ingredients- Shiitake mushroom stems, torn 1 handful (approx. 100g)
- Square fish cakes 2 sheets
- Carrot 1/4
- Scallion 1/2 stalk
- Whole garlic cloves 3
- Gochugaru oil (chili oil) 2 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the shiitake mushroom stems. Trim off any tough or dirty ends and tear or cut them into bite-sized pieces. Cut the square fish cakes into similar sizes as the mushroom stems. Julienne the carrot (1/4) and scallion (1/2 stalk) into similar lengths. Thinly slice the 3 whole garlic cloves.
Step 2
Heat 2 Tbsp of gochugaru oil (chili oil) in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. The oil should infuse with a gentle garlic aroma.
Step 3
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the julienned scallions and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry them together until the vegetables are slightly tender and vibrant in color. Cooking over medium-high heat will help maintain a pleasant crispness.
Step 4
When the carrots are partially cooked, add the prepared fish cakes and shiitake mushroom stems to the pan. Stir everything together and continue to stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5
Now, add the seasoning. Pour in 2 Tbsp of soy sauce, 1 Tbsp of cooking wine, and 1 Tbsp of fish sauce. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly with the sauce, and continue to cook until the ingredients absorb the sauce and develop a glossy appearance.
Step 6
Taste the stir-fry and add a pinch of ground black pepper. If needed, add a tiny bit of salt to adjust the flavor. Stir-fry for another minute to ensure the seasoning is well distributed.
Step 7
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp of sesame seeds. Toss everything together to combine evenly, infusing the dish with a nutty sesame aroma. Your delicious Shiitake Mushroom and Fish Cake Stir-fry is ready!
