Shiitake Mushroom Braised in Soy Sauce
Simple Yet Deeply Flavorful Shiitake Mushroom Braise
If you’ve only ever used shiitake mushrooms in stews or stir-fries, it’s time to elevate them into a sophisticated braised dish! The profound mushroom flavor that intensifies with every bite, coupled with its savory umami, makes this a rice-lover’s dream. It’s the perfect choice to add a touch of elegance to your everyday meals or for special occasions. This recipe is from Michelin-starred chef Min Yo-han, as featured on ‘The Best Cooking Secrets.’ Get ready to impress yourself with this gourmet side dish!
Main Ingredients- 10 fresh shiitake mushrooms
- 50g green beans
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The first step to preserving the shiitake mushrooms’ freshness! Mushrooms can lose their unique aroma and nutrients if they come into prolonged contact with water. Therefore, gently wipe the surface and the underside of the caps with a damp kitchen towel. The key is to clean them delicately, as if you were handling a baby’s skin.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare them for cooking. Take your 10 cleaned shiitake mushrooms. Slice them thickly into four pieces each, preserving their shape. This will allow the braising liquid to penetrate evenly, making them even more delicious. Be careful not to slice them too thinly, as they might break apart easily during the cooking process.
Step 3
Prepare the green beans for a crisp texture. Trim the ends off the fresh green beans. Briefly blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This will help them retain their vibrant color and a satisfying crunch. Drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
Step 4
It’s time to create the flavorful base for our braising liquid. Heat a pan over low heat, add 3 tablespoons of cooking oil and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic together. Slowly sauté the garlic without burning it to infuse the oil with its aroma – creating ‘garlic oil.’ Once the garlic starts to turn golden brown, reduce the heat slightly.
Step 5
Once the fragrant garlic oil is ready, add the prepared shiitake mushrooms to the pan and stir-fry them together. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes over medium heat, allowing the mushrooms to absorb the garlic oil. This will further enhance their earthy flavor. It’s even better if you can lightly brown the surface of the mushrooms.
Step 6
After the mushrooms have absorbed some oil, quickly add 2 tablespoons of rice wine. The rice wine helps to remove any gaminess from the mushrooms and adds depth to the flavor. Immediately follow with 4 tablespoons of seasoned soy sauce poured around the edges of the pan. Stir-fry everything together quickly to ensure the mushrooms are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 7
Now, let’s braise them to perfection. Add 1/2 cup (about 100ml) of water to the pan to prevent the sauce from burning and to create a simmering liquid. Toss in the 50g of prepared green beans. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to become tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 8
The final touch for an irresistible finish! Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for that classic nutty aroma. Your beautiful braised shiitake mushrooms are ready! Drizzle them over rice for a truly delicious experience. This is a side dish that will earn you plenty of compliments!
