Mushrooms have long been hailed as "longevity vegetables" because they are rich in protein, various vitamins and minerals, and are low in fat and calories, making them highly favored by the public. However, nowadays, there is a growing variety of mushrooms on the market, and the best ways to prepare them are not the same. Here, we recommend the best ways to prepare several types of mushrooms, teaching you to create a nutritious, delicious, and health-promoting mushroom banquet. Braised meat with dried shiitake mushrooms, and braised Shanghai bok choy with fresh shiitake mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms have a fragrant aroma that can benefit the stomach and have anti-cancer properties. The most common shiitake mushrooms on the market are mainly dried and fresh.
Mushrooms are widely recognized as longevity vegetables
Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
With a rich flavor, they are suitable for cooking with meat. Chicken absorbs the flavor best. When braising chicken with dried shiitake mushrooms, the mushrooms can enhance the flavor of the chicken and remove any gamey taste, resulting in the best taste. Before cooking, dried shiitake mushrooms need to be soaked in warm water (30°C-40°C) for 20 minutes. Do not discard the water used for soaking, as adding it to the braising liquid will make the dish more fragrant. Fresh shiitake mushrooms are not as intensely flavored as dried ones and have a refreshing texture, making them suitable to pair with vegetables. Braised Shanghai bok choy with fresh shiitake mushrooms combines the fresh, smooth flavor of the mushrooms with the tender, crisp green of the bok choy, creating a dish that is appealing in color, aroma, and taste. Straw mushrooms are suitable for stir-frying.
Straw Mushrooms
They can relieve summer heat, lower body temperature, nourish yin, and promote the production of body fluids. Straw mushrooms are best for stir-frying to minimize the loss of vitamin C. Before cooking, make a cross-shaped incision on the cap of the fresh straw mushroom to help it absorb flavor. Then, slice the mushrooms and stir-fry them over high heat for 10 minutes, adding salt, MSG, soy sauce, etc., to better retain their natural umami flavor.
Oyster Mushrooms
They are suitable for plain stir-frying or making soup. Oyster mushrooms can dispel wind, expel cold, relax muscles, and activate collaterals. Their texture is tender and fresh, making them ideal for a simple stir-fry with just a little scallion, ginger, and salt for seasoning. Additionally, oyster mushrooms can be used in an egg drop soup. Add a little minced green garlic after turning off the heat to enhance the flavor. Enoki mushrooms are suitable for cold salads. Enoki mushrooms are delicious and contain a complete range of amino acids, which can promote children's intellectual development, earning them the nickname "智力菇" (Intelligence Mushroom).
Enoki Mushrooms
The most common way to prepare them is in a cold salad. Before mixing, it is best to boil them for at least 6 minutes to avoid food poisoning.
Tree Ear Mushrooms, King Oyster Mushrooms
They are suitable for stir-frying. Fresh tree ear mushrooms have a fresh, delicious aroma and can be stir-fried with green beans. King oyster mushrooms have a fleshy, tender texture; for example, the "Three-Color King Oyster Mushrooms" stir-fried with snow peas and ham is a classic dish. Button mushrooms are best for making soup.
Button Mushrooms
They have a relatively light flavor. Cooking them with fresh pea sprouts results in a clearer, more refreshing texture. It should be noted that when cooking, try to cut the mushrooms as small as possible because their fiber is not easily digested.