Experience the perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness with my Sesame Shiitake recipe. These mushrooms boast a delightful contrast—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—coated in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. Drawing inspiration from the beloved sesame beef dish, this vegan rendition offers a guilt-free indulgence that’s bursting with flavor. Rest assured, I’ve crafted clear and concise instructions to ensure that recreating this dish at home is a breeze. Give it a try, and you’ll be convinced of its mouthwatering appeal.
Prep Time: 40 mins | Cooking Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 50 mins
Ingredients:
- For the shiitake:
- 2 cups dried shiitake mushrooms (12-16 mushrooms)
- Boiling water (to soak the mushrooms)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons light oil (such as canola or peanut), plus more if needed
- For the sesame sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons sriracha or other hot sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- For garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Start by covering the dried shiitake mushrooms in boiling water, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow them to soak for approximately 40 minutes until tender. Once done, drain the mushrooms, reserving the liquid for future use if desired. Lightly squeeze out the excess water from the mushrooms, then slice them into thick slices, about ½ inch thick. Coat the mushroom slices evenly in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it reaches the desired temperature before adding the mushrooms to prevent them from becoming soggy. Fry the mushrooms until they turn lightly golden on all sides, ensuring there is no white cornstarch remaining.
- While the mushrooms are frying, prepare the sesame sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook the sauce for approximately 2 minutes until it begins to thicken. Once thickened, add in the fried shiitake mushrooms, tossing them to coat evenly.
- Serve the Sesame Shiitake immediately, either over rice or in your preferred manner. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
How to Serve:
Enjoy the irresistible Sesame Shiitake as a main dish or a delectable side, savoring each bite of its crispy exterior and succulent interior.
Servings:
2 servings as a main dish, 4 servings as a side
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 190kcal
