How to Cook Shiitake Mushrooms Like a Chef

Master the art of umami

Imagine this:

You're learning how to cook shiitake mushrooms and as you heat the pan, the anticipation builds for the mouth-watering aroma of sautéing shiitake mushrooms which is just moments away.

You're on the brink of mastering the science behind perfectly cooking shiitake mushrooms, a method that not only enhances their nutritional value but also achieves the perfect texture and an unforgettable, umami-rich flavor.

As you feel the smooth, earthy texture of the shiitake mushrooms between your fingers while slicing them, you make your first tactile connection with the ingredients before transforming them into a delectable dish.

Shiitake magic: Simple prep, rich flavors, and packed with health benefits

When it comes to preparation, shiitakes are quite straightforward. 

Unlike some other mushrooms, the stems of shiitakes are a bit tough and are generally removed before cooking. However, keep them for making vegetable broths!

Keep in mind – the goal here is not just cooking, but preserving the nutritional value as well. 

Shiitake mushrooms are well-known for their health benefits. 

They are:

• low in calories
• high in protein 
• rich in fiber 
• packed with B vitamins, and minerals

Along with this, they are also high in umami, giving them their rich, savory flavor.

There is no need to wash your shiitakes with water or even clean them.

The reason for this is due to the fact that the majority of shiitakes are cultivated and not foraged. 

If you feel you need to clean them, simply wipe the caps with a moist paper towel.

This is how the chef’s do it, though! 

But if you must wash them with water, you may...

The folklore out there about washing mushrooms with water or cautioning you to manage the water content in fear of making soggy mushrooms simply isn't true. 

How to cook Shiitake mushrooms, you ask? 

The best way is:

Keep it simple and let the shiitake’s shine as the star or complement to any dish.

Here are a few ideas: 

• shiitakes pair well with grass-fed steaks, elk, chicken or scallops 
• dress a brightly rainbow-colored salad with them, or 
• substitute the meat altogether with Shiitakes and pair them with your vegetable of choice
• add them to stir-fries (cook the shiitakes separately with the below guidance, then add them to your already cooked stir fry)

Before we get started with a simple step-by-step approach, let’s review the science-proven method to properly cook any gourmet mushroom. 

Always always always cook your mushrooms! 

The beta-glucans, which are polysaccharides housed in the rigid chitin of the cell walls of mushrooms, contain all of the nutrition, texture and flavor of the mushroom. 

In order to unlock the nutrition, flavor and texture of the shiitakes... 

You need to cook them with water before adding your ghee butter to sauté.

Step 1

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add 1 cup of water to the pan. 

Step 3 

Add sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pan with water, stems removed. 

Shiitake mushrooms

Step 4

Stirring occasionally, allow the water to be completely absorbed by the mushrooms.

Step 5

Add 1-2 tablespoons of ghee butter and sauté the Shiitakes until golden brown. If you are vegan, coconut oil also works.

Step 6

A couple of minutes before they are golden brown, add your aromatics, such as: 

• sliced/minced garlic
• diced shallots
• fresh chopped herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage, etc)
• white or red wine (1/4-1/2 cup) 

Step 7

Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. 

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Most of the guidance out there on cooking shiitakes and other gourmet mushrooms advises you to...

Immediately add your ghee butter to the pan once the pan is at temperature, as you normally would when sautéing. 

With this ill-advised method, the mushrooms absorb the oil right away, forcing you to add more, which ends up being an overly chewy, oily mess. 

Adding water first and allowing the mushrooms to absorb the water to release their chitin, allows shiitakes to retain their shape with a tender, yet perfectly chewy consistency. 

It also allows all of the nutrients to be available for your body to absorb!

Look deeply into the amber color of the pan-fried shiitake, it tells the story of well-cooked mushrooms, with edges caramelized to improve the taste. 

The proper browning and caramelization not only give them a great flavor but also a delicious, meaty character which makes them perfect for vegetarian and vegan dishes. 

The fragrance of shiitake mushrooms sautéing in garlic and butter fills your kitchen, wafting and wrapping you in a warm, delicious blanket of comforting smells.

The satisfaction of seeing your family and friends enjoy the shiitake delicacy you’ve prepared sends a wave of warmth through your heart, the taste, texture, and aroma being a labor of love expressed in the language of cooking. 

As you take your first bite, the savory flavor of shiitake mushrooms dances on your tongue, leaving behind a memorable aftertaste that enriches your palate.

Now that you know exactly how to cook shiitake mushrooms, it's time to start cooking. 

Don't be shy to experiment with them in soups, toppings, sauces, and many other dishes. 

Bring health, taste, and culinary artistry together in your kitchen and take your meals to another level. 

Remember, the perfect shiitake dish is just a sauté pan away!

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