Unlike other types of mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms are known for their distinct flavor and organic texture that gives each and every meal a real bite of nature at its best . The name shiitake mushroom came from the Japanese name “shii” which literally means mushroom however, it is also being called on other names such as flower mushroom in China, fragrant mushroom in Thai and Vietnam as well as pyogo in Korean. Amidst all the terms being tagged on shiitake mushrooms, its unmatched flavor and unique texture are well loved by many cooking enthusiasts around the globe .

Shiitake mushrooms has been cultured on many Asian countries such as Japan and Asia since the prehistoric times . The oldest cultivation of shiitake mushrooms are dated since AD 199 at the time of Emperor Chuai in Japan. Since then, shiitake mushrooms had begun conquering the world of culinary cuisine reaching across America and Europe.

Amongst all, shiitake mushrooms are well used and known all on all parts of the globe . Their culinary uses are very diverse and so flexible that you can use them on all possible dishes that you want simple yet uncomplicated . Shiitake mushrooms can be acquired on two general types, dried and fresh but the most patronized ones are the dried shiitake mushrooms due to their convenience and practicality of use . Listed below are some of well known dishes that use shiitake mushrooms . Try them at home and savor the real taste of nature easy and affordable .

1.  Sautéed vegetarian meals – never a doubt that shiitake mushrooms entail a meat like flavor making it one of the most well known meat substitute on many vegetarian dishes . As to many Chinese people, shiitake mushrooms are used to make delicous sauteed vegetarians foods . One popular vegetarian meal that uses shiitake mushrooms is the infamous Buddha’s delight where different kinds of crunchy vegetables are all pan fried in oyster sauce . The highlight of this meal is of course adding shiitake mushrooms .

2.  Soups and stews – in Japan, shiitake are used to make miso soup . They usually add shiitake mushrooms on all their soups to give it an organic bite of nature while making it sumptuously flavorful . They also use shiitake mushrooms on all stews and simmered dishes . When making a pork or beef stew, do not forget to add generous amounts of shiitake mushrooms and easily create a stunning meal simple and affordable .

3.  Fried dishes – these mushrooms are also used on many fried Asian meals. On pan fried fish meals, shiitake mushrooms are always served as a side dish or alternative to green salads . Shiitake are known to relieve that “oily” flavor on most fried dishes such as pork belly and chicken skin that’s why serving them together with these meals are often required.

4.  Noodles – since egg noodles are very popular on most part of the world, this Asian meal will not be complete without shiitake mushrooms . Aside from the black mushrooms of Chinese people, shiitake are also used to create variations into the meal. If you want to give your egg noodles a unique flavor,  buy shiitake mushrooms and easily achieve a first rate cuisine.

Bear in mind that dried shiitake mushrooms are often more flavorful than fresh ones as drying them means bringing out the “umami” flavor of the mushroom. Don’t forget to hydrate it first on water before adding some into your meal to make it tender and not gooey.