Chinese Braised Shiitake Mushrooms Recipe

Introduction

Chinese Braised Shiitake Mushrooms offer a savory and comforting dish packed with rich umami flavors. This simple recipe highlights tender shiitake mushrooms simmered in a fragrant sauce, perfect as a side or a main for vegetarian meals.

Ingredients

• 250 g fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced into big bite-size chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 250 ml water
• 1/4 vegetable or mushroom stock cube
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegan alternative)
• 1 tsp Shaoxing wine
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Chives or spring onions, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mix together all the sauce ingredients—water, stock cube, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, dark and light soy sauces, sesame oil, and sugar—and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat the oil in a wok or frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and stir-fry for about 1 minute until softened and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pan, stirring to coat them evenly with the garlic and oil.
4. Step 4: Sauté the mushrooms for 1-2 minutes until they start to brown slightly.
5. Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Let the mushrooms cook in the sauce for 5-6 minutes until tender and juicy.
6. Step 6: Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and stir well to combine.
7. Step 7: Continue simmering for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the mushrooms nicely.
8. Step 8: Serve hot with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and finely chopped chives or spring onions on top.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute oyster sauce with mushroom soy sauce or a vegan oyster sauce alternative.
• If fresh shiitake mushrooms are unavailable, rehydrated dried shiitake work well—soak in warm water for 20-30 minutes before cooking.
• Adding a pinch of chili flakes can give the dish a subtle spicy kick.
• Serve over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried greens for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover braised mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid toughening the mushrooms. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other mushrooms instead of shiitake?

Yes, you can use cremini, button, or portobello mushrooms as substitutes, but shiitake offers the most distinctive umami flavor traditional to this dish.

What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?

If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can substitute with dry sherry or a splash of rice vinegar for acidity, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Chinese Braised Shiitake Mushrooms Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful Chinese braised shiitake mushroom dish featuring tender mushrooms simmered in a savory oyster and soy sauce blend, enhanced with garlic and finished with a silky thickened sauce. Perfect as a side or vegetarian main.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Mushrooms and Aromatics

• 250 g fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced into large bite-sized chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Sauce

• 250 ml water
• 1/4 vegetable or mushroom stock cube
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or vegan oyster sauce alternative)
• 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Thickener

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

To Serve

• Sesame seeds
• Chives or spring onions, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: Combine water, vegetable or mushroom stock cube, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a bowl and set aside.
2. Heat Oil and Garlic: Warm the cooking oil in a wok or frying pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and stir-fry for 1 minute until softened and fragrant.
3. Add Mushrooms: Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pan, stirring to coat them evenly with the garlic and oil mixture.
4. Sauté Mushrooms: Continue cooking the mushrooms for 1-2 minutes until they begin to brown slightly.
5. Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Let the mushrooms cook in the sauce for 5-6 minutes until juicy and tender.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and mix well to combine.
7. Simmer Until Thickened: Continue simmering the mushrooms and sauce for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a consistency that coats a spatula.
8. Serve: Transfer the braised mushrooms to a serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and finely chopped chives or spring onions for freshness and extra flavor.

Notes

• Fresh shiitake mushrooms are preferred for their texture and flavor, but dried shiitake mushrooms rehydrated can be used as a substitute.
• For a vegan version, replace oyster sauce with a vegan oyster sauce or mushroom sauce alternative.
• Shaoxing wine adds depth; if unavailable, dry sherry or a splash of rice vinegar can be used.
• Adjust salt carefully as soy sauces and oyster sauce contribute saltiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese

Keywords: Chinese, braised shiitake mushrooms, vegetarian, stir fry, savory sauce, oyster sauce, easy side dish