Steaming Enoki Mushrooms: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Enoki mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are commonly used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Japanese and Chinese cooking, and are known for their long, thin shape and mild flavour. When cooking enoki mushrooms, it is important to clean and trim them first, removing any discoloured or slimy stems. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including stir-frying, pan-frying, steaming, and microwaving, and are often served as a side dish or added to soups, ramen, or hot pots.

How to prepare enoki mushrooms for steaming

Enoki mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, commonly used in Asian cooking. They have a mild flavour and a crunchy texture, making them a great addition to soups, stir-fries, and salads. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare enoki mushrooms for steaming:

Step 1: Selecting and Cleaning the Mushrooms

Choose fresh enoki mushrooms that are white in colour and have firm stems. Avoid any with slimy caps or limp stems. Start by removing the thick root section and cutting off any dirty or brown areas at the bottom. You can then gently separate the mushrooms into bite-sized clusters and rinse them in a bowl of clean water or under a running tap.

Step 2: Blanching the Mushrooms

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the cleaned enoki mushrooms to the boiling water and blanch them for about 1 minute. This step helps to soften the mushrooms and preserve their flavour, colour, and texture. It also ensures that any remaining dirt or bacteria are removed.

Step 3: Draining and Patting Dry

After blanching, remove the mushrooms from the pot and drain them in a colander. It is important to drain them well and pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel. This step ensures that the mushrooms are ready for the steaming process and helps to prevent them from becoming overly chewy.

Step 4: Preparing the Steaming Setup

There are several ways to set up a steamer. You can use a traditional bamboo steamer basket in a wok, a stovetop metal steamer, an electric plastic steamer, or even a simple setup with a pot or wok and a steamer rack to support the plate. Make sure you have enough water in the steamer and that it is boiling before adding the mushrooms.

Step 5: Steaming the Mushrooms

Place the blanched and dried enoki mushrooms on a serving plate that fits into your steaming setup. Be sure to choose a plate with a slight lip to catch any liquid that may be released during cooking. Carefully put the plate of mushrooms into the steamer, cover with a lid, and steam for about 4 minutes. Do not overcook the mushrooms, as they can become overly chewy.

Step 6: Serving

Once the mushrooms are steamed, remove them from the heat and serve immediately. You can garnish them with chopped scallions or coriander for added flavour and freshness. Enjoy your perfectly prepared enoki mushrooms as a side dish or incorporate them into a larger meal.

How to steam enoki mushrooms

Enoki mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stir-fries to salads and sushi. They have a mild flavour and a crunchy texture, making them a great addition to many recipes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam enoki mushrooms:

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Lay a cluster of enoki mushrooms on a chopping board and use a sharp knife to cut off the earthy root section. Use your fingers to gently separate them into bite-sized bundles, checking for any noticeable dirt hidden inside. Rinse the mushrooms in a large bowl of clean water, replacing the water if necessary. Drain the mushrooms and pat them dry with a kitchen towel or kitchen paper.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a wok or pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and, if desired, minced fresh chilli or homemade pickled chilli garlic sauce. Fry until fragrant. Turn off the heat and add light soy sauce, oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce) and a little sugar. Mix well.

Step 3: Steam the Mushrooms

Place the mushrooms on a serving plate that can fit into your steaming setup. Bring water to a full boil in your steaming setup. Carefully put the plate of mushrooms into the steamer, being mindful of the steam. Cover with a lid and steam for 4 minutes. Do not overcook, as this will make the mushrooms chewy.

Step 4: Serve

Garnish the steamed enoki mushrooms with finely chopped scallions or coriander and serve immediately. Enjoy!

How to make a sauce to accompany steamed enoki mushrooms

Enoki mushrooms have a very mild flavour and a crunchy texture. They are quite noodle-like and are best served with other flavourful ingredients, such as an umami-rich sauce.

Ingredients:

• 14 ounces enoki mushrooms (400g)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 1 scallion (finely chopped)

Instructions:

• Be gentle when handling the enoki mushrooms. Trim away about 1 inch of the root section.
• Use your fingers to tear the enoki mushrooms into small bite-sized bundles and line them up neatly. Rinse clean and drain.
• Prepare a wok with boiling water and blanch the enoki mushrooms in two batches, cooking each batch for about 1 minute.
• Drain off the water and transfer the mushrooms to your serving plate.
• In a small saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 10 seconds (no need to brown the garlic).
• Now add the light soy sauce, sugar, and scallions.
• Bring the sauce to a boil, and turn off the heat. Don't overcook the garlic and scallions—we want that fresh and sweet taste!
• Slowly pour the sauce over the steamed enoki mushrooms, and serve.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy steamed enoki mushrooms!

How to serve steamed enoki mushrooms

Preparation

Before cooking, enoki mushrooms should be cleaned by removing the thick root section and cutting off any dirty or brown areas at the bottom. Then, gently wash the mushrooms in water and pat them dry. Cut the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces if desired.

Steaming

To steam enoki mushrooms, place them in a steaming setup such as a wok, large pot, bamboo/metal/plastic steamer, or stovetop/electric steamer. Bring water to a boil, place the mushrooms in the steamer, cover, and steam for 4 minutes.

Sauce

While the mushrooms are steaming, prepare a sauce by heating oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 10-30 seconds, being careful not to brown or burn the garlic. Then, add light soy sauce, oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce), and a little sugar to the pan. Bring the sauce to a boil and turn off the heat.

Serving

After removing the mushrooms from the steamer, pour the sauce over them and serve immediately. Garnish with finely chopped scallions or coriander. This dish pairs well with sticky rice or tofu and can be served as a side or main course.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, but the mushrooms may become slimy from the sauce. It is best to consume prepared enoki mushrooms within a day for optimal freshness.

How to store enoki mushrooms

Enoki mushrooms are usually sold in vacuum-sealed plastic bags and have a long shelf life when refrigerated. However, if you leave them in the bag as purchased, they will deteriorate quickly due to the moisture in the bag. Therefore, it is important to take them out of the bag and store them properly. Here are some tips to keep your enoki mushrooms fresh:

• When you get home from grocery shopping, take the mushrooms out of the plastic bag. Wrap them with a kitchen paper towel and put them back into the plastic bag. This will help absorb any excess moisture and keep them fresh for longer.
• If you have more than you can consume at once, you can store leftover enoki mushrooms at room temperature. Wrap the leftover mushrooms with absorbent paper, such as newspaper or tissue, and place them in a plastic bag with a little air space.
• For longer-term storage, you can keep enoki mushrooms in the fridge. Do not leave them uncovered; instead, wrap them in newspaper first and then place them in a plastic bag or zip lock bag. This will help maintain their freshness for up to two weeks.
• If you want to dry and store the mushrooms, cut and disperse the roots, and dry them in sunlight. When the weight reaches 10% of their original weight, they can be stored for about six months.
• It is recommended to cook enoki mushrooms before storing them in the refrigerator. Raw mushrooms are not suitable for freezing.

Frequently asked questions