The Best Shiitake Mushroom Recipes Online from Fritters to "Bacon"

Shiitake mushrooms were first cultivated in Qingyuan, China over 800 years ago. Revered in Asian cuisine, this savory fungi is the second most-cultivated edible mushroom behind Agaricus bisporus, whose maturation stages include button, cremini, and portobello mushrooms.

Nutrition benefits of shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are a nutrient powerhouse and contain some of the same amino acids as meat. Low in calories and fibrous, these tasty fungi are high in Vitamin C and contain 33% of your daily dose of Vitamin B5 and 39% of your daily dose of Copper, linked to high immunity and red blood cell production.

They’re low in carbohydrates, making them keto-friendly, and their natural potassium levels help reduce blood pressure. High in calcium and polysaccharides, which act as a prebiotic, shiitake offers our body nutrients that we don’t make on our own. Recent studies have linked shiitake extract to improved brain cell viability, reduced oxidative stress, and showed decreased signs of aging.

Shiitake mushrooms have been used medicinally and culinarily in China, Korea, and Japan for centuries. In ancient Chinese culture, they believed shiitake were brought to Earth by Sheonnong, a figure linked to farmers.

Cooking with shiitake mushrooms

When it comes to cooking, this variety packs an umami punch. Also known as black forest mushroom or golden oak mushroom, use dried shiitake mushrooms for an intense flavor. Rehydrate them and use the soaking water for a delicious shiitake broth that’s complex and goes with anything.

When using fresh, discard the stems where they meet the cap and save to use in soups or stocks. They’re too tough to eat, even when cooked.

For swapping mushrooms in recipes, shiitake has a more intense flavor than button mushrooms. I haven’t yet met a recipe that doesn’t taste better with shiitake, but know that if you’re dealing with picky eaters, the flavor isn’t one-to-one.

If you’re swapping button mushrooms for shiitake, roast/grill/cook them well to bring that earthiness out of the mildness as much as you can.

For when you need some inspiration on how to use your shiitake, here’s our guide to shiitake mushroom recipes around the web from curry to pasta to vegan burgers.

Rehydrate shiitake mushrooms

1. Rinse the dried shiitake mushrooms with cool water.
2. Place the dried mushrooms in a bowl and cover with hot water. The mushrooms will float, you’ll need a smaller dish to submerge the floaty fungi friends.
3. Soak the mushrooms until softened, begin checking after 20 minutes.

There are a few methods to rehydrating mushrooms and like most things in life, you can’t have it all. Soaking dried mushrooms in cool water overnight yields the most flavorful, texture-friendly result. This is also the traditional Asian way.

For when you want dried mushrooms rehydrated in a pinch, boiling water can affect the texture of the mushrooms, so most chefs agree that the water should be hot, but warm enough that you can handle.

The microwave is also your friend.

1. Cover the mushrooms with water in a shallow microwave-safe bowl.
2. Cover with plastic wrap.
3. Microwave in 30-second intervals, checking the texture and being careful to avoid steam burns.

The main tip is to save your cooking liquid! If your dish doesn’t require it, freeze it for the next time you need vegetable stock on hand.

Indian Spiced Oyster & Shiitake Mushrooms Roasted in Coconut Milk

Image source: Christine Moss for Best Self Media

This easy roast recipe shows just how simple it can be to cook shiitake mushrooms. The flavor combination of garam masala and cumin, amplified by the coconut milk, brings the resulting gravy over the edge. Trim, clean, spice, roast, and cool. Five steps to one of the best, easiest vegan recipes out there.

Miso Butter Mushroom Pasta

Image source: The Floured Camera

Hands down a weeknight winner, this shiitake pasta recipe is too easy. The pasta sauce that comes from the combination of miso paste and the leftover pasta water lets those fresh shiitake mushrooms sing. Garnish with black pepper and green onion for some tang, this is even a show-stopping side dish for a dinner party.

Shiitake Mushroom Soup

Image source: Miriam Hahn for Tasting Table

This clear soup recipe is a green fungi delight when you want something light, fresh, and warming. Baby bok choy and shiitake mushrooms both benefit from the addition of ginger powder, something that makes this stovetop soup feel like an ancient health elixir. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip tofu or substitute additional mushrooms to make up for the missing bulk.

Korean Sautéed Shiitake Mushrooms

Image source: Drive Me Hungry

This 5-ingredient, 10-minute recipe is known as beosut bokkeum in Korean and pairs well with every main course, from soups to stir fries. Rice or noodles are natural companions to it, but it also goes really well with pan-fried gnocchi.

Crispy & Chewy Sesame Shiitake

Image source: It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken

This delicious recipe has a meaty texture and a handy tutorial on how to rehydrate your dried mushrooms, win-win. Shiitake benefits from a cornstarch bath before going in for a hot sauté that makes for a golden brown base on which a homemade sesame sauce goes.

Japanese Mushroom Rice

Image source: Just One Cookbook

This rice recipe uses shiitake, king oyster, and shimeji mushrooms for a delicious taste of Japanese culinary mushrooms. The dashi soy sauce broth is enhanced with mirin and sake, two ingredients that bring this recipe into elevated comfort food levels.

Steamed Chicken with Shiitake Mushrooms

Image source: Red House Spice

Shiitake plays well with chicken in this recipe, soaking up the flavors and fat in a new way. The total cook time is less than 30 minutes and is a one-pan weeknight wonder. The scallions add zest and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples.

Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry

Image source: Ali Redmond for The Spruce Eats

This low-carb, simple recipe puts bok choy front and center, but you can add other veggies like broccoli and even cabbage to stretch this dish. With prep time included, the total time is 25 minutes, which makes this even more appealing.

Shiitake Mushroom Ragu with Garlic Butter Pappardelle

Image source: Whole and Heavenly Oven

This is one of the fancier recipes on the list and is vegetarian, but not vegan. Shiitake and button mushrooms combine with garlicky pappardelle in this skillet dinner party-favorite. You can use olive oil as the recipe calls, but sesame oil also plays well in the ragu.

Wild Mushroom Risotto with Shiitake, Crimini, and Oyster Mushrooms

Image source: Mary Disomma

To make this gorgeous risotto recipe vegetarian, swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock, or better yet, stock from simmering your shiitake stems. This is a bowl of comfort food that looks much harder than it really is. It’s lent a heftier flavor from the shallots mixing with the white wine, but you can swap that de-glazer for something alcohol-free.

Grilled Shiitake, Yakitori Style

Image source: Dad Cooks Dinner

This easy grill recipe benefits from few ingredients and the use of two skewers to fan out the shiitake caps so each bit gets that juicy flavor. These are also grilled-sauced-grilled-sauced so they’re extra delicious.

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup

Imagw source: Rainbow Plant Life

Sometimes you want the comfort of a steaming, creamy bowl of soup without the dairy. This bisque-like soup is the answer. Cashews thicken the sauce, while dried and fresh mushrooms add two different flavor and texture notes that show the wide range of shiitake.

Savory Roasted Shiitake Mushrooms with Cheese

Image source: Chef Ja Cooks

And when you want to go in a different direction entirely, these shiitake baked with cheese are undeniably good. With three ingredients (shiitake, soy sauce, and cheese), these are the perfect snack for when you want something quick, a little good for you, and reminiscent of your favorite bowling alley without the fry grease.

Chinese Braised Shiitake Mushrooms

Image source: A Pinch of Saffron

While you can use a frying pan, this braised recipe really lets your wok shine. Moving the mushrooms around and giving them space is key to the sauce covering each nook and cranny. Adding cornstarch thickens it up on a simmer while you drool over it.

Corn and Shiitake Fritters

Image source: Quentin Bacon via Food & Wine

A genius use of fresh corn and shiitake, these skillet fritters are unbelievably good with shiitake emphasizing the sweetness of the corn. Drain on paper towels and enjoy warm. A crema with a dash of Old Bay pairs perfectly, trust.

Quick Crispy Shiitake Bacon

Image source: Minimalist Baker

This smoky and crisp plant-based bacon benefit from a cast-iron skillet where they soak up the flavors before hitting the oven to get crispy and crunchy. Use it as an ingredient in B.L.T.s or dishes that could use that extra salty tang.

Veggie Burger with Shiitake

Image source: Love & Lemons

This veggie burger recipe is known the Best Ever and it’s easy to see why. Instead of using black beans, the mushrooms come together in a food processor with short grain brown rice, panko, walnuts, and flaxseed for a patty that crisps up and can take a saucing or two.

As we’ve explored the world of shiitake mushrooms, from their rich history in Asian cuisine to their impressive nutritional benefits and versatile culinary uses, it’s clear why they’ve captivated chefs and food lovers alike.

By incorporating these savory fungi into your cooking repertoire, you’re not just preparing a meal, you’re embracing a tradition that spans centuries, nourishing your body with essential nutrients, and indulging in the deep, earthy flavors that only shiitake can bring to the table.