Enoki mushrooms are also known as Enokitake or Enokidake. They are known for their distinct appearance as their stems are long and thin whilst the mushrooms are densely packed.
The flavor is delicate and savory, with a crunchy texture from the thin stems. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and are a popular addition to many dishes, especially in East Asian cuisine.
An extremely versatile food, they are often used in salads, ramen, hot pot, soups, stir-fries, and more. When cooking with them, be sure to carefully wash them thoroughly and remove any dirt or debris that may be stuck in the dense mushrooms.
They are highly nutritious as they are packed with fiber, protein, antioxidants, and B vitamins. Furthermore, they are high in niacin, a micronutrient the body uses to regulate cholesterol and promote brain health.
Animal and test-tube studies have shown that Enoki mushrooms may help learning and memory, reduce risk factors for heart disease, and even decrease the growth and spread of several types of cancer cells.
When growing in the wild, they grow in clusters on trees including the Chinese hackberry tree, persimmon, ash, and mulberry trees. Farmers cultivating them indoors ensure a dark and carbon-dioxide rich environment to encourage the stems to grow long, thin, and white.
Read on to discover 10 Spicy Enoki Mushroom Recipes You Can Try Tonight.
Korean pancakes or ‘jeon’ is a popular dish that is often served as a side dish or appetizer. This appetizing recipe from Sue at ‘My Korean kitchen’ is simple and easy to make whilst being packed with flavor and nutrients.
Stuffed with traditional Asian ingredients, the dish is light yet filling and provides a lively palette to those eating it. The texture of the mushrooms is similar to that of some types of meat, so it’s a great choice for anyone on a plant-based diet.
Korean pancakes are typically eaten with dipping sauce, though the makeup of the sauce can vary. This gives everyone the chance to enjoy the flavors they prefer, so don’t be afraid to add some more spice and heat to the sauce!
Hot pot is believed to have originated in Mongolia over eight hundred years ago and now stands as a truly iconic dish throughout Asian cuisines. The dish typically consists of meat in broth, with additional ingredients and seasonings added depending on the region.
The folks at Sunrise Soya present this delightful Asian Hot Pot recipe that brings traditional Asian flavors to the table. A rich and deeply tasty dish that is full of nutrition and provides an exciting and authentic flavor profile.
As with most broth dishes in Asia, the use of chilies, garlic, and some kind of hot sauce is greatly encouraged. Though sriracha is commonplace, any hot sauce will be suitable to add a potent kick to the pot.
Hiroko Liston is a Japanese-born Australian who runs the wonderfully insightful food blog ‘Hiroko’s Recipes’. Her Spicy Enoki and Cucumber Salad is quick to make, light on the stomach, and works brilliantly as an appetizer or side dish.
The Enoki is fried in sesame oil and mixed in with fresh sliced cucumber, chili garlic sauce, and the Japanese citrus sauce known as Ponzu. The Ponzu sauce can be switched out for a rice vinegar and soy sauce mix.
The combination of earthy Enoki and fresh cucumber brings the best out of both and allows the sauce room to breathe. The dish is finished by topping it with fried sesame seeds for an added crunch.
Enoki mushrooms have found their way into the recipes of chefs and enthusiastic cooks across the globe. Their earthy, nutty taste and interesting texture make them a suitable replacement for other kinds of mushrooms in all kinds of dishes, burgers included!
‘Wicked Healthy’ was founded by two brothers on a mission to show people healthy doesn’t mean boring. Their Beyond Burger with Piri Piri Mayo & Enoki Mushroom is absolutely awesome.
The succulent patty (this can be switched out for another brand or meat) is topped with cast-iron pressed Enoki mushrooms, caramelized onions, and a zingy Piri Piri mayo.
Though many people associate pasta with Italian cuisine and origins, there is some heated debate on this topic. Pasta is now widely considered to have been brought back from China by the explorer Marco Polo in the 13th century.
Though noodles remain a staple part of Asian cuisine, there are numerous pasta dishes that seek to explore the wide array of traditional Asian ingredients.
This Shitake and Enoki Mushroom Pasta recipe from ‘Bent Street Kitchen’ is a flavorsome dish that teams up two fantastic mushrooms that each have an incredible ability to absorb and retain the flavors of the dish. Add extra chilies to give the dish an even deeper layer of flavor and sensation.
California Rolls are a type of inside-out sushi roll (uramaki) in which vinegary rice forms the outside of the roll. (As opposed to the usual sushi roll outside of nori seaweed). The rolls usually include cucumber, avocado, and crab, although it’s possible to switch out the crab for alternative ingredients.
Bianca at the ‘Elephantastic Vegan’ food blog serves up a tasty Enoki-based California Roll recipe. The rolls are filled with Enoki, avocado, and marinated carrots, whilst they are served with homemade pickled ginger for added spice.
Noodle soup is the go-to option for most East Asians at breakfast time, with cafés and eateries filling up with eager customers seeking a hearty and spicy start to their day. Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup, a delectable combination of rich spicy flavored broth, ramen noodles, and a selection of meats or vegetables.
Blue Apron’s take on beef ramen includes Enoki mushrooms and Choy Sum, which is also known as Chinese flowering cabbage. A mouth-watering infusion of authentic and vibrant flavors that will light up the palette.
The communal aspect of Asian eating is something that brings charm and character to the dining experience. Often, the table is stacked with numerous meats, vegetables, sides, and sauces, as each diner puts a little of each into their bowl.
The folks at ‘Try Simply Recipe’ offer up a luscious take on the traditional side dish of spicy Enoki mushroom. Completely loaded with the traditional Asian flavors of sesame, garlic, soy, and ginger, this dish is the perfect addition to any meal.
Stir-fries are a fast and hassle-free way to cook, a great way to combine fresh and healthy ingredients into a tasty treat. Throw some vegetables or meat in the wok, sauté them, add some noodles and seasoning, and it’s dinner time!
Kristen Stevens at ‘Food and Wine’ serves up a refreshing and flavorsome dish that is warmed by the addition of Sriracha. The dish features a heavy dose of garlic and anchovies, which have a big presence on the palette.
The combination of the green beans and Enoki mushrooms provides a dish with varied textures, whilst adding an extra drizzle of Sriracha when serving is highly recommended!
Many chefs are adapting traditional Asian dishes that typically include meat, to allow those with vegetarian or vegan diets to experience them for themselves. This vegan-friendly ramen recipe from ‘Hello Chef’ is an enticing combination of flavors and textures.
The broth is stocked with deeply rich and lively flavors, salty-sweet umami taste from the miso blends with sesame, garlic, soy, and sweet chili for a dish that is authentically Japanese.
The Enoki mushrooms are cooked in the broth to absorb the rich flavors. When served, it’s topped with sesame spinach and charred sweetcorn, delicious!
