How to Soak Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake musrooms are easy to prepare for cooking.

Shiitake mushrooms are very easy to soak and prepare for cooking. Shiitake (pronounced shee-TAH-kee) mushrooms can be used in a wide variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, casseroles and stir fry dishes. The dried shiitake are characterized by an an intense, earthy flavor. Mushrooms are like sponges and will soak up water very easily, so it is vital that you only soak shiitake mushrooms that have been dried. You are simply re-hydrating the mushroom to be ready for use in whatever you are cooking. Shiitake are a popular mushroom that used to only be found in the wild but are now commercially produced for sale.

Things You'll Need

• 2 handfuls dry shiitake mushrooms
• 5 cups of water
• Large bowl

Instructions

1. Place your dried shiitake mushroom in a bowl.

2. Add about 5 cups of water, making sure that all the mushrooms are covered.

3. Leave the mushrooms to soak for about 30 minutes.

4. Take the mushrooms out of the water and they are ready to cook. You can use the water as stock for a soup or a stew.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using fresh shiitake mushrooms, use a minimal amount of water to clean them. Rub them with a damp cloth or kitchen towel. If you have one, use a mushroom brush.

• Fresh mushrooms an be kept in the refrigerator for a week in a paper bag.

• Dried mushrooms can be kept in the refrigerator or freezer in a sealed, airtight bag or container. This should keep them fresh for six months to a year.

References

• Food Subs: Cook's Thesaurus: Mushrooms
• WH Foods: Mushrooms Shiitake