How to Cut Shiitake Mushrooms

Cut shiitake mushrooms to your desired size after you prepare them properly.

Shiitake mushrooms add a rich taste to many dishes. Shiitake mushrooms are sold either fresh or dried, but they need to be cut the same way. The caps and stems are larger than most mushrooms, but once you prepare them properly, you can cut them to your desired size. It is best to cut the shiitake mushrooms just before you add them to a dish so they remain moist.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towel
• Cutting board
• Knife

Instructions

1. Wipe the dirt and debris off the shiitake mushrooms with a damp paper towel.

2. Sit a shiitake mushroom upside down on a cutting board.

3. Cut the stem off the mushroom. You will still have a small piece of stem that sits level with the cap of the mushroom.

4. Slice the mushrooms into thin slices by cutting through the caps and the remaining stems. If you want the mushrooms to stay whole, you can cut a cross into the top of the mushroom cap so that the mushroom cooks evenly.

Tips & Warnings

• Dried shiitake mushrooms need to be soaked in water before you can cut them.

• Store leftover shiitake mushrooms in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 14 days.

• Save the stems of the mushrooms to add to soup stock.

• Avoid washing mushrooms because they are porous and will absorb water. Always wipe them with a paper towel to remove any debris.

• Avoid storing the mushrooms in a plastic container as they will not be able to breathe, which makes the mushrooms slimy.

References

• Natural Mushrooms: Shiitake Mushroom Recipes
• Food Subs: Cook's Thesaurus Mushrooms
• World's Healthiest Foods: The Best Way to Prepare Shiitake Mushrooms
• Oregon State University: Food Resource: Shiitake