7 Delicious, Healthy Ways to Cook With Shiitake Mushrooms Tonight

Pinterest is a treasure trove of healthy recipes (you know, when you're not busy finding them on Well+Good). From weeknight-saving easy dinner recipes to advanced ideas, like cooking with adaptogens, it's a goldmine of discovering new meals and ingredients to cook with. One that's currently taking over: shiitake mushrooms. (Although reishi mushrooms might still reign supreme.)

These mushrooms have been part of healthy eaters' plates for decades, but searches for shiitake mushrooms on Pinterest went up a whopping 1,654 percent in 2020 from 2019, according to a Pinterest report. Considering the fungus's health benefits include boosting immunity thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants, it's no wonder the 'shroom is so popular right now. If you're intrigued by shiitake mushrooms but aren't sure what to do with them, the seven recipes included here are a good starter pack.

Scroll down for 7 ways to cook with shiitake mushrooms.

1. Green bean and shiitake mushroom stir fry

If you've never cooked shiitake mushrooms before, this is a good recipe to start with. The mushrooms are sliced then stir-fried with green beans, onions, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger (another major immunity booster) to make a super flavorful dish perfect served over brown rice or on a bed of greens. Bonus: You'll only dirty one dish in the process.

Get the recipe: green bean and shiitake mushroom stir fry

2. Sautéed shiitake mushrooms

Another easy way to cook your 'shooms: Sauté them with a little butter, salt, and pepper. In a mere 10 minutes you'll have a side dish on the table that complements virtually any meal. Use a cast-iron skillet if you have one; it helps the mushrooms brown easier.

Get the recipe: sauteed shiitake mushrooms 

3. Crispy and chewy sesame shiitake

It may sound surprising, but the chewy texture of shiitake mushrooms means that, when cooked and seasoned in the right way, they can make a good substitute for meat. This recipe uses them as a stand-in for sesame chicken. Pair it with a serving of rice and you have yourself a complete meal.

Get the recipe: crispy and chewy sesame shiitake

4. Caramelized shiitake mushroom risotto

Fold your shiitake mushrooms right into a creamy risotto for a nourishing bowl of comfort food. The secret to taking this dish to the next level is adding a generous amount of nutritional yeast, which gives the mushrooms and rice a cheesy flavor without using dairy.

Get the recipe: caramelized shiitake mushroom risotto

5. Creamy mushroom soup with shiitake

This is a good meal to try if you're specifically interested in cooking with shiitake mushrooms to reap their immunity-boosting benefits—or if you're making dinner for someone who isn't feeling so hot. In soup form, the mushrooms (and other veggies) are easy on the digestive system, and the soup itself is hydrating.

Get the recipe: creamy mushroom soup with shiitake

6. Stuffed shiitake mushrooms

Traditionally served on Korean festive holidays, stuffed shiitake mushrooms are a more unexpected way to enjoy the veggie. Tofu, spring onions, and garlic make up the insides and using a bit of sesame oil adds flavor to every bite.

Get the recipe: stuffed shiitake mushrooms

7. Garlicky roasted shiitake mushrooms

Part of what makes shiitake mushrooms so great is that they don't need much dressing up to taste good. Simply put them on a baking sheet, add your favorite herbs (in this case, garlic takes center stage), and pop them in the oven. Ten minutes later, you have a healthy snack ready to nosh on.

Get the recipe: garlicky roasted shiitake mushrooms

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Originally published March 13, 2020. Updated January 8, 2021.