Are you a big fan of mushrooms? Packed with antioxidants, B vitamins, and a host of amazing nutrients, mushrooms are a treasured ingredient in Japanese cuisine. We savor mushrooms’ deep, complex flavors and use them to create umami-packed dashi broth, add them in stews and soups, deep fry them for tempura, and sauté them for simple salads like this Warm Mushroom Salad with Sesame Dressing (きのこの胡麻和え温サラダ). In this recipe, I used some of the most flavorful and nutritious mushrooms – shiitake mushrooms, king oyster mushrooms, shimeji mushrooms, and enoki mushrooms – but you can certainly experiment with the varieties of mushrooms available. The assortment of wild mushrooms works just as beautifully in this warm salad. The idea is to use different mushrooms to create a satisfying texture.
Tips on Cooking Warm Mushroom Salad
To achieve a deep, flavorful sear, make sure your frying pan is hot enough before you add in the mushrooms. Depending on the type of mushrooms, you may want to add them in succession so the meatier ones get cooked first. Keep the mushrooms spread out in a single layer without crowding the pan. Add in a pinch of salt to help draw out the moisture and then leave the mushrooms untouched until they achieve a rich brown color on the edges. And remember it’s always better to overcook mushrooms than undercook them.
Warm Mushroom Salad Pair with Sesame Dressing
Once the mushrooms become slippery-crisp and hot, toss them with the classic Japanese sesame dressing, then add in fresh peppery mizuna (or any leafy vegetables like shungiku/chrysanthemum leaf, watercress, or arugula) and let the mixture soak up all the flavor. The result is a savory, nutty and tangy salad and a versatile side to go with everything. Serve this Warm Mushroom Salad with Sesame Dressing alongside steamed rice, teriyaki salmon (or agedashi tofu for vegetarian) and miso soup, you have an everyday meal that is hearty and totally satisfying. Wish to learn more about Japanese cooking? Sign up for our free newsletter to receive cooking tips & recipe updates! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.
