by J. W. Nusz

Created on: May 26, 2009

Mushrooms are as integral to Asian cooking as they are to Italian dishes, but few realize it. Asian cooking does not always place mushrooms in the forefront like a pizza or sauce, rather mushroom flavors are hidden in soups and sauces. Of course, sometimes mushrooms are enjoyed outright in Asian cooking! Consider these uses of mushrooms in Asian cooking for the next meal you prepare.

Miso soup is a delicious product of the Shitake mushroom. Dried shitake mushrooms are soaked in water to create shitake dashi, the soup stock used in miso. The flavor is meaty at first, but earthy - a flavor characteristic of mushrooms. Miso often contains tofu, scallion and other seasonings, but without shitake mushrooms, this Asian dish would be incomplete. Consider the fact that shitake mushrooms are high in selenium (anti-oxidant), vitamin A, C, E and D, and miso soup appears all the more enjoyable.

For those who have never enjoyed the communal experience of shabu-shabu, try it as soon as possible. The tradition is simple - place your friends and family around a pot of boiling broth, and give them food to cook. Thinly sliced meats, chopped vegetables and dipping sauces make shabu-shabu an enjoyable activity for all involved, but a particular favorite are the mushrooms. Whether offering shitake mushrooms, or long stemmed golden needle mushroom, shabu-shabu would not be the same without mushrooms.

Another favorite is the oyster mushroom. A simple tempura can be made by battering and deep frying oyster mushrooms, most likely along a side of stir-fry and rice. Or, try Matsutake Gohan, a dish of seasoned rice and mushrooms, or Matsutake Dobinmushi, a mushroom, chicken and shrimp soup.

In addition to the delicious flavor of mushrooms in Asian cooking, many are considered to be medicinal. As previously mentioned, shitake mushrooms are high in vitamins and anti-oxidants. Other mushrooms are even being studied for their ability to fight cancer. For a true Asian cooking experience attempt to work with foods that are both delicious and healthy. Perhaps a medicinal aspect can bring a more traditional feel to Asian dishes you prepare!

These are only two examples of how mushrooms are a part of Asian cooking. Without the delicious flavor of the many cultivars of mushrooms, Asian cooking would not be the delightful, rich experience that it is. Consider picking up any variety of fresh, dried or powdered mushroom to add an original and healthy taste to your Asian cooking!

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