Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Shiitake Mushrooms

Prepare to embark on a fungi-fueled adventure as we dive into the delicious world of shiitake mushrooms! Shiitake mushrooms have a unique texture and taste.

They are versatile mushrooms that can be incorporated into different recipes and cooked at different times, making them a favorite among many vegans and vegetarians, and those who simply just love mushrooms.

Grilling is a preferable method for cooking shiitake mushrooms. This cooking method imparts a smoky flavor that enhances the natural umami taste of the mushrooms.

When grilling shiitake mushrooms, spend time on their cleaning, preparation, and seasoning to achieve the best-tasting mushroom dish.

What Is a Shiitake Mushroom?

The shiitake mushroom’s scientific name is Lentinula edodes. It is an edible mushroom native to East Asia, specifically China and Japan. Its distinguishing characteristics include firm, dark brown caps and a meaty texture.

They have a rich, savory flavor profile that is a taste sensation. When cooked, they produce a nutty, cheesy smell. They are often referred to as umami bombs and I would have to agree because every bite is a true taste of umami wonder.

1. Preparation

1. Selecting Shiitake Mushrooms for Grilling

The first step to perfectly grilling shiitake mushrooms is choosing fresh, high-quality ones. Below are my tips to help you choose the best shiitake mushrooms to delight your taste buds:

• Check the caps to ensure they are plump and firm to the touch. Avoid shiitake mushrooms with shriveled or wrinkled caps.
• Check if the mushrooms are dry or slimy. Dry mushrooms indicate age and dehydration. They also tend to be tough and lacking in flavor. On the other hand, slimy mushrooms can be a sign of decay.
• Inspect the gills. Turn the mushrooms upside down to see the underside of the cap. Ideally, the gills should be tightly packed with an off-white or cream color. If they are dark or discolored, it is an indication of spoilage.
• Sniff the mushrooms. They should have a pleasant, earthy smell. An unpleasant smell may be an indication that they are past their prime.
• Go for whole mushrooms instead of pre-sliced ones. Whole mushrooms retain freshness for longer.
• Opt for organic, locally-sourced mushrooms. Organic mushrooms have minimal exposure to pesticides. Locally-sourced mushrooms are typically fresher as they travel a shorter distance to get to the market.
• Buy from a reputable grocery store or farmers’ market. They often stock fresh, high-quality shiitake mushrooms.

2. Cleaning Shiitake Mushrooms: Change to Wiping

Once you bring these coveted mushrooms home, thoroughly clean them for grilling. There is an ongoing debate among mushroom lovers on whether or not to wash them with water.

Some people suggest brushing the mushrooms to clean them, while others insist on cleaning them with water. The opponents of cleaning with water argue that mushrooms tend to soak up water and become soggy and waterlogged. As such, when cooked, they become mushy and flavorless.

On the other hand, the proponents of washing cite that some dirt and debris can only be removed with water. If you wash, get the mushrooms in and out of the water as fast as possible. I propose combining both methods but to each his own.

Here are the steps for cleaning your shiitake mushrooms:

1. Remove them from the packaging.
2. Gently brush one mushroom at a time to loosen and remove dirt and debris. Pay attention to the caps, underside gills, and stalks.
3. Rinse them under running cool water. Avoid soaking the mushrooms, which would affect their flavor and texture.
4. Gently pat them with a kitchen towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Since these mushrooms are generally small, you do not need to slice them up for grilling or remove the stalks. The stalks are actually edible and taste just as good as the rest of the mushroom when cooked. But, if you prefer, you can cut the stalks off at the cap’s base with a sharp knife.

2. Flavoring Shiitake Mushrooms

Although shiitake mushrooms have great flavor, seasonings enhance it further. You can add seasonings just before grilling or make a marinade and let the seasonings infuse into your mushrooms for up to 30 minutes or longer for a more intense flavor.

Here are a few marinade options to try if you are feeling extra culinary:

• Teriyaki marinade. This is a classic Asian marinade. Start by combining soy sauce, mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine), grated ginger, minced garlic, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
• Lemon and herb marinade. It adds a herby and citrusy flavor to the mushrooms. Mix freshly squeezed lemon and your choice of chopped fresh herbs.
• Asian sesame marinade. This Asian sesame marinade has a delightful umami taste that further enhances the natural flavor of your shiitake mushrooms. The marinade also adds a hint of nuttiness and sweetness. Mix soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and toasted sesame seeds together.
• Spicy chili marinade. For a spicy kick, try this spicy chili marinade. Mix chili paste or sriracha sauce together with soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and vegetable oil. Add maple syrup and honey to make a sweet and hot chili marinade. Adjust the heat level to your preference, or add more sweetness to balance things out.
• Miso-ginger marinade. Whisk white miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil together. You can also add maple syrup or honey to add a hint of sweetness.

Other seasonings suitable for flavoring shiitake mushrooms include smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili flakes, truffle oil, and tamari sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment with cloves, cilantro, chives, thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley, anise, and fennel seeds for even more flavor.

Melted butter is also good with grilled shiitake mushrooms, kosher salt, and black pepper if you want to keep things simple.

3. Grilling Techniques                               

3. Preheating the Grill

Preheat the grill before placing the shiitake mushrooms on. Preheating promotes caramelization. It also ensures you achieve a nice char and prevents the grilled shiitake mushrooms from sticking to the grill grate. Preheat the grill to 400°F for 10-15 minutes for a gas grill and 20-30 minutes for a charcoal grill.

4. Best Grilling Method to Use

Want to make the cooking process even easier? Use skewers to grill your shiitake mushrooms. It is a preferable method to grilling over direct heat. If using bamboo or wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. Soaking prevents the skewers from burning due to the high heat. If using metallic skewers, you don’t need to soak them.

Oil the shiitake mushrooms with olive oil and thread them onto the skewers. Leave small spaces between individual mushrooms on the skewers to ensure they cook more evenly.

Oil the preheated grill grate and place the threaded skewers on top. Cook the mushrooms for 4-6 minutes each side. Monitor the mushrooms closely, as the exact cook time may differ depending on the size of the mushrooms. Once done, remove from the grill and serve.

5. Other Grilling Methods

The alternative cooking method would be to grill your mushrooms over indirect heat. It enables slow and even cooking of the mushrooms. Prepare the mushrooms as described above, including oiling, seasoning, and threading the skewers. Then, set the grill on indirect heat.

When using a charcoal grill, carefully arrange the hot charcoal briquettes on one side of the grill and leave the other side empty. If using a gas grill, turn off one side of the burners and leave the other on.

Place the mushroom skewers away from the direct source of heat. Close the grill lid and cook your mushroom skewers for approximately 10-15 minutes. Flip the mushroom skewers and cook for another 10-15 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and serve.

4. Serving and Enjoying

Not sure what to do once you pull your skewers off the grill? Grilled shiitake mushrooms can be incorporated into salads and pasta dishes. They also make great toppings for sandwiches, pizzas, and burgers. Or, you can choose to eat them on their own with your favorite sauce or dip or as a side dish.

Garnish to enhance their flavor and presentability. Some great garnishing options include chopped fresh balsamic vinegar, sauces, or other seasonings. Arrange the grilled shiitake mushrooms creatively on a serving platter for an enticing appearance.

Health Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms

Fresh shiitake mushrooms are low in calories and fats but rich in dietary fiber and nutrients. A 100g serving contains:

• 2.2g protein
• 0.5g fats
• 7g carbohydrates
• 2.5g fiber

They contain key vitamins and minerals, including:

• Riboflavin
• Niacin
• Manganese
• Potassium
• Zinc
• Vitamins D, B5, and B6
• Folate
• Selenium
• Copper
• Antioxidants

Shiitake mushrooms have the following health benefits:

• Boosts immunity
• Improves heart health
• Lowers cholesterol
• Promotes gut health
• Boosts energy and brain function

Grilling helps preserve the nutritional value of the mushrooms. It is a quick-cooking method, which is great if your mouth is watering and you don’t want to wait long for your food to be done.

This also means the mushrooms aren’t exposed to heat for too long. Grilling enables the mushrooms to retain their water content, water-soluble vitamins, and antioxidants.

Grilling Shiitake Mushrooms FAQ

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