Chinese Braised Mushroom Recipes

CHINESE BRAISED MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Pour water over shiitake mushrooms and place a small bowl on top of the mushrooms to submerge them in the water. Soak them overnight until softened. If rushing for time, use hot water. Don't discard the mushroom water!
• Slice the softened shiitake mushrooms into thin slices (no need to discard the stalk).
• Combine the sliced shiitake mushrooms, mushroom water, oyster sauce, sesame oil, light and dark soy sauce, and 500 ml water in a small pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for 1 hour until the mushrooms are incredibly soft and infused with all the flavours.
• Spoon the braised mushroom onto rice or tossed into your noodles.

BRAISED CHINESE MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Put the mushrooms in a large bowl and add hot water to cover. Let stand one hour or longer.
• Rinse and dry the mushrooms. Cut off and discard stems.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, pork, water chestnuts, scallions, ginger, soy sauce, shaoxing or Sherry, cornstarch, threequarter teaspoon sugar, sesame oil, salt and pepper. Blend well.
• Fill each mushroom cap with an equal portion of the mixture, mounding and smoothing over the tops.
• Heat three tablespoons of the oil in each of two large skillets. Add the mushrooms, stuffing side down, and brown lightly. Turn the mushrooms carefully in both skillets and carefully pour off the oil from both skillets.
• Blend the broth, oyster sauce and remaining one-quarter teaspoon sugar. Pour an equal portion of this into each skillet. Bring the liquid to the simmer and cover closely. Cook over low heat about 15 minutes, basting once during cooking. If the liquid starts to evaporate, add a few drops of water and continue cooking.
• Give the mushrooms one final basting. Transfer them to a dish in one layer. Pour the remaining liquid over all. Let cool uncovered. Cover and refrigerate.
• When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Heat the mushrooms 15 minutes in their cooking liquid. These mushrooms are good even at room temperature.

SIMPLE BRAISED MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Heat a large straight-sided skillet over medium high heat. Add the oil and heat another 30 seconds. Add the shallot and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt to the hot pan and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes or until fragrant and beginning to soften. Add the mushrooms to the pan along with another 1/2 teaspoon salt and the thyme. Cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms have let off some of their juices are beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.
• Deglaze with the Marsala, if using, and add the broth and remaining salt. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Uncover the pan, increase the heat to medium and cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about an additional 5 minutes. Discard the thyme sprigs, stir in the butter and serve.

BRAISED MUSHROOMS, CHINESE STYLE

Steps:

• Soak the mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes until soft, squeeze the excess liquid from the mushrooms. Discard the stems but leave the mushrooms whole.
• Heat a wok or skillet and add the peanut oil. Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for a few seconds. Quickly add the stock, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil and wine. Reduce heat to low.
• Braise the mushrooms for about seven minutes, stirring constantly, until they have absorbed most of the sauce. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with scallions and serve.