Enoki and Wood Ear Mushroom Recipe

A flavorful Enoki and Woodear Mushroom recipe! Quick, easy stir-fry with rich umami flavors, perfect as a side dish or main course.

Enoki and Wood Ear Mushroom

Enoki and Wood Ear Mushrooms are a dynamic duo often celebrated in Asian cuisines for their unique textures and subtle, earthy flavors. These mushrooms bring a natural elegance to dishes, balancing delicacy and crunch in a way that feels fresh and satisfying. Whether tossed in stir-fries, soups, or salads, they carry a cultural significance rooted in traditional East Asian cooking, where mushrooms are prized both for taste and health benefits.

Enoki mushrooms are slender, long-stemmed with tiny white caps, offering a mild, almost slightly fruity flavor and a pleasantly delicate crunch. Wood ear mushrooms, on the other hand, are dark, slightly gelatinous with a firmer, chewy texture, sometimes described as “crisp-tender.” Together, they create an interesting contrast—the lightness of enoki paired with the satisfying chew of wood ear makes each bite intriguing and multi-dimensional.

Eating these mushrooms feels refreshing and texturally playful. The enoki adds a gentle snap and subtle sweetness, while the wood ear delivers a cool, crisp chewiness that stands up well to bold sauces and seasonings. They absorb flavors beautifully, whether it’s a soy-ginger glaze, spicy chili oil, or a light sesame dressing. The combined mouthfeel is clean, almost cleansing, making them perfect for balancing richer dishes or adding variety to vegetable medleys.

Typically, they’re lightly cooked or soaked, then quickly stir-fried, steamed, or added to broths, preserving their delicate flavors and textures. Stored properly in the fridge, they stay fresh for several days and can be rehydrated if dried—especially common with wood ear mushrooms. Reheating is usually gentle, as overcooking can turn them mushy.

Beyond their culinary charm, these mushrooms are nutritional gems—low in calories but rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support immune health and digestion. Their natural umami also helps reduce the need for heavy seasoning or sodium, making them a wholesome addition to any meal.

If you want to explore these unique mushrooms and their delightful interplay of flavors and textures, check out the recipe below and bring a little East Asian culinary magic into your kitchen.

Recipe

A delicious and healthy combination of enoki and wood ear mushrooms stir-fried with a flavorful sauce, perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

Ingredients

• 100g enoki mushrooms, trimmed and rinsed
• 50g wood ear mushrooms, rehydrated and sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. If using dried wood ear mushrooms, soak them in warm water for 15-20 minutes until they expand. Rinse thoroughly and slice into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the wood ear mushrooms to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add the enoki mushrooms and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to overcook.
5. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Mix well and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions. Pair with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

15 minutes prep time with 10 minutes cook time.

Serves 4 and contains approximately 120 calories per serving.

Asian / Side Dish, Vegetarian

Rated 4.9 by 198 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: enoki mushroom, wood ear mushroom, stir-fry, healthy recipes, Asian cuisine, vegetarian dish

Published by: Crisprecipe

Recipe Video

Enoki and Wood Ear Mushroom

This is a video about Enoki and Wood Ear Mushroom.

Servings

You can serve this Enoki and Wood Ear Mushroom stir-fry in several ways, depending on the occasion or your preferences. I have some ideas for you:

As a Side Dish

• Serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to complement the flavors.
• Pair it with grilled chicken, teriyaki salmon, or tofu for a balanced meal.

Over Noodles

• Toss it with cooked noodles like soba, udon, or rice noodles for a quick and flavorful main dish.
• Add a drizzle of extra soy sauce or chili oil for added kick.

In a Wrap or Lettuce Cups

• Spoon the stir-fry into large lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing wrap.
• Add some crunchy toppings like sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for texture.

As a Topping

• Use it as a topping for congee or ramen for an umami-rich boost.
• Serve it over a bed of quinoa or mixed greens for a hearty salad.

With Additional Garnishes

• Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
• Serve it with a side of chili-garlic sauce, soy sauce, or pickled vegetables for contrast.

Tips

Preparation Tips

1. Hydrating Wood Ear Mushrooms:
   If using dried wood ear mushrooms, make sure to soak them in warm water for at least 15-20 minutes until they rehydrate and expand. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Fresh wood ear mushrooms (if available) can be used directly.

2. Cleaning Enoki Mushrooms:
   Trim the root base of the enoki mushrooms and separate them gently before rinsing to remove dirt. Avoid soaking them in water to maintain their crisp texture.

3. Even Slicing:
   Slice the wood ear mushrooms into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a better mouthfeel.

Cooking Tips

1. Control the Heat:
   Use medium to high heat for stir-frying to quickly cook the mushrooms without making them soggy.

2. Don’t Overcook:
   Enoki mushrooms cook very quickly and can become mushy if overdone. Add them towards the end of cooking and sauté for just a minute or two.

3. Balance the Flavors:
   Taste and adjust the seasonings—soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, or sesame oil—according to your preference. A little goes a long way with these ingredients.

4. Texture Balance:
   Pair the tender enoki with chewy wood ear mushrooms to create a satisfying contrast in every bite.

Recommendations for Variations

1. Add Vegetables:
   Include julienned carrots, bell peppers, or bok choy for extra color and nutrition.

2. Make it Spicy:
   Add a touch of chili oil, crushed red pepper flakes, or a sliced red chili for some heat.

3. Add Protein:
   Toss in thinly sliced chicken, shrimp, or tofu if you want a heartier dish.

4. Vegan-Friendly:
   Substitute oyster sauce with a mushroom-based or vegan oyster sauce alternative.

Serving Recommendations

1. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions to enhance the presentation and flavor.
2. Serve the dish fresh and warm to retain the mushrooms’ unique textures.

Storing Leftovers

• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to preserve the texture.

Ingredient Substitutes

Mushrooms

• Enoki Mushrooms Substitute:

  • Shiitake mushrooms (thinly sliced) for a similar umami taste.
  • Oyster mushrooms for a delicate, tender texture.
  • Button or cremini mushrooms (thinly sliced) if other options are unavailable.

• Wood Ear Mushrooms Substitute:

  • Black fungus (similar texture, often interchangeable with wood ear).
  • Shiitake mushrooms for a slightly chewy, earthy replacement.
  • Cloud ear mushrooms, another close variant with similar texture.

Sauces

• Soy Sauce:

  • Tamari (gluten-free option).
  • Coconut aminos for a lower-sodium, sweeter alternative.

• Oyster Sauce:

  • Hoisin sauce for a sweeter, thicker alternative.
  • Vegetarian oyster sauce (made from mushrooms) for a vegan-friendly swap.

Oils

• Sesame Oil:

  • Toasted sesame oil for a more intense nutty flavor.
  • Olive oil or avocado oil if sesame oil isn’t available, though it will lack the nuttiness.

• Cooking Oil:

  • Use any neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.

Sweetener

• Sugar:
  • Honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
  • Agave syrup for a vegan-friendly alternative.

Aromatics

• Garlic:

  • Garlic powder (use sparingly) if fresh garlic isn’t available.
  • Shallots or minced ginger for a slightly different but complementary flavor.

• Onion:

  • Shallots, green onions (white part), or leeks as substitutes.

Optional Add-ins

• If you want a more savory depth, a teaspoon of miso paste can enhance the umami flavor.
• For added tang, a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice can replace part of the oyster sauce or balance the dish.