Enoki, with their long thin stems and delicate flavor, are versatile mushrooms appreciated in various cuisines. I discovered them for the first time in Chinatown in Milan and instantly fell in love! I still remember their delicate aroma and slightly sweet taste wafting from the street food stalls along the street. Today, fortunately, they are easily found in many supermarkets. But have you ever tried cooking them whole on the grill, like a steak? This simple and quick recipe will surprise you with a burst of flavors and an unexpected texture. Imagine the aroma of garlic blending with the mushrooms while the oil sizzles in the pan. And then that umami flavor, enhanced by soy sauce and the spicy kick of chili. Cooked this way, Enoki mushrooms become crispy and golden on the outside, while remaining soft inside. An original and tasty vegan dish, perfect as a side or a light main course. What are you waiting for to try it? Hurry to read the full recipe and discover how to prepare these delicious Grilled Enoki!
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very economical
- Rest time: 5 Minutes
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Stove, Grill
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Fall, Winter and Spring, All seasons
- Energy 30.52 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 3.37 (g) of which sugars 2.01 (g)
- Proteins 3.12 (g)
- Fat 1.27 (g) of which saturated 0.18 (g)of which unsaturated 0.16 (g)
- Fibers 1.00 (g)
- Sodium 405.32 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 125 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 4 packs Enoki mushrooms
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 hot peppers (To taste)
- as needed extra virgin olive oil
- as needed fine salt
Tools
- 1 Pan Lagostina
Steps
Let’s start with the preparation of the Enoki! Enoki mushrooms are usually sold in transparent plastic packs. To open it, look for a label or tab that allows you to detach the top film, or use a pair of scissors. Once opened, you’ll notice that the mushrooms are attached to a single block: cut away this base with a sharp knife, removing about 0.4 inches from the end of the stem where the soil is present. Enoki mushrooms are very delicate and do not need to be washed: to clean them, use a damp cloth or kitchen paper to remove any soil or impurities. You can also gently separate the stems with your fingers to remove any damaged parts. Make sure to use a sharp knife to cut the stem neatly and precisely and do not wash Enoki mushrooms under running water, as they could absorb too much water and become soggy. Now that the Enoki mushrooms are clean and ready to be cooked, we can move on to the next step of the recipe!
Now that we have cleaned the mushrooms and halved all the Enoki bundles like steaks, proceed with browning. Pour a little extra virgin olive oil into a non-stick pan (or wok) and add the crushed garlic cloves, removing the core (so that the flavor won’t be too strong). Heat over medium-high heat until the oil is hot and the garlic starts to sizzle. Gently place the Enoki “steaks” in the pan and let them cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden and crispy. Flip the Enoki and, to prevent the garlic from burning, remove it from the pan and place it on top of the mushrooms. If the pan is small, cook the Enoki in batches; adjust the heat if you see them darken too quickly and listen to the sound of cooking to know when to flip them.
After browning the Enoki mushroom steaks on both sides, lower the heat and mash the garlic with a fork directly in the pan, add the hot chili sliced into rounds and the soy sauce. Let it cook for a couple more minutes, gently stirring so that the mushrooms absorb the flavors of the garlic, chili, and soy sauce well. Turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes, allowing the mushrooms to soak up all the flavors and the sauce to thicken slightly. This step is important for achieving an even tastier and more flavorful dish.
And we have reached the moment to enjoy these delicious Enoki “steaks”! Arrange the Enoki “steaks” on a serving plate, trying to keep them whole and add a touch of color with freshly chopped cilantro (or alternatively, parsley). Serve the Grilled Enoki hot, as a side dish or appetizer, accompanied by basmati rice or quinoa. If you like, add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Taste the Enoki and, if necessary, add a pinch of salt. For a more complete dish, you can add other ingredients such as scallions, carrots, or bean sprouts. If you like it spicy, you can add chili powder or chili oil. Grilled Enoki are also great cold, so you can prepare them in advance. Enjoy your meal!
Here are some tips for storage, variations, and suggestions for your Grilled Enoki recipe
Storage:
In the refrigerator: Grilled Enoki can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 2-3 days.
Do not freeze:
It is not recommended to freeze cooked Enoki mushrooms, as their texture would become mushy after thawing.
Tips:
Quality of Enoki: Choose fresh Enoki mushrooms, firm and with white, shiny stems. Avoid those with dark spots or wilted stems.
Cooking:
Be careful not to overcook the Enoki, or they will become chewy. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the mushrooms and the intensity of the heat.
Marination:
For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the Enoki in a mixture of soy sauce, oil, and spices (grated ginger, garlic powder, etc.) for about 30 minutes before cooking.
Variations:
Spicy Enoki:
Increase the amount of chili or add a pinch of Sichuan pepper for a spicier version.
Sweet and sour Enoki:
Add a teaspoon of brown sugar or honey along with the soy sauce for a sweet and sour touch.
Enoki with vegetables:
Enrich the dish with other vegetables, such as sliced zucchini, strips of bell pepper, or julienned carrots, adding them to the pan along with the Enoki.
Enoki with sesame:
Before serving, sprinkle the Enoki with toasted sesame seeds for a crunchy and aromatic touch.
Enoki with teriyaki sauce:
Replace the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter and caramelized flavor.
I hope these tips help you prepare even tastier and more original Grilled Enoki! 😊
Here are some wine pairing suggestions for your Enoki:
To accompany the Grilled Enoki, choose an aromatic white wine (Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer), a light rosé (Chiaretto, Cerasuolo), or a light and fruity red (Pinot Noir, Lagrein).
The important thing is that the wine is not too full-bodied or tannic, so as not to overpower the delicate flavor of the mushrooms. 🥂
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I use other types of mushrooms instead of Enoki?
Of course! This recipe also works well with other types of mushrooms, such as Champignon, Pleurotus, or Shiitake. Slice the mushrooms about 0.4 inches thick and proceed with cooking as directed in the recipe. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of mushroom.
Can I bake the Enoki in the oven?
Yes, you can also bake Enoki in the oven. Arrange the mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, season them with oil, garlic, chili, and soy sauce, and bake them in a preheated oven at 392°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
Can I cook Enoki in an air fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer is a great alternative for cooking Enoki quickly and crispy. Place the mushrooms in the air fryer basket, season them with oil, garlic, chili, and soy sauce, and cook them at 356°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
How can I make the recipe more flavorful?
For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the Enoki in a mixture of soy sauce, oil, and spices (grated ginger, garlic powder, paprika, etc.) for about 30 minutes before cooking. You can also add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
What can I do with leftover Enoki?
Grilled Enoki are also great cold, so you can use them to enrich salads, sandwiches, or wraps. You can also add them to soups, pasta, or risottos to give an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Is it true that Enoki mushrooms are healthy?
Yes, Enoki mushrooms are a nutrient-rich and low-calorie food. They are a good source of fiber, B vitamins, potassium, and antioxidants. Moreover, they contain beta-glucans, substances that may help strengthen the immune system.
