The bamboo shoots (in brine or canned) are an ethnic food that can be found in Asian shops or well-stocked supermarkets. The most practical way to consume them is to buy those: pre-cooked and boiled (in jars or pouches), ready to use.
Their flavor is relatively neutral and delicate, with slight similarities to potatoes, artichokes, asparagus, and sweet corn.
Other types:
– dried bamboo shoots, require long soaking and cooking.
– fresh bamboo shoots, have a layered brown, sharp skin. They also contain traces of toxic substances that must be destroyed by cooking, so they must always be boiled before use (at least 15 minutes).
What kind of vegetable is the bamboo shoot?
There are many varieties of Bamboo and many species are edible.
In spring, shoots (new cane sprouts) emerge from the soil; the non-woody ones are cut several inches below the ground and then washed. To obtain the edible shoot, they must be peeled of the outer leaves (like artichokes) to keep only the pale and tender inner part.
SEASONALITY of pre-cooked bamboo shoots: all year round.
ORIENTAL-FLAVORED RECIPES
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Stove
- Cuisine: Asian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
- Energy 72.77 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 5.47 (g) of which sugars 0.14 (g)
- Proteins 2.65 (g)
- Fat 5.32 (g) of which saturated 0.91 (g)of which unsaturated 4.05 (g)
- Fibers 2.29 (g)
- Sodium 197.85 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 103 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
Stir-Fried Bamboo Shoots
Easy and quick side dish
- 7 oz bamboo shoots (PRE-COOKED in jar or vacuum-sealed)
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
- to taste salt (or Tamari Soy Sauce or Mustard)
- to taste herbs (basil, coriander, mint, oregano, chili, thyme, ginger…)
Tools
- Wok
Bamboo Shoots in Skillet
In a non-stick skillet (or better yet in the Wok) heat a drizzle of oil. Add the sliced and rinsed shoots under running water.
Add salt (or soy sauce) and stir-fry them for a few minutes.
Turn off the heat and add your favorite herbs to taste.
ALTERNATIVE: stir-fry the shoots for a few minutes in an onion sauté.
They remain always crunchy and al dente.
USE bamboo shoots
Pre-cooked bamboo shoots can be added at the last minute to various preparations (simply washed or quickly heated in a skillet):
– on pizza
– to vegetables stir-fried in the wok
– with mushrooms
– with steamed rice
– in soups
– in Asian broths
– in pasta sauce
– in mixed salads
– in cold pasta
TRY the bamboo salad
PAIRINGS for everyone
An oriental side dish to pair with main courses of: tofu, seitan, fish, or meat.
Can bamboo shoots be eaten raw?
No, it is strongly discouraged to eat them raw. Some varieties contain natural cyanogenic compounds that can be toxic if not properly cooked. Cooking them is therefore essential not only for digestibility but also for food safety.
How do you prepare fresh bamboo shoots?
Peel fresh bamboo shoots carefully, as the outer leaves can be tough and prickly. Boil them in plenty of water for 20-30 minutes to remove toxins and soften them.
What is the best way to cook bamboo shoots?
Once boiled, bamboo shoots are very versatile: they can be stir-fried, added to soups or curries, or marinated.
Can the canned or vacuum-sealed ones be used?
Absolutely yes! Canned or vacuum-sealed bamboo shoots are already cooked and ready to use. It’s still a good practice to rinse them under running water to remove any preservatives or brine before using them in cooking.
Are bamboo shoots healthy?
Yes, they are a light food, low in calories, and rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. They are ideal for those following a healthy and balanced diet, and they fit well into vegetarian or vegan diets.
What do bamboo shoots taste like?
The flavor is very delicate, tending to be neutral, with light herbal notes. This makes them perfect to pair with other more aromatic ingredients as they absorb well the flavors and seasonings with which they are cooked.
