Sticky Shiitake Mushrooms – A Sweet & Savoury Vegan Delight
These Sticky Shiitake Mushrooms are a mouth-watering plant-based dish bursting with pan-Asian flavour. Perfectly caramelised mushrooms coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce make the ultimate vegan comfort meal. Serve them over fluffy basmati rice for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 240g shiitake mushrooms
- 3 tbsp cornflour
- 2 tbsp groundnut oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3cm piece fresh ginger
- ¼ tsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp sriracha sauce, or to taste
- 1 spring onion, to serve
- 1 tsp sesame seeds, to serve
Instructions
- Thickly slice the mushrooms and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of cornflour and toss well to coat evenly.
- Heat the groundnut oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the coated mushrooms and fry for 4–6 minutes, until golden and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Finely chop the garlic and ginger. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornflour with ¼ tsp of water to create a slurry.
- Wipe the wok clean and add the sesame oil. Add the chopped garlic and ginger, and cook over low heat for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the light brown sugar and cook for another 2 minutes until it begins to caramelise.
- Increase the heat slightly, pour in the cornflour mix, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar. Stir for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the sriracha, then add the fried mushrooms back into the pan. Toss well to coat and heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Finely slice the spring onion. Serve the sticky mushrooms over hot basmati rice, garnished with spring onion and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 320Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 16gSodium: 179mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 6gSugar: 22gProtein: 8g
The Magic of Sticky Shiitake Mushrooms – History, Nutrition & Vegan Power
Few ingredients offer as much depth and versatility as Sticky Shiitake Mushrooms. These mushrooms are more than just a savoury addition to your plate — they’re a nutritional powerhouse with centuries of culinary history.
Where Shiitake Mushrooms Come From
The name shiitake literally means “oak mushroom” in Japanese. Originating in East Asia, they’ve been cultivated for over 1,000 years on hardwood logs. Historically, they were prized in Japan and China as symbols of longevity and vitality.
Today, they’re one of the most popular edible mushrooms worldwide, grown sustainably across Asia and Europe. You can find them fresh in most supermarkets or dried, which intensifies their smoky flavour and makes them perfect for soups and broths.
If you would like an in-depth guide on cooking mushrooms, please visit my other Mushroom Recipes.
Nutritional Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are low in calories yet rich in nutrients. A 100g serving contains approximately 35 calories and is rich in B vitamins (B2, B3, and B5), as well as selenium and zinc — essential for maintaining immune function and supporting energy metabolism.
They also contain lentinan, a natural beta-glucan compound that has been studied for its potential to boost immunity and reduce cholesterol levels. According to Healthline, shiitakes may support heart health, gut balance, and even anti-inflammatory responses.
As part of a vegan diet, they provide essential minerals and plant-based protein that help maintain muscle and bone strength, eliminating the need for animal-derived products.
Why Shiitakes Are Great for Vegans
For vegans, shiitake mushrooms are an invaluable ingredient. Their firm, meaty texture gives satisfying substance to dishes that traditionally rely on meat. When cooked at high heat, they develop a deep umami taste — the fifth flavour associated with richness and depth.
They also provide vitamin D, especially when exposed to sunlight during cultivation, making them a rare plant-based source of this nutrient. Vitamin D supports bone density and immune health, both of which are crucial for those on vegan diets.
The Vegan Society highlights mushrooms as a vital whole food for plant-based nutrition, emphasising their mineral content and protein density.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Sticky Shiitake Mushrooms
To achieve the signature stickiness, heat is key. Frying the mushrooms first gives them texture, while the soy-sugar glaze provides glossy caramelisation. Add sriracha or chilli flakes for a spicier twist, or a splash of lime juice for extra tang.
Pair these Sticky Shiitake Mushrooms with brown rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
The humble shiitake mushroom proves that vegan cooking can be rich, indulgent, and full of character. From their ancient origins in Asian forests to their modern-day role in plant-based cuisine, these mushrooms embody sustainability, health, and taste.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this Sticky Shiitake Mushrooms recipe deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation.
