Japanese Miso Mushrooms

For a simple hit of umami greatness, this super-delicious Japanese rice bowl delivers on all fronts. These miso mushrooms are perfectly flavoured with a great texture. Quick, easy and intensely delicious.

Some meals just need to be ready quickly! If you're looking for a quick and easy dish that delivers big on flavour then treat yourself to a bowl of Japanese miso mushrooms.

Both mushrooms and miso are star-players in offering that alluring umami hit of flavour, so it makes complete sense to put them together. Let me be the first to tell you, they work so well together.

When I'm not in the mood for a day of cooking and I want a quick and easy bowl of food, without sacrificing flavour I turn to this Japanese rice bowl.

Mushrooms are easy to cook and only intensify in flavour the longer you cook them. When you add a flavour combo of salty, intense miso, soy and sesame as a stir-in sauce the whole bowl is elevated to something very special indeed - and it couldn't be easier.

What's Ahead?

What is Miso?

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting soybeans, rice, barley, or other grains with salt and a fungus called koji. The mixture is left to ferment for several months to several years, resulting in a thick, umami-rich paste.

Miso is a versatile ingredient used in a variety of dishes, including soups, marinades, dressings, and sauces. Its complex, savory flavor enhances the taste of many dishes and is a staple in Japanese cuisine. Miso is also valued for its potential health benefits, as it contains probiotics and essential nutrients, making it a popular choice for those seeking a nutritious and flavorful addition to their meals.

Why it works?

Umami - one of this flavours you can't quite put your finger on, but you know that it's intensely satisfying. You just feel like you're eating something special.

It's quick and easy - who doesn't like an easy meal. Just boil some rice, whip up this stir-fried mushroom treasure and call it a day.

Stuff You'll Need

It might look like a lot of ingredients, but honestly once you have them in your store cupboard this dish is one of the easiest and quickest recipes to whip up. ALL that flavour in a matter of minutes. Here's what you'll need...

• Mushrooms - use whatever mushrooms you like. I just use whatever takes my fancy on the day. Mix and match varieties, there are no rules.
• White miso - for that all important salty umami
• Soy sauce - brings more salty complexity
• Mirin - adds a light sweetness
• Sesame oil - brings a smoky, nutty magic
• Honey - rounds off the sauce with a more sweetness
• Spring onion & garlic - are fried in a little oil to add a little savoury backbone to proceedings
• Sesame seeds - used as a garnish with a little more spring onion add a fresh and nutty finish to the mushrooms.

Step by Step

See for yourself just how easy miso mushrooms are to make at home.

1. Step 1 - Mis together the miso, soy, mirin, sesame oil and honey and set aside.
2. Step 2 - Fry the garlic and some of the spring onion for a few seconds.
3. Step 3 - Add the mushrooms and fry for a good 10 minutes.
4. Step 4 - Pour in the sauce and let it sizzle for a couple of minutes. Remove from the heat, spoon over freshly cooked rice, garnish and serve.

Pro Tips

• Mix up the mushrooms - You can decide which mushrooms suit you best. They come in different sizes, textures and flavour intensity, so choose type one or a mixture to give you interesting combinations.
• Hot or not? - This dish is great straight from the pan, but it's also really great at room temperature over cold rice. This makes it a great contender for your weekly meal prep dishes.
• Noodles or Rice - I love miso mushrooms over rice, but they're also great mixed through ramen or udon noodles too. Try both and let me know which YOU prefer.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

• Fridge - Once cooked, the miso mushrooms will stay fresh for 4-5 days in the fridge. You can also meal prep them with the rice and wither eat cold or reheated in a microwave.
• Freezer - You CAN freeze the cooked mushrooms, but I prefer them fresh so wouldn't recommend it to be honest. Let me know if you disagree.
• Pre-made sauce - You can pre make the sauce in bulk and keep in the fridge for months - then just pour in to various sizzling meats or vegetables for a ready made umami bomb.

Ready to get cooking?

So, as you can see, my miso mushrooms not only look delicious, they taste sensational. And all without breaking your back to prepare. Easy meals with this much flavour need to be celebrated. So, with that said I hope you enjoy yours!

More Japanese recipes

If you liked this recipe for Japanese Miso Mushrooms, I'm sure you'll love some more of my favourite Japanese recipes.

• Salmon Soba Noodles with Miso Dressing
  
• Buta Kakuni (Japanese Braised Pork)
  
• Chashu Don (Japanese Pork Rice Bowl)
  
• Pork Rib Soup with Noodles
  
• Japanese Soft Scrambled Tamago Rice Bowl
  
• Menchi Katsu – メンチカツ
  
• Katsu Curry
  
• Chicken Katsudon – チキンカツ丼

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