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If you have ever craved a side dish that is both delicate and bursting with flavor, then this Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce Recipe is just what you need in your culinary arsenal. Tender, steamed enoki mushrooms are elevated by a fragrant, savory sauce that hits the perfect balance between rich garlic, fresh scallions, and a touch of sweetness from soy and oyster sauce. It’s an elegant yet simple dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for adding that extra wow factor to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so approachable is its reliance on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that work together to create a harmonious and irresistible flavor profile. Each element plays a critical role — from the silky enoki mushrooms to the punchy garlic and fresh scallions that amplify the taste and texture.
- 200g enoki mushrooms (trimmed and cleaned): These delicate mushrooms bring a subtle earthiness and wonderfully tender texture when steamed.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds salty depth and umami that enhances the mushrooms’ natural flavor.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Contributes a rich, slightly sweet savoriness to the sauce; vegetarian oyster sauce can be used as an alternative.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps balance the sauce’s consistency without diluting flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: A tiny bit of sweetness to round out the salty and earthy notes perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Used for sautéing garlic and scallions, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced): The star aromatic that fills your kitchen with an inviting scent.
- 2 scallions (finely chopped): Freshness and a slight bite that balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A nutty finish that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Pinch of white pepper (optional): Adds gentle warmth and subtle complexity to the dish.
How to Make Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
Begin by giving your enoki mushrooms a gentle rinse to clean off any dirt. Trim off the root ends carefully, then arrange the mushrooms in a single layer on a heatproof plate. This preparation ensures even steaming and helps the mushrooms maintain their delicate shape.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, and sugar, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. This simple sauce blend will provide a luscious, balanced coating for your mushrooms that’s savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly comforting.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Scallions
Heat vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook just until fragrant and turning golden, roughly one minute. Toss in the chopped scallions and cook for an additional 30 seconds. This quick sauté unlocks the fresh, vibrant flavors that form the heart of your sauce.
Step 4: Add Sesame Oil and Remove from Heat
After removing the pan from heat, stir in the sesame oil. This step adds a nutty aroma that ties the sauce together beautifully and takes the flavor to the next level.
Step 5: Steam the Mushrooms
Place your plate of enoki mushrooms into a steamer or over boiling water, covering it tightly. Steam the mushrooms for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender but retain a slight bite—this preserves their signature texture and delicate taste.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Pour your fragrant garlic and scallion sauce evenly over the steamed enoki mushrooms. If you like, add a pinch of white pepper for a subtle kick. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the full flavor and best texture of this delightful dish.
How to Serve Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced fresh chili can add a beautiful contrast in both texture and color. For a pop of brightness, a few drops of lime juice make a refreshing accompaniment that complements the savory garlic and scallion sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or as a fresh contrast alongside other veggie-heavy dishes like stir-fried greens or a light cucumber salad. It also shines when served next to grilled tofu or your favorite Asian-inspired protein.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more sophisticated presentation, consider serving the mushrooms atop a bed of lightly sautéed spinach, or nestled inside lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on dining experience. You can even try drizzling a little extra sauce over a bowl of noodles along with these mushrooms for an easy and flavorful meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover enoki mushrooms with garlic and scallion sauce keep quite well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Because of the delicate texture of enoki mushrooms and the fresh aromatics in the sauce, freezing is generally not recommended. The mushrooms tend to become mushy and lose their lovely bite after thawing.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the mushrooms in a steamer or microwave for a very short time to keep them tender and avoid drying out the sauce. Avoid high heat or prolonged reheating which can make the mushrooms lose their texture.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap out the oyster sauce for a vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms. This maintains the rich umami flavor while keeping it plant-based.
Are enoki mushrooms hard to find?
Enoki mushrooms are widely available in most Asian grocery stores and increasingly in larger supermarkets’ produce sections. Look for the long, slender white clusters that are fresh and firm.
Can I add heat to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add a splash of chili oil or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the garlic and scallion sauce to give the dish a spicy kick. It pairs beautifully with the rest of the ingredients.
How long can I steam the mushrooms?
Steaming for 3 to 4 minutes is ideal to keep them tender yet slightly crisp. Over-steaming can make them mushy and less flavorful.
What can I use this sauce for besides mushrooms?
This garlic and scallion sauce is versatile and can be drizzled over grilled vegetables, tofu, seafood, or even used as a dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the simplicity and elegance of the Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce Recipe. It’s a dish that brings both comfort and sophistication to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own little culinary secret for impressing friends and family alike. Trust me, once you have this recipe up your sleeve, it will become a beloved go-to side dish in your kitchen!
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Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful Asian-inspired side dish featuring tender steamed enoki mushrooms topped with a fragrant garlic and scallion sauce, enhanced by savory soy and oyster sauces. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a light accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Mushrooms
- 200g enoki mushrooms (trimmed and cleaned)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 scallions (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Pinch of white pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Mushrooms: Gently rinse and trim the roots off the enoki mushrooms. Arrange them in a single layer on a heatproof plate to prepare for steaming.
- Make Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Cook Garlic and Scallions: Heat the vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute. Stir in the scallions and cook for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.
- Finish Sauce: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the sesame oil to the garlic and scallion mixture.
- Steam Mushrooms: Place the plate of enoki mushrooms in a steamer and steam for 3 to 4 minutes until tender but still intact.
- Assemble and Serve: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the steamed mushrooms and sprinkle with a pinch of white pepper if desired. Serve hot as a side dish or over rice.
Notes
- You can substitute oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce to keep the dish plant-based.
- Add a splash of chili oil for extra heat if desired.
