Dive into the savory world of Korean cuisine with this irresistible recipe for vegan shiitake mushrooms! This dish captures the essence of Korean flavors – umami-rich, subtly sweet, and delightfully spicy – all while being completely plant-based. Forget bland mushrooms; these shiitakes are transformed into a culinary masterpiece with a vibrant sauce that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The combination of earthy mushrooms and a dynamic blend of gochujang, soy sauce, and ginger creates a symphony of taste that will leave you wanting more.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful addition to your next Korean feast. Ready to experience the magic? Let's jump into the simple, step-by-step process of creating these incredibly flavorful Korean Shiitake Mushrooms.
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Black Pepper: a pinch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Shiitake Mushrooms
- First, rehydrate the dried shiitake mushrooms, saving the soaking liquid. Cut the mushrooms into small pieces.
- Place the chopped mushrooms in a mixing bowl.


Step 2. Marinate the Mushrooms
- Add sesame oil, soy sauce, and black pepper to the bowl and mix well to marinate the mushrooms.

Step 3. Stir-fry the Mushrooms
- Heat a frying pan over high heat. Add the marinated mushrooms.
- Stir-fry the mushrooms occasionally until they are lightly browned and have a roasted flavor. This takes about 10 minutes.


Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Taste and serve. You can optionally garnish with green onions.

Read more: Crispy Spicy Honey Garlic Korean Chicken Recipe
Tips
- Shiitake mushrooms absorb a lot of liquid, so marinating them beforehand helps prevent using too much oil while frying.
- This recipe keeps it simple to highlight the natural umami flavor of the shiitake mushrooms.
- The mushrooms will absorb the liquid, so don’t worry about extra oil or calories.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of mushrooms instead of shiitake?
Yes! Cremini, oyster, or even a mix of mushrooms would work well. Shiitake provides a unique umami flavor, but others will still be delicious.
2. How can I make this spicier or less spicy?
Adjust the amount of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to your preference. Start with less and add more gradually until you reach your desired level of spice.
This simple yet flavorful recipe proves that vegan Korean cuisine is both accessible and incredibly delicious. Enjoy this satisfying dish as a side, a light meal, or a flavorful addition to your favorite rice or noodle bowl. We hope you savor every umami-rich bite!