My son’s girlfriend came over for dinner two weeks ago. I only had time to make one dish so I ordered a supplement dish from our favorite local restaurant. I decided to order a vegetarian one to go with the meat dish I made. It consisted simply of shiitake mushrooms and broccoli and flavored with oyster sauce. The shiitake mushrooms were so tender and flavorful. We enjoyed them so much, I decided to recreate it at home. The taste may not be the same, but it was still good. Both the mushrooms and broccoli were tasty and satisfyingly good. It was a guilt-free dish to have. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Shiitake and Broccoli
To get the best flavor from your shiitake mushrooms, start by soaking them in warm water for about 30 minutes if you’re using dried ones. This not only rehydrates them but also enhances their natural umami flavor. If you’re using fresh shiitake, trim the stems as they can be tough. For the broccoli, try to cut the florets into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Blanching the broccoli for a couple of minutes before stir-frying can help maintain its vibrant green color and crunch. When it comes to the oyster sauce, feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a dash of sugar or a splash of soy sauce. Stir-fry the mushrooms first until they’re golden and fragrant, then add the broccoli. This way, the mushrooms absorb the flavors better before the broccoli joins in. Keeping your heat at medium-high will give you that nice, quick cooking time while preserving the texture of the vegetables.
Ingredient Notes
Using fresh ingredients can really elevate this dish. Shiitake mushrooms are packed with nutrients and have a rich flavor profile that pairs perfectly with broccoli. If you can, opt for organic vegetables, as they generally taste better and have fewer pesticides. Oyster sauce can vary in flavor and thickness between brands, so it may take some experimentation to find one that you like best. Some brands might be saltier than others, so keep that in mind when seasoning your dish. If you have a gluten sensitivity, look for gluten-free oyster sauce alternatives made with mushrooms or soy sauce. For an extra kick, consider adding garlic and ginger to the mix. These two ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also bring in additional health benefits. Lastly, don’t shy away from adding a splash of sesame oil at the end for a nutty aroma that ties everything together.
Serving Suggestions
This shiitake mushroom and broccoli dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve it over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious oyster sauce. If you want to keep it lighter, a bed of mixed greens or a simple cucumber salad can complement the dish nicely. This meal also works well with tofu for added protein. Just cube the tofu and pan-fry it until golden before adding it to the mix. If you’re entertaining, consider serving it family-style in a large bowl, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color. This dish can easily be a star at your dinner table or a great addition to a potluck. It holds up well, so if you have leftovers, they can be enjoyed cold as part of a lunchbox. Just remember to keep any sides separate if you plan to reheat them later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, try using hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar. These alternatives will give you a similar sweet and savory flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water to keep the broccoli from getting soggy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the mushrooms and broccoli in advance, but it’s best to stir-fry them right before serving to keep that fresh crunch. Just soak the mushrooms and chop the broccoli earlier in the day.
What can I serve with this dish?
This shiitake mushroom and broccoli dish pairs nicely with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside tofu or grilled chicken for some extra protein.
What’s a common mistake when making this dish?
One common mistake is overcooking the broccoli, which can turn it mushy instead of keeping that nice crisp texture. Blanching it first helps, but keep an eye on the cooking time when stir-frying.
Shiitake Mushroom and Broccoli in Oyster Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 pieces dried Shiitake mushrooms
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic grated or minced
Sauce
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup water or more as needed
- Sesame oil optional
Instructions
- Soak shiitake mushrooms in hot water for at least 20 minutes. Squeeze out the excess water. Leave the stems on or cut them off, whichever you prefer. Set aside.
- Blanch the broccoli florets with hot salted boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and mushrooms; sauté for a minute.
- Stir in oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat, cover and let simmer for 5-7 minutes or until mushrooms are tender, adding more water as needed. Add broccoli and stir to combine. Sprinkle with sesame oil, if desired.
Nutrition
Made this yesterday, such an easy dish to prepare and so delicious. I’ll certainly be making it again, thank you for sharing your recipe!
You are welcome Juli! Glad you enjoyed this recipe. Take care!