Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce Recipe
If you crave an Asian-inspired side dish that’s as good-looking as it is delicious, you’ll fall head over heels for Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce. This recipe transforms slender, delicate enoki into savory, saucy perfection with very little effort. The irresistible combination of umami-rich sauce and tender mushrooms creates a dish that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or as a showstopping plate at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple pantry staples and some ultra-fresh enoki mushrooms come together in this recipe. Each ingredient plays a special role, so don’t skip a thing — from the robust flavor of garlic to the subtle crunch of scallion, this is a study in balance and contrast.
- Enoki mushrooms: Their gentle, noodle-like strands soak up sauce and turn meltingly tender after a quick steam or blanch.
- Vegetable oil: Helps release the fragrance of garlic and scallion, making the sauce truly aromatic.
- Garlic cloves (finely minced): Adds depth and a warm, pungent backbone to the dish.
- Scallions (finely chopped): Lends freshness, color, and a savory bite that complements the delicate mushrooms.
- Soy sauce: Gives the sauce its salty, umami-rich base and beautiful color.
- Oyster sauce (or vegetarian mushroom sauce): Contributes extra savory depth and just a touch of sweetness — essential for complexity.
- Sesame oil: Just a hint infuses the whole dish with irresistible, nutty aroma.
- Sugar: Balances the saltiness and enhances the natural flavors in the sauce.
- Water: Keeps the sauce just loose enough to beautifully coat the mushrooms without being too heavy.
- Chili flakes or sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds visual zing and an optional kick — sprinkle these at the end to suit your taste.
How to Make Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce
Step 1: Prep and Steam the Enoki Mushrooms
Start by trimming the root ends from your bundles of enoki, then give them a quick rinse and pat them dry. Gently separate the mushrooms — this gives them the chance to cook evenly and makes for prettier plating! Steam or blanch them for just 2–3 minutes, stopping the cooking when they’re tender but not mushy. Arrange the enoki strands on your serving plate in soft mounds for that signature restaurant look.
Step 2: Build Your Garlic & Scallion Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant. Let the fragrance fill your kitchen, but don’t let the garlic brown! This usually takes about 30–60 seconds. Then toss in the chopped scallions and stir, followed by the soy sauce, oyster (or mushroom) sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and water. Let this mixture bubble and marry for about a minute — you want those flavors to meld into a savory, aromatic sauce.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Give the sauce one last stir and then, while it’s piping hot, spoon it generously over your waiting enoki mushrooms. The heat from the sauce will further infuse the mushrooms with flavor. If you love a little heat or crave some crunch, sprinkle with chili flakes or sesame seeds. Serve your Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce either warm, which is heavenly, or at room temperature — both ways are fantastic!
How to Serve Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of chili flakes or toasted sesame seeds adds not just a bit of color and texture, but an extra layer of flavor. Try a mix of both for a beautiful, confetti-like look. For special occasions, a few thinly sliced fresh red chilies will make your Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce pop on the plate.
Side Dishes
This umami-packed mushroom dish truly shines alongside a steaming bowl of jasmine rice or sticky rice, soaking up every drop of sauce. It’s also lovely next to sautéed greens, tofu stir-fry, or as part of a larger Asian-inspired spread with dumplings and pickles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, arrange the enoki mushrooms in small bowls or Chinese soup spoons for individual serving sizes. Alternately, lay them over a bed of wilted spinach or pile onto crispy rice cakes for a delightful textural contrast. The vibrant green from the scallions and a sprinkling of chili flakes instantly dress up this quick side for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two days, and the flavors may even deepen as they mingle.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch. Keep in mind: mushrooms will lose some texture when thawed. For best results, store the sauce and mushrooms separately in tightly sealed containers, then bring them back together during reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce in a skillet over low heat, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the mushrooms soggy. A quick steam or a gentle sauté will restore them to their former glory.
FAQs
Can I use other mushrooms instead of enoki?
You can certainly use this sauce on other mushrooms like oyster, shiitake, or even button mushrooms. But for that signature texture and noodle-like look, enoki mushrooms are truly special for Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce.
Is this dish vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use a vegetarian mushroom sauce and gluten-free versions of soy and oyster sauces. This way, your Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce remain both vegan and gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make the garlic and scallion sauce a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat before spooning over freshly cooked mushrooms. This makes it even quicker to assemble.
What if I don’t have a steamer?
No steamer? No problem. Just bring a pot of water to a gentle boil and briefly blanch your enoki mushrooms for 2–3 minutes. Drain well and proceed as written — the results are just as tasty.
How spicy can I make Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce?
The heat level is all up to you! Add extra chili flakes, a few drops of chili oil, or fresh chopped chilies right into the sauce for a fiery kick. Or, keep it mild for a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly side.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll treat yourself (and maybe some lucky guests!) to a big platter of Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce soon. Once you taste how these delicate mushrooms transform with a punchy, garlicky drizzle, you’ll understand why this dish is a dinner favorite around here. Give it a try, and let the flavors speak for themselves!
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Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free soy and oyster sauces)
Description
Enoki mushrooms are delicately flavored fungi that pair beautifully with a savory garlic and scallion sauce. This quick and easy recipe is a perfect side dish for any Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Enoki Mushrooms:
- 2 bundles enoki mushrooms (trimmed and cleaned)
Garlic & Scallion Sauce:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 2 scallions (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian mushroom sauce)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- Chili flakes or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Trim and Prep Enoki Mushrooms: Trim the root ends and separate the enoki mushrooms. Steam or blanch for 2–3 minutes, then drain.
- Prepare the Garlic & Scallion Sauce: Sauté garlic in vegetable oil until fragrant. Add scallions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and water. Simmer briefly.
- Assemble: Arrange mushrooms on a plate and top with the sauce. Garnish with chili flakes or sesame seeds.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Pairs well with steamed rice or as a side in any Asian meal.
- For a spicy twist, add red chilies or chili oil to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Steaming or Blanching
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
