What prepping is needed for shiitake or wood ear mushrooms (removing stems)?

Question

Understand What prepping is needed for shiitake or wood ear mushrooms (removing stems).

Answer 1

For shiitake mushrooms, remove the tough stems before cooking. For wood ear mushrooms, rehydrate them in warm water and trim any tough or gritty parts.

Detailed Explanation:

Preparing shiitake and wood ear mushrooms properly enhances their flavor and texture in your dishes. Here's a breakdown:

Shiitake Mushrooms:

1. Stem Removal: The stems of shiitake mushrooms are generally too tough to eat. To remove them, simply grip the stem firmly and gently twist and pull. It should snap off easily. If it's particularly stubborn, you can use a paring knife to cut it off close to the cap.
2. Stem Uses: Don't discard the stems! They can be used to make flavorful vegetable stock. Simmer them in water with other vegetable scraps for about 30 minutes, then strain.
3. Cleaning: Wipe the caps clean with a damp cloth or paper towel. Avoid soaking them in water, as they can become waterlogged and lose some of their flavor.

Wood Ear Mushrooms:

1. Rehydration: Wood ear mushrooms are typically sold dried. To rehydrate them, place them in a bowl of warm water for about 20-30 minutes, or until they have fully expanded and softened.
2. Cleaning: Once rehydrated, rinse the mushrooms thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
3. Trimming: Check for any tough or gritty parts, especially around the point where they were attached to the tree. Trim these away with a knife.
4. Cutting (Optional): Depending on the size of the wood ear mushrooms and your recipe, you may want to cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.

Pro Tip:

When rehydrating wood ear mushrooms, use a plate or small bowl to weigh them down in the water. This ensures they are fully submerged and rehydrate evenly.