Spicy Enoki Mushrooms
**Introduction**
Spicy Enoki Mushrooms are a fiery, umami-packed side dish that delivers an incredible punch of flavor with minimal effort. This dish transforms humble enoki mushrooms into a sensational culinary experience, featuring a savory, garlicky, and deeply spicy sauce that clings to every strand. The mushrooms themselves offer a delightful and unique texture—firm yet tender with a satisfyingly slippery bite. This recipe is bold, addictive, and incredibly quick to prepare. It is the perfect solution for a weeknight when you need a vegetable side in under 15 minutes, or as a standout appetizer for a dinner party that will have everyone asking for the recipe. If you love bold Asian flavors and are looking for a new way to enjoy mushrooms, this dish is an absolute must-try.
**Perfect for:**
Quick Weeknight Side Dishes
Spicy Food Lovers
Plant-Based and Vegan Meals
Impressive Dinner Party Appetizers
As a Topping for Rice Bowls or Noodles
**Why You’ll Love This Spicy Enoki Mushrooms Recipe**
**Explosion of Flavor:** The sauce, a simple blend of aromatics and condiments, creates a powerful umami experience with a strong kick of heat that is deeply satisfying.
**Unbelievably Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this dish comes together in less than 15 minutes, making it one of the fastest and most flavorful side dishes you can add to your repertoire.
**Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free:** This recipe is inherently plant-based. With one simple swap (tamari for soy sauce), it easily becomes gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs without compromising on taste.
**Incredibly Versatile:** While delicious on its own, these mushrooms are a fantastic component. They can be added to soups, stir-fries, rice bowls, or even used as a filling for dumplings and buns.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 12 minutes
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 7 minutes
Servings: 2-3 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 70-90 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
**Calories:** 70-90 kcal
**Protein:** 3g
**Carbohydrates:** 10g
**Fat:** 3g
**Fiber:** 3g
**Sugar:** 4g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileen recipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* 2 packs (200g each) enoki mushrooms, roots trimmed
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1-2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or 1-2 teaspoons chili powder
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1 teaspoon sugar or maple syrup
* 2 tablespoons water
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced
* 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Prepare the Mushrooms:** Trim off the woody bottom root section (about 1 inch) from the enoki mushroom bundles. Gently separate the mushrooms into smaller clusters. Rinse briefly and drain well.
2. **Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and water. Set aside.
3. **Sauté Aromatics:** Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and gochugaru. Stir-fry for 30-60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and the oil turns a vibrant red color. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. **Cook the Mushrooms:** Add the drained enoki mushrooms to the skillet. Toss quickly to coat them in the spicy oil. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften and release their liquid.
5. **Add the Sauce:** Pour the prepared sauce over the mushrooms. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and glazes the mushrooms.
6. **Finish and Garnish:** Turn off the heat. Stir in most of the sliced green onions, reserving some for garnish. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with the remaining green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
**How to Serve Spicy Enoki Mushrooms**
**As a Fiery Side Dish:** Serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice and a simple protein like grilled chicken, fish, or tofu to balance the heat.
**As a Noodle Topping:** Spoon the mushrooms over a bowl of plain rice noodles, ramen, or udon for an instant flavor upgrade. Add a soft-boiled egg for a complete meal.
**In a Lettuce Cup:** For a low-carb appetizer, serve the warm mushrooms in crisp butter lettuce cups, garnished with extra sesame seeds.
**As a Banchan:** This dish is a perfect Korean-style side dish (banchan) to be served as part of a multi-course meal with other small plates.
**Additional Tips for Spicy Enoki Mushrooms**
**Control the Heat Level:** The spice level is highly customizable. Start with 1 tablespoon of gochugaru for a medium heat and increase for more fire. For a milder version, use 1 teaspoon.
**Do Not Overcook:** Enoki mushrooms cook very quickly. Overcooking will make them limp and soggy. Aim for a total cooking time of 5-7 minutes to maintain a pleasant, slightly chewy texture.
**Press for Less Water:** After rinsing, gently press the mushroom clusters between paper towels to remove excess water. This helps them sear rather than steam in the pan.
**Recipe Variations of Spicy Enoki Mushrooms**
**Garlic Soy Version (Non-Spicy):** Omit the gochugaru. Double the amount of garlic and add a tablespoon of oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce) to the sauce mixture for a savory, non-spicy alternative.
**With Minced Pork:** Add 100g of ground pork to the skillet after toasting the garlic and chili. Cook until browned before adding the mushrooms. This adds protein and makes the dish more substantial.
**Creamy Coconut Version:** For a Thai-inspired twist, replace the water with ¼ cup of full-fat coconut milk and add a teaspoon of red curry paste along with the garlic.
**Freezing and Storage for Spicy Enoki Mushrooms**
**Storage:** Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture of the mushrooms will become softer upon reheating.
**Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended. The high water content of the mushrooms will cause them to become mushy and release too much liquid upon thawing, ruining the texture.
**FAQ Section about Spicy Enoki Mushrooms**
**What do enoki mushrooms taste like?**
Enoki mushrooms have a very mild, slightly sweet and fruity flavor. Their primary appeal is their unique, crisp-yet-tender texture, which makes them an excellent vehicle for absorbing strong sauces.
**I can’t find gochugaru. What can I use instead?**
You can substitute it with 1-2 teaspoons of regular chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes. The flavor will be slightly different, but the dish will still be deliciously spicy.
**Can I use other types of mushrooms?**
Yes, though the texture will differ. King oyster mushrooms sliced thinly, or shiitake mushrooms, would work well. Adjust the cooking time as needed for denser mushrooms.
**Is this dish very spicy?**
The heat level is entirely up to you. Start with a smaller amount of chili and taste the sauce before adding it to the mushrooms. You can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away.
**Conclusion of Spicy Enoki Mushrooms Recipe**
Spicy Enoki Mushrooms are a testament to how a few simple ingredients can create a dish that is far greater than the sum of its parts. It is a lightning-fast recipe that does not sacrifice depth or complexity, offering a thrilling combination of heat, umami, and a wonderfully satisfying texture. Whether you serve it as a quick side, a vibrant appetizer, or a flavorful topping, this dish is guaranteed to become a new favorite for anyone who appreciates bold, Asian-inspired flavors. Keep a few packs of enoki mushrooms in your fridge, and you will always be just minutes away from a truly spectacular dish.