Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce is a flavorful and simple vegan dish that highlights the delicate texture of enoki mushrooms, complemented by a savory garlic and scallion sauce. The light and crunchy enoki mushrooms are blanched and dressed in a quick sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and scallions, creating a delightful and healthy appetizer or side dish. This recipe is easy to make and comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant addition to a festive spread.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 14 ounces (400g) enoki mushrooms

• 2 tablespoons oil

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce

• ½ teaspoon sugar

• 1 scallion (finely chopped)

Directions

1. Prepare the Enoki Mushrooms:

   • Trim the roots of the enoki mushrooms by about 1 inch and gently separate them into smaller bundles. Rinse and drain well.

2. Blanch the Mushrooms:

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the enoki mushrooms in two batches, cooking each batch for about 1 minute. Drain the mushrooms and transfer them to a serving plate.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • In a small saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 10 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t brown.

   • Add the light soy sauce, sugar, and chopped scallions. Bring the sauce to a boil and then turn off the heat.

4. Serve:

   • Pour the hot garlic and scallion sauce over the blanched enoki mushrooms. Serve immediately while warm.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 112

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 7g

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

• Sodium: 758mg

• Potassium: 385mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 30IU

• Vitamin C: 1.1mg

• Calcium: 5mg

• Iron: 1.5mg

The Appeal of Enoki Mushrooms

Enoki mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes) are small, slender mushrooms with long, white stems and tiny caps. Their unique appearance and delicate texture make them a favorite in many Asian dishes. These mushrooms are often used in soups, stir-fries, and hot pots due to their ability to absorb flavors while retaining a satisfying crunch.

Beyond their texture, enoki mushrooms are also packed with health benefits. They are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. Enoki mushrooms are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium, fiber, and iron. They also contain compounds that have been shown to have immune-boosting properties, making them a great addition to any diet.

The delicate flavor and texture of enoki mushrooms make them perfect for this simple garlic and scallion sauce. Unlike more robust mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, enoki mushrooms have a mild taste that allows the sauce to shine, adding complexity without overpowering the mushrooms’ natural flavor.

The Garlic and Scallion Sauce

The sauce that accompanies these enoki mushrooms is simple to prepare but packs a punch in terms of flavor. The base of the sauce is light soy sauce, which provides a savory umami flavor without being too salty. The addition of sugar balances the saltiness of the soy sauce, adding a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Garlic is a key ingredient in this sauce, contributing a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor. When sautéed in oil, garlic becomes mellow and aromatic, adding a savory richness to the dish. The scallions (or green onions) provide a fresh, slightly sharp flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the garlic and soy sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates a well-rounded sauce that complements the light, delicate texture of the enoki mushrooms.

This sauce is not only flavorful but also versatile. It can be used on other vegetables, tofu, or even rice, making it a great base for a variety of dishes. The simplicity of the sauce allows the mushrooms to remain the star of the dish while enhancing their natural flavor.

Preparing the Enoki Mushrooms

The preparation of enoki mushrooms is simple and quick. To start, the roots of the mushrooms need to be trimmed by about 1 inch, which helps remove any tough, inedible parts. The mushrooms are then gently separated into smaller bundles. This step ensures that the mushrooms cook evenly and that each piece is coated with the garlic and scallion sauce.

After trimming and separating the mushrooms, they need to be rinsed and drained well. Enoki mushrooms are delicate and can easily retain water, so it’s essential to make sure they are properly drained to prevent the sauce from becoming diluted.

Blanching the Mushrooms

Blanching is the next step in preparing the enoki mushrooms. Blanching involves briefly cooking the mushrooms in boiling water for about 1 minute, which helps to preserve their color and texture. The blanching process also softens the mushrooms slightly, making them tender without losing their signature crunch. Once blanched, the mushrooms are quickly drained and transferred to a serving plate, ready to be dressed with the garlic and scallion sauce.

The blanching step is crucial in this recipe, as it ensures that the enoki mushrooms maintain their delicate structure and do not become overly soft. This method also helps the mushrooms absorb the flavors of the sauce more effectively, creating a balanced and harmonious dish.

Making the Sauce

The garlic and scallion sauce is quick to prepare and adds a rich, savory component to the dish. To make the sauce, oil is heated in a small saucepan, and minced garlic is sautéed for about 10 seconds. It’s important not to let the garlic brown, as this can cause it to become bitter. Once the garlic is aromatic, light soy sauce, sugar, and chopped scallions are added to the pan, and the sauce is brought to a boil. The sauce is then turned off, allowing the flavors to meld together.

This sauce is versatile and can be used for many different dishes. The soy sauce provides the umami base, while the sugar balances out the savory flavor. The garlic adds depth, and the scallions give the sauce a fresh, crisp note. Together, these ingredients create a perfect dressing for the tender, blanched enoki mushrooms.

Serving Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce

Once the mushrooms are blanched and the sauce is prepared, the next step is to pour the hot garlic and scallion sauce over the mushrooms. The heat from the sauce will help infuse the mushrooms with flavor, allowing them to absorb the savory and aromatic elements of the sauce. This dish is best served immediately while warm, as the mushrooms will continue to absorb the sauce and the flavors will continue to develop.

Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce can be served as a light appetizer or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, tofu, or stir-fried vegetables, creating a well-rounded meal that is both flavorful and nutritious. The simplicity of the dish makes it perfect for weeknight meals, but it can also be dressed up as part of a larger, more elaborate spread for special occasions.

Nutritional Benefits of Enoki Mushrooms

In addition to their delicate texture and mild flavor, enoki mushrooms offer a variety of health benefits. They are low in calories, with only about 30 calories per cup, making them a great addition to a calorie-conscious diet. Enoki mushrooms are also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. The potassium content in these mushrooms is beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, while the iron content supports overall energy production and immune function.

Enoki mushrooms are also a good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. The inclusion of garlic and scallions in the dish further enhances its health benefits, as both ingredients are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Customizing the Dish

While the recipe as written is delicious, there are several ways to customize Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce to suit your personal taste. For instance, if you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to the sauce. If you want to add more texture, you can sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts on top of the finished dish.

To make the dish even heartier, consider pairing the mushrooms with other vegetables, such as bok choy or spinach, or serving them alongside a protein source like tofu or tempeh. The garlic and scallion sauce is versatile enough to complement a wide range of vegetables, making this dish a great option for adapting to what you have on hand.

Conclusion

Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce is a quick, simple, and flavorful vegan dish that showcases the delicate texture of enoki mushrooms while highlighting the savory and aromatic elements of garlic, soy sauce, and scallions. The dish is both light and satisfying, making it a perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a main course when paired with rice or other vegetables.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Enoki mushrooms are rich in nutrients, while garlic and scallions contribute to the dish’s anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. The combination of these ingredients results in a dish that is as healthy as it is tasty.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant addition to a larger spread, Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce is a dish that will surely impress. With its simple preparation and delightful flavor, it’s a must-try for anyone seeking a light yet satisfying vegan meal.