Wood ear mushrooms, also known as black fungus or cloud ear mushrooms, are a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes. Known for their crunchy, springy texture and subtle earthy flavor, they add a delightful twist to soups, salads, stir-fries, and more. If you’re new to cooking with wood ear mushrooms, this guide will walk you through how to prepare and cook them easily, along with tips to make the most of their unique qualities.
What Are Wood Ear Mushrooms?
Wood ear mushrooms are a type of edible fungus that typically comes dried. They grow on trees and have a distinctive ear-like shape, which gives them their name. These mushrooms are prized not only for their texture but also for their nutritional benefits and versatility in cooking.
Step 1: Rehydrating Wood Ear Mushrooms
Most wood ear mushrooms you find in stores are dried, so the first step is to rehydrate them:
– Place the dried mushrooms in a bowl and cover them with cold or boiling water.
– Let them soak for about 1 to 2 hours until they fully expand and become soft.
– Once rehydrated, they will grow to about 2-3 times their dried size.
Step 2: Cleaning and Preparing
After soaking, it’s important to clean them thoroughly:
– Rinse each mushroom under cold running water to remove any dirt trapped in their folds.
– Feel the mushrooms; if any stems are tough or spongy, trim and discard them.
– Tear or cut large mushrooms into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
Step 3: Cooking Wood Ear Mushrooms
Wood ear mushrooms cannot be eaten raw even after rehydration. They need to be cooked properly to ensure safety and enhance their texture.
Blanching (Basic Cooking Method)
– Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
– Add the cleaned mushrooms and blanch them for 3 to 5 minutes.
– Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
– This method helps preserve their crunchy texture and prepares them for use in salads, soups, or stir-fries.
Stir-Frying
– Heat some oil (vegetable or sesame) in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add aromatics like minced garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant.
– Add the blanched wood ear mushrooms and stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes.
– You can add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy for a colorful dish.
– Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, or your favorite stir-fry sauce.
– Cook until everything is heated through but still crisp.
Making a Salad
Wood ear mushrooms make a fantastic cold salad:
– After blanching and cooling, toss the mushrooms with thinly sliced red onion, fresh chili, and cilantro if you like.
– Prepare a dressing by pouring hot oil over minced garlic, chili flakes, and Sichuan peppercorns, then mix in soy sauce, black rice vinegar, and a pinch of sugar.
– Pour the dressing over the mushrooms and mix well.
– Chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Soups and Broths
– Add sliced wood ear mushrooms to broths or soups after rehydration.
– Simmer for 10 minutes to soften slightly while retaining their crunch.
– They pair well with ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, and tofu in savory soups.
Tips for Cooking Wood Ear Mushrooms
– Always soak dried mushrooms fully before cooking; under-soaking can leave them tough.
– Avoid overcooking to maintain their signature crunchy texture.
– Add wood ear mushrooms toward the end of cooking in stir-fries to prevent them from becoming mushy.
– Use them in dishes that benefit from texture contrast, such as hot and sour soup or dumplings.
– Store leftover dried mushrooms in a cool, dry place; they can last for months.
Flavor Pairings
Wood ear mushrooms have a mild, earthy flavor that absorbs sauces and seasonings well. Popular pairings include:
– Soy sauce and sesame oil
– Garlic and ginger
– Chili and Sichuan peppercorns
– Vinegars like black rice vinegar
– Fresh herbs such as cilantro
Wood ear mushrooms are a wonderful ingredient to experiment with in your kitchen. Their unique texture and ability to soak up flavors can elevate simple dishes into something special. Whether in a refreshing salad, a hearty soup, or a vibrant stir-fry, learning how to cook wood ear mushrooms opens up a world of delicious possibilities.
Enjoy cooking and savor the crunch!