If you love dishes that combine simplicity with incredible flavor, Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce are about to become your new favorite. These delicate mushrooms absorb a savory, aromatic sauce that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. Whether you’re serving them as a quick side or the star of a light meal, the balance of tender enokis with garlic, scallions, and hints of sesame will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Plus, it’s ready in just ten minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe is how a few everyday ingredients create such a vibrant dish. Each item plays a role, from building umami depth to adding crunch and aromatic freshness. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Enoki mushrooms (7 ounces): Their mild flavor and crisp, delicate texture are absolutely essential.
- Neutral oil (2 teaspoons): Choose canola or vegetable oil to let the garlic and scallion flavors shine.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides that irresistible aroma and classic punch.
- Scallions (2, finely chopped): Infuse brightness and a lovely pop of color.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings salty, savory depth with a little umami boost.
- Oyster sauce (1 teaspoon, optional): A hint of richness for those who want even more flavor complexity.
- Sesame oil (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a nutty fragrance that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out the saltiness and enhances all the other tastes.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Lightens up the sauce so it nestles perfectly into every mushroom cluster.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional): A touch of crunch and toasty aroma to finish things off beautifully.
How to Make Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Enoki Mushrooms
Begin by gently trimming the root base off your enoki mushrooms, then separate them into smaller bundles. Give them a light rinse under cool water and pat completely dry. These delicate mushrooms bruise easily, so handle them with a tender touch. This little effort ensures they’ll soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce later.
Step 2: Steam the Mushrooms
Lay your prepared enoki mushrooms evenly in a heatproof dish or shallow bowl. Steam them for three to four minutes, just until they’re tender but still have a lively bite. Steaming highlights their subtle sweetness and keeps them juicy—perfect for soaking up the garlicky scallion sauce!
Step 3: Create the Garlic & Scallion Sauce
While the enokis are steaming, heat the neutral oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle gently for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Next, stir in the chopped scallions, soy sauce, oyster sauce if you’re using it, sesame oil, sugar, and water. Let everything simmer together for a minute. The aromas will fill your kitchen and give you a preview of just how delicious this sauce is going to be!
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Arranged on a serving plate, the warm enoki mushrooms become the canvas for your richly aromatic sauce. Pour it evenly across the mushrooms while they’re still hot so they drink in every last drop. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you want a hint of crunch and extra color. Serve right away and get ready for the smiles!
How to Serve Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce
Garnishes
Adding a finishing touch can make these Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce even more special. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for crunch and an inviting visual pop. If you love heat, a pinch of chili flakes or a slick of chili oil drizzled over the top is absolutely divine. Fresh cilantro leaves are lovely as well for a hint of herbal brightness.
Side Dishes
These mushrooms shine alongside fluffy white rice or a nutty brown rice for a comforting, satisfying meal. They also pair beautifully with sautéed greens, crisp tofu, or simply steamed bok choy. Think of them as the star side to grilled fish, teriyaki chicken, or a vibrant grain bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce family-style in a wide platter so guests can help themselves, or nestle individual bundles into small dishes for a refined appetizer. For a stunning party platter, arrange them alongside other Asian small plates with dipping sauces—guaranteed to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer the cooled Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to two days in the refrigerator. The sauce may thicken slightly and become even more robust as it sits.
Freezing
While enoki mushrooms are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch. Keep them layered in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. The texture will soften after thawing, but the flavors remain surprisingly vivid for such a delicate dish.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce in a microwave or a steamer just until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to preserve their signature texture. A quick splash of hot water can help revive the sauce if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
What if I don’t have a steamer?
No steamer? No problem! You can use a heatproof plate set over a pot of simmering water and cover it tightly. Or, lightly sauté the mushrooms in a pan with a splash of water—just watch closely so they remain crisp and don’t overcook.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the regular soy sauce for your favorite gluten-free tamari, and ensure your oyster sauce (if using) is labeled gluten-free. The results will be just as delicious and satisfying.
What’s a good substitute for enoki mushrooms?
If you can’t find enokis, thinly sliced shiitake caps or oyster mushrooms work well in this recipe. They won’t have the exact texture but will soak up the garlic & scallion sauce beautifully.
Is the oyster sauce essential?
Nope, it’s totally optional! Oyster sauce adds a savory depth, but the dish is bursting with flavor from the soy sauce and sesame oil alone. Leave it out for a vegan version or use a plant-based “oyster” sauce.
Can I serve Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce cold?
Yes! While they’re best when warm and freshly made, these mushrooms are surprisingly tasty served cold or at room temperature, especially when paired with salads or grain bowls.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce a try the next time you’re craving something quick, healthy, and bursting with big flavor. They’re as fun to make as they are delicious to devour—trust me, this recipe will have a place on your table all year long!
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Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic & Scallion Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy the umami-rich flavors of enoki mushrooms in a simple yet delicious garlic and scallion sauce. This vegan dish is a perfect side for any Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Enoki Mushrooms:
- 7 ounces enoki mushrooms (trimmed)
Sauce:
- 2 teaspoons neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 scallions (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional for added depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Enoki Mushrooms: Trim the mushrooms, rinse, and steam for 3–4 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Sauté garlic in oil, then add scallions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and water. Simmer for 1 minute.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the mushrooms. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve.
Notes
- You can pan-sear the mushrooms for a different texture.
- For a spicy variation, add chili flakes or chili oil to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 plate
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
