Sautéed Shiitake Mushroom Side Dish You’ll Love

If there’s one ingredient that never fails to impress with its rich, savory flavor, it’s shiitake mushrooms. I can still remember the first time I had them sautéed to golden perfection with a hint of garlic and olive oil and I’ve been hooked ever since. This sautéed shiitake mushroom recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want something fast, healthy, and full of that crave-worthy umami goodness.

What I love most is how versatile it is. Whether you’re tossing it over a grain bowl, tucking it into tacos, or just enjoying it as a savory side, this dish always delivers. It’s quick enough for weeknights and fancy enough to serve when friends come over. The texture is tender with a slight crisp at the edges, and the flavor is deep, earthy, and absolutely satisfying. If you’re a mushroom lover, you’re going to want this recipe on repeat.

Here’s Why This Sautéed Shiitake Mushroom Recipe Just Works

I’ve tried countless methods to bring out the best in shiitake mushrooms, and this version nails it every time. Whether you’re working with fresh or rehydrated dried mushrooms, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of simplicity, depth of flavor, and just the right texture. It’s one of those go-to side dishes that instantly elevates any plate.

Here’s why it’s a keeper:

• Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor. You don’t need a ton of stuff, just garlic, oil, and salt, and shiitakes do all the talking.
• It brings umami to everything. Add it to rice, noodles, or toast, and you’ve just upgraded your meal.
• Perfect texture balance. The sauté brings out a juicy yet lightly crisp bite.
• Easily adaptable. Works great for vegan, gluten-free, or paleo lifestyles.
• It’s quick. You’ll be from pan to plate in under 15 minutes.

A Little Prep Makes This Dish Even Easier

This dish comes together fast, but if you want to glide through the cooking process, here’s what I recommend having ready:

• Clean and slice the shiitake mushrooms — remove the stems and wipe the caps with a damp cloth or paper towel.
• Mince your garlic — fresh garlic makes all the difference, so get that chopped early.
• Pre-measure your olive oil or butter — depending on your fat of choice.
• Optional: prep fresh herbs — a little chopped parsley or thyme adds a finishing touch if you’re feeling fancy.

Recipe Card

Sautéed Shiitake Mushrooms Recipe

Recipe by Kenza Edem

0.0 from 0 votes

Difficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories per serving

160

kcal

These umami-packed sautéed shiitake mushrooms with soy sauce and green onions are a flavorful, quick side dish that complements a variety of meals.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)

• 1 tsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance the soy sauce)

• ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: ½ tsp sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

• Prepare the Mushrooms: Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and slice them into even pieces.
• Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable or sesame oil over medium heat.
• Sauté the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pan, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Cook the Mushrooms: Add the shiitake mushrooms to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the oil and garlic. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and release their juices.
• Add Soy Sauce and Vinegar: Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional sugar. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to absorb the flavors.
• Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm as a side dish or over rice.

Notes

• You can substitute tamari for a gluten-free version.
• Adjust the amount of soy sauce to your taste; for a lighter flavor, you can dilute it with water.
• The green onions add a fresh contrast to the rich, umami mushrooms.

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My Go-To Tricks for Nailing This Dish Every Time

• Use Sesame Oil: For an added layer of nutty flavor, use toasted sesame oil instead of vegetable oil.
• Perfect Sear: Sauté the mushrooms over medium-high heat to achieve a golden, caramelized finish without making them soggy.
• Green Onion Garnish: Add the green onions right before serving to keep their freshness and slight crunch.
• Soy Sauce Balance: Add a touch of sugar if your soy sauce is too salty, or balance it with a splash more vinegar for acidity.

What to Serve with Sautéed Shiitake Mushrooms ?

These sautéed shiitake mushrooms are incredibly versatile and complement a wide range of dishes, enhancing both simple and more elaborate meals. Here are some perfect pairings to elevate your dining experience:

• Steamed Rice: This recipe is perfect when paired with plain steamed rice.
• Stir-Fried Noodles: Add these mushrooms as a topping to stir-fried noodles for extra umami.
• Grilled Meat: Serve alongside grilled chicken or beef to complement the rich mushroom flavor.
• Tofu: Add these sautéed mushrooms on top of crispy tofu for a delicious vegetarian meal.

Easy Ways to Make This Dish Your Own

If you’re like me, you love playing around with ingredients based on what’s in the fridge or what your cravings demand. This sautéed shiitake mushroom recipe is super flexible, so here are a few ideas to switch things up!

• Garlic and Thyme Mushrooms: Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme with the garlic for an herby finish.
• Asian-Inspired Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil at the end, plus a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili oil for heat lovers.
• Creamy Finish: Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or dairy-free alternative after cooking for a silky sauce.
• Lemon-Herb Mushrooms: Finish with lemon zest and chopped parsley for a bright, fresh touch.

Frequently Asked Questions for Sautéed Shiitake Mushroom

Give This Sautéed Shiitake Mushroom Recipe a Try!

There’s something about a pan of sizzling shiitake mushrooms that just feels cozy, earthy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re using them to upgrade your lunch bowl or folding them into a weeknight pasta, this recipe brings a touch of restaurant-style richness to your home kitchen and without much effort at all.

If you loved this, you might also enjoy my recipes for Chicken Mushroom Potatoes Rosemary Crock Pot Recipe or Maitake Mushroom Recipe. Keep experimenting, and don’t forget to share your creations, I always love seeing how you make these recipes your own.