Maitake Mushrooms (Info & Recipe!)

Maitake mushrooms have feathery edges and an earthy, peppery flavor! Here’s more information on this strain and a delicious recipe on how to prepare it.

What are those delicate, feathery tufts that look a bit like a bloated chicken? They are Maitake Mushrooms! We are big mushroom lovers and have made it our goal to try them all. So imagine our delight when we found maitake mushrooms on the shelf at our local grocery store. Over, mushrooms! Maitake has an earthy, peppery flavor: and this recipe makes the most of its unique and beautiful flavor. Here’s a little more on why you should have some when you see them: and a delicious maitake mushroom recipe (head there in a moment).

What is a Maitake Mushroom?

Is it worth experimenting with the maitake mushroom in the kitchen? yes we think so Here’s what you need to know about this unique species of mushroom:

• Maitake Mushroom (Rebellious Grifola) is an edible mushroom that grows at the base of trees; It is light brown and grows in feathery clumps. Also known as the hen of the forest mushroom, it is native to North America, Europe and China. It has been consumed in China and Japan for centuries; As a matter of fact, Maitake Means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese.
• Where to find it You can find this type of mushroom at some grocery stores, health food stores, farmers markets, or you can search for it.
• Are there any health benefits? It could be. Some studies have shown that maitake mushroom may be better than other mushrooms at preventing or treating cancer (source). This variety is also high in antioxidants, vitamins B and C, and fiber, among other nutrients.
• How Does a Maitake Mushroom Taste? It has a strong earthy, peppery flavor and is best served cooked. When cooking, be sure to balance them with robust savory and salty flavors.

How to store and clean them

Do you get your maitake mushrooms from the store or from the market? Great! Here’s how to store them if you have them at home and clean them before cooking:

• Store the mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator (not a production drawer). You can leave them in their packaging. However, the best way to store mushrooms is in a paper bag where they can breathe. For good air circulation, keep them in the main part of the fridge, not in the drawer.
• Clean them up with a quick rinse. If you see dirt, quickly rinse the mushrooms. Don’t soak them or they may get mushy.

How to cook maitake mushrooms

Maitake mushrooms have a robust, almost peppery flavor, so you need to balance that with lots of savory, salty flavors when cooking. The sautéed maitake mushrooms recipe below combines them with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic in a Japanese-style concoction. Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe):

• Use your fingers to pull them out into 3 inch slices. You don’t need a knife here! Just separate them with your fingers, which preserves the organic shapes.
• Fry over medium heat for 2 minutes on one side, then 1 on the other. We like to use sesame oil (standard, unroasted).
• Add spices and cook 1 minute. Minced garlic, soy sauce and a touch of sriracha.

Ways to Serve Maitake Mushrooms

There are many other ways to serve maitake mushrooms after you’ve cooked them. Just eat them as a side, or try one of these ideas:

This Maitake Mushroom Recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Other types of mushrooms

There are so many other types of mushrooms to try! Try them all: