Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic and Scallion Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings out the best of these delicate mushrooms. This vegan-friendly dish features a quick, savory black bean and chipotle-infused sauce poured over tender enoki mushrooms. It’s a great option as a side dish or a light main course, with the perfect balance of crunch and umami-rich sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 14 ounces (400g) enoki mushrooms

• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sesame)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce

• ½ teaspoon sugar

• 1 scallion, finely chopped

Directions

1. Prepare the Mushrooms: Trim about 1-inch from the root section of the enoki mushrooms. Tear them into small, bite-sized bundles, rinse clean, and drain.

2. Blanch the Mushrooms: Bring a wok or large pot of water to a boil. Add the enoki mushrooms in two batches, cooking each batch for about 1 minute. Drain the water and transfer the mushrooms to a serving plate.

3. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 10 seconds (do not brown). Add the soy sauce, sugar, and chopped scallions, and bring to a boil.

4. Combine: Once the sauce is boiling, turn off the heat. Pour the sauce over the prepared enoki mushrooms and serve immediately.

Nutrients

Per Serving (Approx.)

• Calories: 112 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 7g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Sodium: 758mg

• Potassium: 385mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 30 IU

• Vitamin C: 1.1mg

• Calcium: 5mg

• Iron: 1.5mg

The Unique Appeal of Enoki Mushrooms

Enoki mushrooms are a distinctive type of mushroom that stands out due to their long, thin stems and small, delicate caps. These mushrooms have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s enhanced when cooked. They are often used in East Asian cuisine, where their delicate texture and ability to absorb sauces and seasonings make them a popular choice in soups, stir-fries, and hot pots.

In this dish, enoki mushrooms are blanched briefly to maintain their signature crunch while still absorbing the savory flavors of the sauce. The result is a dish where the mushrooms retain their delicate texture, while the umami-rich garlic and soy sauce coat them perfectly, enhancing their flavor without overwhelming them. The lightness of the mushrooms, combined with the bold, garlicky sauce, creates a wonderfully balanced dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

The Sauce: The Heart of the Dish

The sauce in this recipe is where the magic happens. The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and scallions creates a savory base that enhances the natural flavor of the enoki mushrooms. Garlic provides a deep, aromatic flavor that infuses the sauce, while soy sauce adds the perfect amount of saltiness and umami. A small amount of sugar adds a hint of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce, creating a complex flavor profile that complements the delicate mushrooms.

The addition of chopped scallions gives the sauce an extra layer of freshness and crunch, brightening up the dish while also providing a contrast to the richness of the soy sauce and garlic. The simplicity of the sauce, combined with the natural flavor of the mushrooms, creates a dish that feels sophisticated yet accessible. It’s an excellent example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a wonderfully flavorful dish.

The Versatility of Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic and Scallion Sauce

Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic and Scallion Sauce is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a variety of occasions. It can easily be served as a light, vegan-friendly main course, offering a satisfying yet healthy option for those following a plant-based diet. The crunchy texture of the mushrooms paired with the savory sauce makes for a dish that is both light and fulfilling.

Alternatively, this dish makes an excellent side to accompany a variety of meals. It pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or tofu dishes, and could easily be included as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal. Whether served alongside stir-fries, dumplings, or vegetable dishes, this recipe enhances the overall meal with its vibrant flavor and satisfying texture.

For a more substantial meal, you can add additional protein, such as tempeh or tofu, to make the dish heartier. The mushrooms and sauce are also a great accompaniment to a vegetable-based stir-fry, providing a crunchy texture and umami richness that balances out the flavors of other vegetables.

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare. The total time for this dish is only about 20-25 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a last-minute side dish. The mushrooms are blanched briefly in hot water, which helps to soften them while maintaining their signature crunch. The sauce is prepared in a matter of minutes by simply heating oil, sautéing garlic, and adding the soy sauce, sugar, and scallions.

Since this recipe doesn’t require long cooking times or complex techniques, it’s ideal for home cooks of all levels. The simplicity of the preparation, paired with the vibrant flavors, makes it an approachable dish that doesn’t require a lot of time or ingredients to create something truly delicious.

Nutritional Benefits

Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic and Scallion Sauce offers a variety of nutritional benefits, making it a healthy addition to any meal. At just 112 calories per serving, this dish is light yet filling. The enoki mushrooms themselves are low in calories and fat, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. They are also a good source of fiber, with 3 grams per serving, which helps with digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.

The sauce, made with soy sauce, garlic, and scallions, is rich in umami and low in fat, while still providing essential sodium, potassium, and trace amounts of calcium and iron. The dish is vegan-friendly, and with the light use of oil and soy sauce, it maintains a relatively low fat content (7g per serving), making it suitable for those looking for healthier meal options without compromising on flavor.

The addition of garlic not only enhances the flavor but also offers a variety of health benefits. Garlic is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved heart health and immune function.

Customization and Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences. If you prefer a spicier version, you can add more fresh chili or even a dash of chili paste to the sauce. For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or toasted sesame seeds to the sauce for extra depth.

For those who enjoy a more substantial dish, you can pair the mushrooms with additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or baby bok choy. You could also serve this dish with a side of protein, such as tempeh, tofu, or edamame, to make it a more filling meal.

If you are looking to reduce the sodium content of the dish, you can opt for low-sodium soy sauce, which will still provide the savory umami flavor without the added salt. Additionally, if you don’t have enoki mushrooms on hand, you can easily substitute them with other types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, to achieve a similar result.

Serving Suggestions

Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic and Scallion Sauce can be served as a light, standalone meal or as a side dish. For a full meal, serve the mushrooms with steamed rice, noodles, or a crisp salad. The crunchiness of the mushrooms paired with the savory sauce makes it a perfect side dish to any Asian-inspired meal, and it complements stir-fried vegetables or grilled tofu beautifully.

For an extra touch, garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavor and add freshness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chili flakes can also provide a delightful contrast in texture and spice.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Healthy Vegan Dish

Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic and Scallion Sauce is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines tender, crunchy mushrooms with a savory, umami-rich sauce. The quick preparation and vibrant flavors make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a light, flavorful, and healthy meal. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and customizable elements, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it as a side or a main course, it provides a flavorful and nutritious option that’s perfect for any occasion.