Shiitake Mushroom Pasta Recipe (Vegan)

Learn how to make Japanese-flavored shiitake mushroom pasta! Savor this pasta's rich, umami taste, crafted using fresh and firm shiitake mushrooms!

This shiitake mushroom pasta is perfect for those who love Japanese shiitake mushrooms. With its bold flavors and satisfying texture, it's sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!

And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make! With simple steps and ingredients, you can have delicious shiitake pasta on the table in no time!

This recipe is for you if:
• You love shiitake mushrooms.
• You are looking for an easy shiitake mushroom pasta recipe.
• You are looking for shiitake mushroom recipes.

Let me show you how to make it. If you want to check the recipe immediately, please visit the link below. Let's get started!

Jump to:

• About this Recipe
• 📋 Ingredients
• Shiitake Mushrooms
• 🔪Instructions
• Helpful Tips
• How to Pick Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms
• Variations
• What To Serve With
• Thanks For Stopping By!
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

About this Recipe

• Japanese-flavored shiitake pasta
• Easy pasta recipe with simple ingredients
• Vegan recipe

📋 Ingredients

Here are the ingredients (amounts are in the recipe card below).

• Long pasta - Spaghetti works well in this recipe, but you can also use any other type of long pasta or even yakisoba noodles.

• Salt for cooking pasta

• Shiitake mushrooms - See below.

• Onion - Medium-sized onion.

• Olive oil - Use good quality olive oil for sautéing the mushrooms and onions. You can also drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil over the pasta before serving it for extra flavor.

• Soy sauce - is a liquid condiment made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. It is a fundamental ingredient in Japanese cooking, which adds umami flavor to various dishes.

• Garlic - Grate a garlic clove.

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are flavorful mushrooms and pantry staples in Japan. They are round, thick, and have a meaty texture similar to portobello mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms have a distinctive earthy flavor, often described as savory or umami.

Fresh shiitake mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. They can be sautéed, roasted, or used in soups to add rich umami flavor to the dish. In contrast, dried shiitake mushrooms are a key ingredient in Japanese cuisine, particularly in making dashi stock, commonly used as a base for soups and sauces.

Shiitake mushrooms and other varieties of mushrooms are a nutritious choice as they are high in dietary fiber and contain vitamin D. They may also offer some health benefits and help support the immune system. If you are seeking a healthy food option, adding shiitake mushrooms is excellent!

🔪Instructions

Let me guide you through the step-by-step process of making this simple shiitake mushroom pasta!

1. Cook pasta
2. Slice the vegetables
3. Saute the onion
4. Saute the shiitake
5. Sauce
6. Pasta water
7. Add the pasta
8. Season with salt and pepper

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

Separate the stems from the shiitake mushroom caps. Remove the tough tips of the stem, then slice the stems and caps thinly. Slice the onion thinly.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until tender.

Step 4

Add the sliced Shiitake mushrooms and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until tender.

Step 5

Add the soy sauce and grated garlic to the skillet and stir to combine.

Step 6

Add ½ cup of pasta water, bring the sauce to a simmer, and cook for a couple of minutes.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully incorporated in the sauce.

Serve

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, serve, and enjoy the delicious pasta!

Helpful Tips

• You don't need to clean the mushrooms with water. They quickly absorb moisture and can lose their flavor and aroma if washed. If there is light dirt, you can easily remove it by wiping it with a paper towel.
• Choose fresh and firm shiitake mushrooms. Avoid mushrooms that are slimy or have a strong, unpleasant odor. See the details below.
• Save some of the pasta water. The starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce if it becomes too thick.

How to Pick Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms

To select tasty shiitake mushrooms, check their shape and color. Follow these guidelines for choosing the best ones:

• Look for thick, brown, and glossy caps that are not entirely flat but have a domed shape.
• Check that the back of the cap is whitish and the pleats are firm.
• Ensure the stem is thick and short.

Avoid choosing shiitake with brown backs, as this indicates they are not fresh. Avoid choosing them altogether if you notice a sour smell, as they may have gone bad.

Variations

If you're looking to add some extra flavor to your shiitake mushroom pasta, here are a few more pasta sauce variations to consider:

• Savory miso sauce - Adding miso paste to your pasta sauce can create a savory umami flavor. Whisk together one teaspoon of miso paste and soy sauce to make a flavorful sauce.
• Simple tomato sauce - A classic tomato sauce can be a great addition to shiitake mushroom pasta. You can add some tomato paste after adding soy sauce and garnish with dried herbs like oregano and basil to taste.
• Creamy sauce - A creamy sauce can add richness and depth to your shiitake mushroom pasta. Add coconut milk or a dairy-free option along with soy sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Add some chopped herbs like fresh parsley or basil for extra flavor.

To enhance the flavor, add some garnishes like kosher salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or lemon juice. These simple touches can take your shiitake mushroom pasta to the next level!

What To Serve With

While shiitake mushroom pasta can certainly be enjoyed on its own, serving it with a salad and soup can make for a satisfying and complete meal!

• Shiitake mushroom pasta
• Creamy Shiitake Mushroom Soup
• Wakame Seaweed Salad

Thanks For Stopping By!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog♡. If you've tried this recipe (or any other recipe on the blog), please give it a star rating below!

Also, feel free to leave comments if you have any questions. I love hearing from you!

Chef JA Cooks is a Japanese food blog that shares simple and healthy Japanese home cooking recipes, including vegan and vegetarian. From traditional Japanese recipes to modern recipes with step-by-step instructions.

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• Easy Sauteed Shiitake Mushrooms
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• Panko Crusted Fried Shiitake Mushrooms
• Mushroom Miso Soup
• Shiitake and Kombu Dashi (Vegan Dashi)

📖 Recipe