Shiitake Dashi

Step 1

Gather all the ingredients. Check if there are any dust or dirt trapped under the gills of the mushrooms, and if there are, use a pastry brush to clean. Do not wash it under water.

Step 2

Ideally, you want to make shiitake dashi ahead of time. Place the mushrooms in a mason jar or an airtight container and pour cold water to cover the mushrooms (and wet them). Let them soak in the refrigerator for a few hours or preferably overnight. However, if you are in a hurry, place the mushrooms in a bowl and soak them in warm water (body temperature) for 15 minutes or until softened. Put something heavy on top of the mushrooms so that they will be submerged under warm water and become fully re-hydrated.

Step 3

When shiitake mushrooms are tender, squeeze to drain, reserving the liquid.

Step 4

Rehydrated shiitake mushrooms are ready to use. Remove and discard the tough stem of the mushrooms with a knife. You can use these rehydrated shiitake mushrooms as if you use raw shiitake mushrooms.

Step 5

Run the soaking liquid through a fine sieve (catch any dirt etc). Use the concentrated shiitake dashi for cooking, by adding in the sauce, steaming, seasoning, etc. No wasting!

Step 6

If you plan to save for later, you can store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and 1 month in the freezer.

Step 7

Gather all the ingredients. Check if there are any dust or dirt trapped under the gills of the mushrooms, and if there are, use a pastry brush to clean. Do not wash it under water.

Step 8

Soak the shiitake mushrooms in 2 cups water. If you have time, let them soak in the refrigerator for a few hours or preferably overnight. If you’re in a hurry, soak them in warm water for 15 minutes or until softened.

Step 9

After soaking for several hours...

Step 10

When shiitake mushrooms are tender, squeeze to drain, reserving the liquid.

Step 11

Rehydrated shiitake mushrooms are ready to use. Remove and discard the tough stem of the mushrooms with a knife. You can use these rehydrated shiitake mushrooms as if you use raw shiitake mushrooms.

Step 12

Run the soaking liquid through a fine sieve and use it for cooking (this is the shiitake dashi).

Step 13

If you plan to save for later, you can store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and 1 month in the freezer.