Black fungus mushrooms, also known as wood ear mushrooms or cloud ear mushrooms, are commonly used in Asian cuisine. They have a unique texture and flavor that adds a wonderful touch to various dishes. Here’s a simple method for cooking black fungus mushrooms:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried black fungus mushrooms
- Water for soaking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Soak the mushrooms: Place the dried black fungus mushrooms in a bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak for about 30 minutes or until they have softened. Drain the water and rinse the mushrooms to remove any impurities. Trim off the tough stems if necessary.
2. Prepare the ingredients: Mince the garlic and grate the ginger if you’re using it. Set aside.
3. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
4. Sauté the aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
5. Add the mushrooms: Add the soaked and drained black fungus mushrooms to the skillet or wok. Stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors from the garlic and ginger.
6. Season the mushrooms: Add soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) to the skillet or wok. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, coating the mushrooms evenly with the sauces. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet or wok from the heat and transfer the cooked black fungus mushrooms to a serving dish. Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for garnish if desired. Serve hot as a side dish or as an ingredient in stir-fries, soups, or noodle dishes.
Enjoy your deliciously cooked black fungus mushrooms!