Shiitake Mushrooms Stir Fry with Peppers

This Shiitake Mushrooms Stir Fry with Peppers is a quick and healthy veggie dish that comes together in under 20 minutes. Fresh shiitake mushrooms bring an earthy umami flavor, while crisp bell peppers add sweetness and crunch - perfect for a simple side or a light main!

Jump to:

• About Shiitake Mushrooms
• How to Prepare Shiitake Mushrooms
• Where to buy Shiitake Mushrooms
• About Oyster Sauce
• How to Stir Fry Shiitake Mushrooms and Peppers (Step by Step)
• Storage & Reheat
• FAQ
• Shiitake Mushrooms Stir Fry with Peppers Recipe
• More Delicious Asian Shiitake Mushrooms Recipes
• Pin for later!

There are actually so many different types of mushrooms, and shiitake is one of my favorite types. It's so flavorful, and you can make it in soup, stir fries, and more!

About Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms (香菇) are one of the most popular mushrooms in Asian cooking. They're meaty, savory, and packed with umami. You'll often see them in stir fries, soups, hot pots, and noodle dishes.

Fresh shiitake mushrooms have a tender bite, while dried shiitake mushrooms develop a deeper, smoky flavor once rehydrated. For this recipe, I use fresh shiitake because they cook up beautifully in stir fries.

How to Prepare Shiitake Mushrooms

• Remove stems - The stems are fibrous and tough, so snap them off by hand or slice with a knife.
• Clean mushrooms - Shiitake mushrooms can soak up water easily. A quick rinse under cold water followed by patting them dry with a paper towel works well. You can also wipe them with a damp cloth.
• Slice - For this stir fry, slice the caps into strips for even cooking.

Tip: If using dried shiitake, soak in hot water for 20-30 minutes until softened, then slice.

Where to buy Shiitake Mushrooms

There are two types of shiitake mushrooms I cook with - fresh and dried. Fresh is great for stir fries like this dish, while I love using the dried shiitake mushrooms for soups and Taiwanese Rice Noodles Stir Fry,

You can buy both types of shiitake mushrooms at your local Asian supermarket. For dried shiitake mushrooms you can also find them on Amazon!

About Oyster Sauce

One of the ingredients I use is Oyster Sauce, so I thought I'd introduce it to you in case you're not familiar with this sauce.

I get this question a lot - is Oyster sauce actually made with Oysters?

Yes! Oyster extracts are simmered with sugar, salt, and cornstarch. But don't worry if you dislike seafood - it doesn't taste fishy at all. I grew up eating it without even realizing it was made from oysters.

However, if you are vegan or vegetarian, you are in luck!

Vegetarian mushroom "oyster" sauce is made with mushrooms instead of oysters! It's rich, umami-packed, and honestly, I sometimes prefer it over the regular version.

On Amazon:

L.k.k Panda Brand Oyster Sauce

Lee Kum Kee Premium Oyster Flavored Sauce

Kikkoman Oyster Flavored Sauce

Vegetarian Mushroom Oyster Sauce (Vegan/Vegetarian)

How to Stir Fry Shiitake Mushrooms and Peppers (Step by Step)

First, gather your ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil of choice
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 bell pepper (green, red or yellow works), sliced
• 2 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce - see notes)

Trim and discard the tough shiitake stems, then rinse the caps quickly and pat completely dry. Slice the caps into even strips. Core and seed the bell pepper and slice into thin strips. Smash the garlic cloves to release their aroma. (If using dried shiitake, soak in hot water 20-30 minutes until soft, squeeze dry, then slice.)

Place a wok or large skillet over medium heat and add the oil. When the oil looks thin and shimmery, add the smashed garlic and stir-fry for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant-don't let it brown.

Add the bell pepper strips and toss for about 1 minute to coat in the garlicky oil. You're just taking the raw edge off while keeping them crisp-tender.

Add the sliced shiitake to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. The mushrooms will soften, release a little moisture, and shrink slightly-this is your cue that they're cooking through.

Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (use mushroom "oyster" sauce to keep it vegan). Toss continuously so every slice is glossy and evenly seasoned. If the pan looks dry, add 1-2 teaspoons of water to help the sauces coat.

Keep stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms look shiny with a light glaze. Taste and adjust-more soy for salt, a splash of water if you want it saucier.

Remove from heat and plate immediately while the peppers are still crisp and the mushrooms juicy. Serve as a side, or over steamed rice or noodles for a light main.

Storage & Reheat

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, since mushrooms can turn rubbery when frozen and thawed.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts until heated through.

FAQ

Can I use dried shiitake mushrooms instead of fresh?
Yes! Soak dried shiitake in hot water for 20-30 minutes until soft, then slice and cook as directed. They'll have an even deeper, smokier flavor.

Is this recipe vegan?
It can be! Just use vegetarian mushroom "oyster" sauce instead of regular oyster sauce.

What other vegetables work well in this stir fry?
Onions, carrots, snap peas, broccoli, napa cabbage or bok choy all make great additions.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the mushrooms and bell peppers a day in advance and keep them in the fridge. For best texture, stir fry right before serving.

Can I make it spicy?
Yes - add sliced fresh chili peppers, a drizzle of chili oil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the mushrooms.

More Delicious Asian Shiitake Mushrooms Recipes

• Make it a meal by making this Chicken Shiitake Mushrooms Stir Fry! The chicken is juicy and tender and the shiitake mushrooms suck up all the delicious sauce and is so flavorful!
• If you want to try a delicious and easy veggie side dish, check out this Shiitake Mushrooms Napa Cabbage Stir Fry!
• For a tasty crisp to your dish, try this Snap Peas Shiitake Mushrooms Stir Fry - the snap peas add a refreshing sweetness and crunch.
• And last but not least, this Bok Choy Shiitake Mushrooms Stir Fry is an easy veggie side dish that is also delicious as well!

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