Chinese Stir Fried Mushrooms (Garlic Soy Mushrooms)

These Chinese Stir Fried Mushrooms (蒜炒蘑菇) are one of my favorite easy vegetable side dishes. Mushrooms are stir fried with plenty of garlic, a splash of rice wine, soy sauce, and just a little sugar for a savory sauce that lets the mushrooms themselves shine.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• About the Ingredients
• How to Stir Fry Mushrooms with Oyster Sauce (Step by Step)
• Tina's Tips
• What to Serve with Chinese Stir Fried Mushrooms
• Storage & Reheating
• FAQ
• Chinese Stir Fried Mushrooms Recipe
• More Delicious Mushroom Recipes
• Pin for later!

The flavor actually reminds me of the mushrooms you sometimes get at Chinese buffets, but this version is a little lighter and less saucy. You still get that savory, slightly sweet flavor without coating the mushrooms in a thick brown sauce.

You can also add chopped red chili peppers if you like a little heat, then finish everything with green onions.

After making this dish different ways over the years, I've found that this simple combination is my favorite. The rice wine adds flavor without making the mushrooms heavy or overly saucy, while the soy sauce and small amount of sugar balance everything out.

It comes together in about 15 minutes and is perfect served alongside rice and your favorite Chinese dishes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: The whole dish takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Simple ingredients: You only need mushrooms, garlic, oil, rice wine, soy sauce, and a little sugar.
• Chinese buffet-inspired flavor: The savory, slightly sweet flavor reminds me of Chinese buffet-style mushrooms, but this version is lighter and not as thick or saucy.
• Lots of mushroom flavor: Instead of covering the mushrooms in a heavy sauce, this version keeps the seasoning simple so their natural savory flavor comes through.
• Easy to customize: Add red chili peppers for heat or sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving.
• Great Chinese veggie side: Serve it with steamed rice and a protein for an easy homemade Chinese meal.

About the Ingredients

Mushrooms

I usually make this with white button mushrooms, but cremini mushrooms work great too and have a slightly deeper flavor.

You can slice the mushrooms, halve them, or quarter larger ones. I personally like keeping them a little thicker so they stay juicy and don't shrink down too much while cooking.

Garlic

Garlic is one of the main flavors in this dish, so I use plenty of it.

Add it to the hot oil first and stir fry just until fragrant before adding the mushrooms. You don't want the garlic to brown too much or it can become bitter.

Red Chili Pepper

This is completely optional, but I like adding chopped fresh red chili pepper when I want a little heat.

Add it at the same time as the garlic.

Rice Wine

This is one of the ingredients that really makes a difference.

Once the mushrooms have cooked down and started releasing their juices, add a splash of rice wine. It adds fragrance and another layer of savory flavor without making the sauce heavy.

I usually use Taiwanese rice wine.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce seasons the mushrooms and adds plenty of umami.

I prefer adding it toward the end of cooking after the rice wine.

My favorite soy sauce is Wan Ja Shan Organic Aged Soy Sauce.

Sugar

Just a small amount of sugar balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. You don't want the mushrooms to taste sweet - it's just enough to round out the sauce.

Green Onions

Chopped green onions are optional, but they're great sprinkled over the mushrooms right before serving for a little freshness and color.

How to Stir Fry Mushrooms with Oyster Sauce (Step by Step)

First, clean your mushrooms and slice, halve, or quarter them depending on their size.

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chopped garlic and optional red chili pepper. Stir fry for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Add the mushrooms.

Stir fry for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and begin releasing their juices.

Add the rice wine and toss everything together.

Let it cook briefly so the alcohol cooks off and the mushrooms absorb the flavor.

Add soy sauce and a small amount of sugar.

Continue stir frying for another minute or two, until the mushrooms are tender and coated in the sauce.

Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired.

Remove from heat and serve!

Tina's Tips

Don't overcrowd the pan if you're doubling the recipe. Too many mushrooms at once can cause them to steam instead of stir fry.

Keep the mushrooms a little thicker if you prefer a meatier texture.

Let the mushrooms cook before adding the rice wine and soy sauce. They'll release quite a bit of liquid at first, and giving them a little time helps concentrate their flavor.

Add the soy sauce and sugar toward the end rather than at the beginning. This seasons the mushrooms without making them simmer in sauce for the entire cooking time.

What to Serve with Chinese Stir Fried Mushrooms

These mushrooms are a simple vegetable side dish, so I usually serve them as part of a meal with steamed white rice and another protein dish.

They would be especially good with:

• Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
• Beef and Onion Stir Fry
• Mapo Tofu
• Pan Seared Fish With Ginger, Scallions, and Soy
• Chinese Chicken Mushroom Soup
• Tomato Egg Stir Fry

You can also serve them with noodles or add them to a larger vegetable spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For the best texture, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

You can also microwave them, although the mushrooms may release a little more liquid as they reheat.

I don't recommend freezing this dish because mushrooms can become watery and soft after thawing.

FAQ

Can I use different mushrooms?

Yes. White button mushrooms and cremini mushrooms both work very well. You can also try shiitake mushrooms for a stronger, earthier mushroom flavor.

Do I need oyster sauce?

No. Just rice wine, soy sauce, and a little sugar will work! But if you do want to add more flavor, go for it - oyster sauce is an easy addition if you want the mushrooms a little richer and more savory.

Can I make this spicy?

Absolutely. Add chopped red chili pepper along with the garlic. You can also finish the mushrooms with chili crisp if you want even more heat.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes. Bok choy, snow peas, broccoli, or asparagus would all pair nicely with these flavors, although cooking times will vary depending on what you add.

More Delicious Mushroom Recipes

Love mushrooms? Here are more tasty ways to enjoy them:

• Chinese Chicken Mushrooms Stir Fry - A simple yet flavorful dish made with chicken, mushrooms, scallions, and an optional kick of dried chili peppers.
• Stir Fry Spinach and Mushrooms - Fresh spinach and mushrooms quickly stir fried with garlic, perfect for a light and nutritious side.
• Bok Choy Mushrooms Stir Fry - A quick stir fry of tender bok choy and mushrooms in a savory sauce, perfect veggie side dish!
• Oven Roasted Mushrooms and Zucchini - Roasted in the oven with olive oil and garlic powder, this side dish is easy, healthy, and tasty!

Pin for later!