Baby Corn and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry – A Nutritious and Light Vietnamese Dish

The baby corn and shiitake mushroom stir-fry is a perfect blend of the sweet taste of young corn and the distinctive aroma of shiitake mushrooms. This dish is not only a staple in Vietnamese family meals but also an ideal choice for vegetarian days. Let’s explore how to prepare this dish with a detailed recipe and helpful cooking tips!

Baby Corn and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry – A Nutritious and Light Dish

Origin and Significance of Baby Corn and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry

The baby corn and shiitake mushroom stir-fry originates from the rustic Vietnamese cuisine, using simple ingredients like young corn and shiitake mushrooms to create a nutritious dish. The natural sweetness of corn combined with the rich aroma of shiitake mushrooms evokes a sense of familiarity and warmth.

This dish was often served in family meals of the past when there were honored guests. The aroma spreading from the small kitchen brought people closer together and fostered love. Today, the dish retains its traditional value while becoming a popular choice in daily menus.

Ingredients Needed

To make baby corn and shiitake mushroom stir-fry, you will need the following ingredients:

• Baby corn: 300g (choose fresh, young corn, free from pests).
• Shiitake mushrooms: 100g (you can use dried or fresh mushrooms, with a preference for dried ones for their stronger aroma).
• Onion: 1 small.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves.
• Scallions, cilantro: A small amount.
• Seasonings: Cooking oil, soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, vegetarian oyster sauce (if vegetarian).

Note: If using dried shiitake mushrooms, soak them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse and squeeze dry. The soaking water can be kept to enhance the sweetness of the dish.

Fresh Ingredients for Baby Corn and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry

How to Prepare Baby Corn and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Baby corn: Rinse, cut in half or into thirds depending on size. Blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to retain the vibrant green color.
• Shiitake mushrooms: Rinse, remove the stems. If using dried mushrooms, soak until soft, rinse, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Onion: Slice into wedges.
• Garlic: Mince finely.
• Scallions, cilantro: Chop finely.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Stir-Fry Baby Corn

• Heat cooking oil in a pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
• Add baby corn and stir-fry quickly over high heat for 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and sugar to enhance the flavor. Then, remove the corn from the pan.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Shiitake Mushrooms and Onion

• Use the same pan used for the corn, add a bit more oil if needed.
• Add onion and stir-fry until slightly translucent, then add shiitake mushrooms.
• Season with soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, pepper, and MSG (if desired) to taste. Stir-fry until the mushrooms are soft and well-seasoned.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

• Add the stir-fried baby corn back into the pan with the mushrooms, gently mix.
• Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, adjust seasoning to taste.
• Turn off the heat, sprinkle with chopped scallions and cilantro.

Step 5: Presentation and Enjoyment

• Serve the dish on a plate, garnish with a few sprigs of cilantro or sliced chili flowers.
• Baby corn and shiitake mushroom stir-fry is delicious when served hot with white rice or bread.

Beautiful Presentation of Baby Corn and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry

Tips for a Delicious Dish

• High Heat Stir-Frying: Helps keep the corn and mushrooms crisp, not mushy.
• Add Sesame Oil: Drizzle a bit of sesame oil before turning off the heat to enhance the aroma.
• Variety in Ingredients: You can add carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers to make the dish more diverse.

Nutritional Value of the Dish

Baby corn and shiitake mushroom stir-fry is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients:

• Baby corn: Provides fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
• Shiitake mushrooms: Rich in protein, vitamin D, and antioxidants.
• Onion: Supports the immune system and protects heart health.

Conclusion

Baby corn and shiitake mushroom stir-fry is an excellent choice for family meals due to its light flavor, ease of preparation, and nutritional richness. Try out the recipe above to create an appealing dish that brings joy to your family! Don’t forget to share your results with us.

Wishing you success and enjoyable meals!