Umami-Rich Shiitake Mushroom Stir-fry

This umami-rich shiitake mushroom stir-fry is a quick and easy way to get your veggies in. The shiitake mushrooms are packed with flavor, and the coconut aminos and rice vinegar add a delicious tang. Serve over rice or noodles, if desired.

I first had this dish at a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. I was immediately hooked on the savory flavors of the shiitake mushrooms and the tangy sauce. I asked the chef for the recipe, and he was kind enough to share it with me. I've been making this dish ever since, and it's always a hit with my friends and family.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup coconut aminos
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ground ginger

Instructions

1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shiitake mushrooms and cook until browned.
3. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and ground ginger.
5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Serve over rice or noodles, if desired.

Why It Works

• The shiitake mushrooms are a great source of umami, which is the fifth taste sense. Umami is often described as savory or meaty, and it's responsible for the delicious flavor of this dish.
• The coconut aminos and rice vinegar add a delicious tang to the dish. Coconut aminos is a naturally fermented soy sauce alternative that has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Rice vinegar is a mild vinegar that adds a bit of acidity to the dish.
• The sesame oil adds a nutty flavor to the dish. Sesame oil is made from roasted sesame seeds, and it has a rich, nutty flavor that complements the other flavors in this dish.