Braised Bamboo and Mushrooms

Braised Bamboo and Mushrooms is a timeless Chinese dish, rich with savory flavors and symbolic significance. It is often featured during Lunar New Year celebrations, representing good fortune and a harmonious start to the year. This is one of my favorite vegetarian dishes 斋菜 to eat!

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Celebrate the Lunar New Year with this delicious and meaningful dish, bringing flavor and good fortune to your table! It symbolizes purity and renewal for the near year. This simple yet tasty dish has the umami-packed shiitake mushrooms and tender bamboo shoots, glazed with a delicious sauce.

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What is Braised Bamboo and Mushrooms?

Braised Bamboo and Shiitake Mushrooms is a traditional Chinese dish made with bamboo shoots, dried shiitake mushrooms, and a savory sauce. The braising technique imparts deep flavor, while the combination of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and ginger creates an irresistible glaze. This dish not only pleases the palate but also holds cultural importance, symbolizing longevity and unity—perfect for the Lunar New Year.

Here’s Why You Will Love Braised Bamboo and Mushrooms

• Rich and Savory Flavor: The umami-packed mushrooms and tender bamboo shoots soak up the flavorful sauce for an incredible taste.
• Cultural Significance: Perfect for celebrating the Lunar New Year, this dish combines tradition and taste in every bite.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Despite its complex flavors, the dish is simple enough for weeknight cooking.
• Perfect pairing: This makes a delicious side dish or use it as a part of a shared Chinese meal, just like the restaurant!
• Vegetarian: Sometimes I am craving a meatless meal. Serve this with rice.

Equipment and Tools to Make Braised Bamboo and Mushrooms

Wok or deep skillet

Cutting board and knife

Measuring spoons and cups

Large bowl for soaking mushrooms

Ingredients

Alright, let’s make our shopping list! To make this recipe, you will need…

Dried shiitake mushrooms: large in size, reserve the soaking water

Bamboo shoots: fresh or canned. I prefer fresh!

Ginger: an aromatic

Seasoning: oyster sauce, light and dark soy sauce, sugar

How to Make Braised Bamboo and Mushrooms

Let’s make this dish!

Prepare the Ingredients: Be sure the dried shiitake mushrooms are rehydrated. Reserve the soaking water, remove the stems, and slice the caps in half. Slice the ginger and bamboo shoots on a diagonal.

Heat the Oil: In a wok or deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ginger and stir-fry until aromatic.

Cook the Mushrooms and Bamboo Shoots: Add the sliced mushrooms and bamboo shoots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes to release their fragrance.

Add Seasonings: Stir in oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Pour in water and the reserved mushroom soaking liquid.

Braise: Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together. If you prefer a thicker sauce, uncover and cook on medium to high for 1 minute until sauce thickens.

Serve: Transfer to a serving plate and serve hot.

Braised Bamboo and Mushrooms Options and Substitutions

Want to mix things up with this recipe? Feel free to…

• Bamboo Shoots Substitutes: Use canned, fresh or frozen bamboo shoots, or swap them for baby corn or celery.
• Mushroom Options: Fresh shiitake, button mushrooms, or wood ear mushrooms can work well.
• Vegan Option: Replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian mushroom-based sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen the sauce.

Make Ahead Options

Soak the dried mushrooms and slice the bamboo shoots ahead of time to save prep time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. The dish itself can also be made a day in advance and reheated before serving.

Recipe Tips

Reserve the mushroom soaking liquid for extra flavor in the sauce.

Don’t overcook the bamboo shoots to retain their crunchy texture.

Use a wide wok or skillet to ensure even cooking.

Serve with freshly cooked rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Braised Bamboo and Mushrooms taste like? Braised Bamboo and Mushrooms has a rich, umami flavor from the shiitake mushrooms, crunch from the bamboo shoots, balanced by the slight sweetness and saltiness of the sauce.

What goes well with Braised Bamboo and Mushrooms? Steamed white rice, stir fried vegetables, dumplings and longevity noodles pair well with this dish for the lunar new year.

Can I use fresh bamboo shoots? Yes, but ensure they are properly peeled and boiled to remove any bitterness before using.

Is this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce alternative to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd? Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger wok or skillet.

Hungry for More Lunar New Year Recipes?

Chinese Braised Mushrooms

Chili Oil Dumplings

Taro Cake

Yi Mein

Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp

Chinese Turnip Cake

Lastly, if you make my Braised Bamboo and Mushrooms be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a star rating! I love to hear from you guys and respond to each and every comment. Also, don’t forget to tag me @cookwith.chopsticks and #cookwithchopsticks on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you have made makes me sooooo happy! You can also follow along on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest.