Straw mushroom have long been a beloved ingredient thanks to their versatility in creating countless braised, stir-fried, soup, vegetarian, and savory dishes. These nutritious mushrooms offer a naturally sweet flavor while providing many health benefits. This comprehensive guide will show you various straw mushroom recipes to inspire your daily cooking and diversify your family meals.

1. Preparation before cooking: Secrets to processing & Keeping mushrooms crisp

Proper preparation is the crucial foundation for ensuring straw mushrooms are thoroughly cleaned while maintaining their crispy, plump texture during cooking, helping your final dish achieve the highest quality.

1.1. How to select fresh straw mushrooms & Proper processing techniques

Fresh, quality straw mushrooms should be carefully selected for the straw mushroom recipe, characterized by round caps that haven't fully opened into umbrella shapes, with firm buds that aren't soft or mushy. When processing fresh mushrooms, use a sharp knife to gently scrape and cut away any stem portions with attached straw or dirt, making the mushrooms clean and visually appealing.

Next, soak the mushrooms in diluted salt water for 15-20 minutes to remove slime and impurities. Then, rinse them with clean water and gently squeeze to drain. For dried mushrooms, soak them in diluted salt water, then boil for about 5 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and drain. This method helps avoid purchasing old or moldy mushrooms that could be harmful to health.

1.2. Special tips for delicious, non-shriveling, well-seasoned straw mushrooms

After 15 years of testing hundreds of straw mushroom recipes, the Cicook team has compiled 3 golden tips for cooking straw mushrooms like a professional chef:

Tip 1: Score the mushroom caps for maximum seasoning absorption. Use a sharp knife to cut a cross pattern about 0.5cm deep into the top of each mushroom. This technique creates openings that allow broth and seasonings to penetrate deep into the mushroom flesh, doubling the flavor compared to conventional methods.

Tip 2: Soak in ice water for 5-10 minutes before cooking. After processing, immerse mushrooms in a bowl of ice-cold water for 5-10 minutes. The low temperature causes mushroom cells to contract, creating an excellent crispy texture and reducing mushroom shrinkage by 80% when cooked at high temperatures.

Tip 3: Marinate mushrooms with vegetable oil before cooking. Mix mushrooms evenly with 1-2 tablespoons of sunflower or olive oil before stir-frying or cooking for 10 minutes. This thin oil layer protects the mushroom structure, helps retain moisture, and adds an attractive glossy shine to your dish.

2. Delicious stir-fry and braised straw mushroom recipes

Stir-fried and braised straw mushroom dishes are always top choices for Vietnamese family meals. With cooking times of just 15-25 minutes, these dishes are flavorful while retaining maximum nutrition.

2.1. Straw mushrooms stir-fried with pork - Sweet and tender

This stir-fried pork with straw mushrooms is a classic straw mushroom recipe that every Vietnamese family loves. The combination of tender, aromatic pork and crispy mushrooms creates a wonderfully balanced flavor.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 300g fresh straw mushrooms
• 200g pork shoulder (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• Seasonings: 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1/4 tbsp sugar, pepper, seasoning powder

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Marinate pork with 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 tbsp sugar, and a pinch of pepper for 15 minutes
2. Process mushrooms thoroughly and score crosses on the caps
3. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, add pork and stir-fry over high heat until 70% cooked, then remove
4. Using the remaining oil, stir-fry onions, add straw mushrooms and toss quickly for 2 minutes
5. Season, return pork to the pan, and stir evenly for another 2 minutes to absorb flavors
6. Turn off heat and sprinkle freshly ground pepper just before plating to preserve aroma

Pro tip: Stir-fry meat and mushrooms separately first, then combine them to ensure both ingredients cook evenly without becoming mushy.

2.2. Beef with straw mushrooms - Crispy, nutritious

This beef stir-fry features crispy textures from both ingredients, rich in protein and iron, an ideal dish for those with anemia and children needing immune system support, especially for anyone exploring a simple straw mushroom recipe.

Ingredients:

• 250g beef tenderloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
• 250g straw mushrooms
• 100g celery
• 2 garlic cloves
• Seasonings: 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1/4 tbsp baking soda (to tenderize meat), pepper

Golden process:

1. Marinate beef with baking soda, soy sauce, and 1 tbsp cooking oil for 20 minutes—the secret to restaurant-quality tender meat
2. Stir-fry beef over high heat until about 70% rare, remove separately
3. Quickly stir-fry mushrooms and chopped celery, season to taste
4. Return beef, toss for 30 seconds, then turn off heat immediately to prevent toughness

Nutritional value: One serving provides approximately 280 kcal and 25g protein, perfectly suited for healthy weight loss diets.

2.3. Braised pork with straw mushrooms and eggs - Simple and nutritious

This modern straw mushroom recipe version of braised pork with mushrooms and eggs includes tofu for added plant protein, creating a rich, glossy dish that pairs perfectly with rice.

Ingredients:

• 400g pork belly (minced or coarsely ground)
• 200g straw mushrooms (halved)
• 2 chicken eggs
• 200g fried tofu
• 3 garlic cloves, 2 shallots
• 200ml fresh coconut water
• Seasonings: 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tbsp caramel sauce, pepper

Authentic flavor method:

1. Sauté minced garlic and shallots until fragrant
2. Add meat and stir-fry until firm, season lightly with fish sauce and sugar
3. Pour in coconut water, add caramel sauce, and bring to a boil
4. Reduce heat and braise meat for 10 minutes, then add mushrooms and tofu
5. When mixture begins to thicken, crack 2 eggs and stir gently to incorporate
6. Continue braising for 5-7 minutes until sauce reduces and develops a beautiful glaze

Secret to rich color without excessive saltiness: Use homemade caramel sauce from sugar instead of dark soy sauce to maintain a natural reddish-brown color with shine, without being harshly salty.

2.4. Straw mushrooms braised with green peppercorns - Explosive flavor

This braised dish delivers bold, spicy, and savory notes, perfect for those who love intense flavors that stimulate the palate.

Distinctive ingredients:

• 400g straw mushrooms
• 50g fresh green peppercorns (or 2 tbsp pickled green peppercorns)
• 3 garlic cloves, 2 shallots
• 100ml coconut water
• Seasonings: 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, MSG

Quick braising method:

1. Sauté minced garlic and shallots, add mushrooms and toss for 2 minutes
2. Add crushed green peppercorns, coconut water, fish sauce, and sugar
3. Braise over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring regularly for even seasoning
4. When sauce reduces by about 70%, adjust seasoning and turn off heat

Note: This dish should be braised quickly to maintain mushroom crispness and the fresh spiciness of green peppercorns.

2.5. Octopus stir-fried with sa-te and straw mushrooms - Unique and nutritious

This stir-fried octopus with mushrooms offers a unique combination of seafood and forest mushrooms, delivering a surprising culinary experience often highlighted in many straw mushroom recipe variations.

Ingredients:

• 300g baby octopus (cleaned)
• 200g straw mushrooms
• 2 tbsp sa-te sauce
• 1/2 onion, chili peppers
• Seasonings: fish sauce, sugar, pepper

Professional stir-fry technique:

1. Marinate octopus with 1 tbsp sa-te sauce and 1/2 tbsp fish sauce for 15 minutes
2. Stir-fry mushrooms with remaining 1 tbsp sa-te sauce until fragrant, remove
3. Quickly stir-fry octopus over high heat for 1-2 minutes (don't overcook or it becomes tough), add onions and mushrooms back in, toss for 1 minute and complete

Nutritional value: Octopus is rich in taurine, beneficial for cardiovascular health, combined with fiber-rich mushrooms creating a perfectly healthy dish.

3. Light vegetarian & Healthy dishes

Vegetarian straw mushroom recipes aren't just suitable for vegetarians but also excellent choices for those wanting to lose weight, detoxify, or simply change their palate.

3.1. Straw mushrooms stir-fried with lemongrass, chili, and coconut milk

This vegetarian stir-fry stands out with intense lemongrass aroma and rich coconut milk flavor, creating a captivating taste experience.

Ingredients:

• 400g straw mushrooms
• 3 lemongrass stalks (thinly sliced)
• 2 chili peppers
• 150ml coconut milk
• Seasonings: 1 tbsp mushroom soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp rock sugar, salt

Cooking process:

1. Sauté lemongrass and chili with a little oil until fragrant
2. Add mushrooms and stir-fry evenly for 3 minutes over medium heat
3. Pour in coconut milk, season, and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes for flavors to penetrate
4. This dish is delicious hot or cold, can be refrigerated for 2 days

Health benefits: Coconut milk provides MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) that boost energy and effectively support weight loss.

3.2. Mock beef stir-fried with straw mushrooms - Delicious texture

This vegetarian dish combining mock beef creates a rich meal rivaling non-vegetarian dishes while remaining packed with healthy plant protein.

Ingredients:

• 200g mock beef (sliced)
• 250g straw mushrooms
• 1/2 onion
• Vegetarian seasonings: 1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce, 1 tbsp mushroom soy sauce, pepper

Simple method: Soak mock beef in warm water for 10 minutes, squeeze gently, and marinate with seasonings for 15 minutes. Stir-fry mock beef until golden, remove. Continue stir-frying onions and mushrooms, return mock beef, season and toss for 2 minutes.

3.3. Mixed vegetable stir-fry with straw mushrooms

This colorful vegetarian stir-fry mushroom dish is a perfectly balanced meal with diverse vitamins and minerals from various vegetables, making it a great straw mushroom recipe option for healthy eating.

Rich ingredients:

• 200g straw mushrooms
• 100g carrots (flower-cut)
• 100g broccoli
• 100g king oyster mushrooms
• 100g baby corn
• Complete vegetarian seasonings

Proper vegetable stir-fry technique:

1. Blanch broccoli and carrots for 2 minutes to reduce stir-fry time and maintain bright colors
2. Stir-fry sequentially from hard to soft vegetables: carrots, broccoli, baby corn, king oyster mushrooms, finally straw mushrooms
3. Season everything together and toss evenly

Nutritional value: One plate provides complete vitamins A, C, K, and soluble fiber for better digestion.

3.4. Simple soy-braised straw mushrooms

This simplest braised mushroom dish is extremely rice-friendly, suitable for quick vegetarian meals with limited cooking time, and fits well within any beginner-friendly straw mushroom recipe collection.

Minimal recipe: Braise 400g straw mushrooms with 2 tbsp mushroom soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, and 200ml water for 15 minutes. When sauce thickens and mushrooms absorb a glossy brown color, they're ready.

3.5. Healthy low-carb chicken with straw mushrooms

A healthy version of mushroom stir-fry for dieters, using wholesome seasonings and convenient canned mushrooms.

Healthy ingredients:

• 250g chicken breast
• 200g straw mushrooms (can use rinsed canned mushrooms)
• Seasonings: 1 tbsp coconut aminos (soy sauce substitute), 1/2 tbsp olive oil, garlic, ginger, pepper

Low-carb preparation: Stir-fry minced garlic and ginger with olive oil, add chicken and stir-fry until medium-rare, add mushrooms and coconut aminos. This dish uses no sugar, reduces sodium, suitable for diabetics and Keto diets.

Note: Cicook canned straw mushrooms are pre-processed and only need rinsing without complex preparation.

4. How to cook straw mushrooms in soups, porridges, and stews

Liquid-based mushroom dishes are ideal choices for sick people, elderly, children, or days when your body needs lightness, exactly the kind of comfort featured in a classic straw mushroom recipe.

4.1. Nutritious chicken soup with straw mushrooms

Chicken and mushroom soup is a classic nourishing dish in Vietnamese cuisine, especially suitable for postpartum women and children needing immune system enhancement.

Ingredients (serves 6):

• 1/2 free-range chicken (about 600g)
• 300g fresh straw mushrooms
• 5 slices fresh ginger
• Scallions, cilantro
• Seasonings: salt, MSG, pepper

Rich soup cooking process:

1. Rinse chicken clean, blanch in boiling water to remove impurities
2. Place chicken in pot with 2 liters filtered water, ginger, and bring to boil
3. Skim foam for first 5 minutes for clear broth
4. Simmer on low heat for 40 minutes until chicken is tender and broth is sweet
5. Add processed mushrooms, cook for another 10 minutes
6. Season to taste, turn off heat, sprinkle chopped scallions and cilantro

Nutritional value: Chicken mushroom soup is rich in collagen, protein, and polysaccharides from mushrooms—an excellent nutrient combination for skin and immune system, commonly praised in traditional straw mushroom recipe guides.

Variation: Add 50g lotus seeds or 30g goji berries during simmering to increase nutritional value and naturally sweeten the broth.

4.2. Refreshing papaya and straw mushroom soup

This papaya mushroom soup recipe is refreshingly cool, perfect for summer, while supporting digestion and beautifying skin.

Ingredients:

• 300g green papaya (shredded or cut into wedges)
• 200g straw mushrooms
• 150g pork spare ribs (or omit for vegetarian version)
• Seasonings: salt, MSG

Simple cooking method:

1. Simmer ribs in cold water for 20 minutes, skim foam clean
2. Add papaya and cook for 15 minutes until soft
3. Add mushrooms and cook for another 7-10 minutes, season to taste
4. Soup has natural sweetness from papaya and mushrooms, doesn't need much seasoning

Health benefits: Papain enzyme in green papaya effectively supports protein digestion, combined with mushroom fiber helps maintain healthy digestive system.

4.3. Fragrant straw mushroom porridge for babies

Mushroom porridge is an ideal weaning food for children 8 months and older, providing protein and essential minerals for development, and can be adapted easily into a gentle straw mushroom recipe for toddlers.

Baby-friendly ingredients:

• 50g white rice (or brown rice for older children)
• 100g straw mushrooms (ground or finely chopped)
• 50g ground lean meat
• 1 slice ginger
• Seasonings: a little salt (or none for babies under 1 year)

Baby porridge cooking process:

1. Rinse rice clean, soak for 30 minutes to expand
2. Place rice in pot with 600ml water, bring to boil then reduce to low heat and cook for 25 minutes
3. Add ground meat and finely ground mushrooms, stir well and cook for another 15 minutes for smooth porridge
4. Season lightly or not at all depending on baby's age

Mom's tip: Mushrooms should be ground or chopped very finely for easy swallowing. Can add carrots or pumpkin to increase vitamin A and make more visually appealing.

4.4. Light straw mushroom, tofu, and ginger soup

This simple vegetarian straw mushroom soup is quick and delicious, suitable for light dinners after tiring workdays, and stands out as a refreshing straw mushroom recipe to enjoy anytime.

Ingredients:

• 200g straw mushrooms
• 200g soft tofu (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 3 slices ginger
• Scallions
• Vegetarian seasonings

15-minute cooking method:

1. Boil 1 liter water with ginger
2. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, add soft tofu and cook for another 3 minutes
3. Season with vegetarian seasonings to taste, turn off heat and add chopped scallions

4.5. Pork hock/Pig's feet stewed with straw mushrooms

Pork hock with mushrooms and stewed pig's feet are premium nourishing dishes, rich in collagen and protein, often prepared for special occasions or for those needing health recovery, frequently included in hearty straw mushroom recipe selections.

Ingredients:

• 500g pork hock or pig's feet
• 300g straw mushrooms
• Ginger, shallots, five-spice powder
• Seasonings: fish sauce, rock sugar, pepper

Standard stewing process:

1. Blanch hock to remove impurities
2. Place in pressure cooker with water, ginger, shallots, and five-spice, stew for 45 minutes until tender
3. Add mushrooms, season and stew for another 15 minutes for clear, aromatic broth

5. Other unique and nutritious straw mushroom dishes

This section introduces unique mushroom dishes with regional specialty characteristics or modern culinary creativity.

5.1. Crispy fried straw mushrooms

Crispy fried mushrooms are a beloved snack, with a crunchy coating combined with a soft, moist mushroom interior creating perfect texture, often cited as a fun, modern straw mushroom recipe twist.

Ingredients:

• 300g fresh straw mushrooms (choose large ones)
• Frying batter: 100g flour, 50g cornstarch, eggs, panko breadcrumbs
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder

Long-lasting crispy frying technique:

1. Marinate mushrooms with salt, pepper, garlic powder for 15 minutes
2. Roll in flour, dip in egg, coat evenly with panko
3. Deep fry in oil at 170°C for 3-4 minutes until golden
4. Remove and drain on paper towels

Suggested dipping sauces: Chili mayonnaise, Cicook salt and chili dipping sauce made from 100% fresh natural vegetables, enhancing crispy fried dishes.

5.2. Pickled straw mushrooms - Appetite stimulating

Pickled mushrooms are a traditional Vietnamese pickle, serving both as a side dish and ingredient for sour soups, and they contribute a unique flavor profile to any straw mushroom recipe collection.

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh straw mushrooms
• 3 tbsp coarse salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 500ml cooled mushroom boiling water
• Garlic, chili peppers

Pickling process:

1. Blanch mushrooms in boiling water for 2 minutes, drain completely
2. Mix brine with ratio of 3 tbsp salt + 2 tbsp sugar with 500ml water, stir until dissolved
3. Place mushrooms in glass jar, add sliced garlic and chilies, pour brine to cover mushrooms
4. Seal tightly, keep in cool place for 3-5 days before eating

5.3. Boiled/Steamed lemongrass straw mushrooms

Boiled lemongrass mushrooms preserve the natural mushroom flavor, suitable for dieters or those needing light eating regimens.

Simple method: Boil mushrooms with 3 crushed lemongrass stalks in salted water for 5-7 minutes. Remove and serve with ginger fish sauce or green chili lime salt.

Nutritional value: 100g boiled mushrooms contain only about 28 kcal, 2.5g protein, 0.4g fat—ideal for weight loss diets.

5.4. Straw mushroom floss

Making mushroom floss is a creative preparation method, creating a nutritious accompaniment that can be preserved long-term, an inventive approach within the broader world of straw mushroom recipe ideas.

Floss ingredients:

• 500g straw mushrooms (choose dried type for easier shredding)
• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp turmeric powder
• Lemongrass, garlic, chili

Floss-making process:

1. Soak dried mushrooms until expanded, boil until cooked then shred lengthwise
2. Stir-fry mushrooms with minced garlic and chopped lemongrass until fragrant
3. Season with oyster sauce, sugar, turmeric and continuously stir-fry over low heat for 20-30 minutes until mushrooms are dry with beautiful golden color
4. Cool completely, store in airtight container for up to 1 month

5.5. Crab and straw mushroom soup

This crab mushroom soup is an upscale dish commonly found in Chinese restaurants, combining sweet ocean flavors with earthy mushroom taste.

Crab soup ingredients:

• 200g crab meat (or rice field crabs)
• 150g sliced straw mushrooms
• 2 salted egg yolks
• Cornstarch, scallions
• 800ml chicken broth

Thick soup cooking method:

1. Bring chicken broth to boil, add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes
2. Add crab meat, mashed salted egg yolks, and season
3. Dissolve cornstarch in cold water, slowly drizzle into gently boiling soup while stirring for thickness
4. Turn off heat, sprinkle scallions and ladle soup into bowls

5.6. Pigeon stewed with straw mushrooms - Nourishing and nutritious

Pigeon with mushrooms is a premium nourishing dish from Southern Vietnamese cuisine, with young pigeon stewed alongside mushrooms, red dates, and goji berries creating a wonderful health tonic, often reimagined in specialized straw mushroom recipe versions.

Ingredients (serves 2-3):

• 1 young pigeon (~500g), cleaned, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 150g fresh straw mushrooms, processed, scored with cross on cap tops for seasoning absorption
• 5-6 red dates, 10-15g goji berries, 2 thin ginger slices, 1-2 shallots, crushed
• 800ml filtered water or chicken broth
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, cooking oil

Method:

1. Process and marinate pigeon with salt, pepper, ginger
2. Stew pigeon with broth, red dates, goji berries, shallots for 30-40 minutes until meat is tender
3. Add mushrooms, stew for another 10-15 minutes for seasoning absorption while maintaining crispness
4. Season to taste, serve hot and enjoy

Conclusion

Finding delicious ways to cook straw mushrooms is no longer a difficult question with over 20 diverse recipes from vegetarian to savory that the Cicook team has shared. However, we understand that the major challenge for home cooks also lies in selecting mushrooms that are still budded, not crushed, and processing them quickly while maintaining crispness without shrinking during cooking.

If you're concerned about selection or time-consuming preparation, let Cicook provide the solution. We proudly offer carefully selected high-quality straw mushrooms that are specially cleaned, processed, and ready to cook immediately, perfect for any straw mushroom recipe you want to create. 

Choosing Cicook straw mushrooms isn't just choosing quality but also guaranteeing maximum convenience, allowing you to focus entirely on preparing perfect dishes.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. What soups taste good with straw mushrooms?

Straw mushroom soup with chicken, papaya soup, tofu mushroom soup, or mushroom porridge are all delicious. These dishes preserve natural sweetness, are refreshing and nutritious, suitable for both children and adults.

2. Can fish be cooked with straw mushrooms?

Absolutely, dishes like steamed grouper with mushrooms or steamed snakehead fish with mushrooms maintain the fish's sweet, aromatic flavor and the mushrooms' earthy crispness, making meals more appealing.

3. What should I watch for when stir-frying meat with mushrooms to prevent shrinking?

You should stir-fry mushrooms separately first, score the mushroom caps for seasoning absorption, and soak in ice water for 5-10 minutes before cooking. Adding a little vegetable oil also helps mushrooms maintain crispness and attractive shine.

4. Is there a way to cook straw mushrooms quickly while preserving nutrition?

Use pre-processed mushrooms like Cicook mushrooms, stir-fry, braise, or make soup directly in 10-15 minutes, which is quick while preserving vitamins and natural mushroom flavor.