Thai Spicy Mushroom Salad: A Flavorful Asian Recipe with Mushrooms

Mushrooms have long held a cherished place in Asian cooking, celebrated for their unique flavors and versatile culinary applications. Rich in umami, mushrooms enhance a variety of dishes, making them a staple in many Asian recipes with mushrooms. Today, we’re diving into a refreshing and vibrant dish: Thai Spicy Mushroom Salad. This salad bursts with flavor and showcases the meaty texture of mushrooms, making it perfect for both casual gatherings and elegant dinners.

Thai Mushroom Salad: Fresh, Colorful, and Spicy in Every Bite

This Thai-inspired salad brings together sautéed mushrooms with crisp vegetables like cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper, all tossed in a zesty lime and fish sauce dressing with a kick of bird’s eye chili. It’s a fresh, flavorful dish perfect as a light lunch or vibrant appetizer.

Ingredients

• 300g (10.5 oz) mixed mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, or button), sliced
• 1 medium cucumber, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté the Mushrooms: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté the sliced mushrooms until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the mushrooms cool, julienne the cucumber, slice the bell pepper, and onion.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and sliced chilies. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Combine: In a large bowl, mix the sautéed mushrooms, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Benefits: [‘Mushrooms are low in calories and high in nutrients, providing essential vitamins and minerals.’, ‘They are a great source of antioxidants and are known to support immune health.’, ‘The fiber content in mushrooms aids in digestion and promotes gut health.’]