Teriyaki Mushroom Bento

Teriyaki-style mushroom. You wouldn’t even know the difference between these and teriyaki chicken; they’re so close in flavor! The family has been trying to eat less meat, and this teriyaki mushroom bento is a convenient way to accomplish that goal without defrosting any protein.

Featuring King Oyster Mushrooms In Your Cooking

Well, we’ve been on a king oyster mushroom binge. My take on the classic Chinese dish of pork kidneys is this spicy Sichuan king oyster mushroom stir-fry. My sister’s king oyster mushrooms with garlic and glass noodles are a delicious recreation of one of our go-to scallop dishes, using the same mushrooms.

Mushrooms, also known as king trumpets, are so flavorful that they can easily stand in for meat or seafood.

They’re huge (just 4 or 5 will feed two people) and completely edible, down to the thick white stems and flat brown caps.

You can only find them in Asian supermarkets, but their popularity is spreading. You could find them in upscale grocery stores (typically near the shiitakes and chanterelles).

However, they can be found for much less money in Asian markets, so head there first.

A Quick And Easy Teriyaki Sauce

Even in the West, Teriyaki tastes instantly recognizable and comforting. The sauce enhances the flavor of fish, meat, and vegetables.

You could grab a bottled teriyaki sauce, but I’m here to tell you that making your own at home is surprisingly simple.

Aside from the obvious ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, you only need mirin to achieve that truly Japanese flavor.

Japanese cuisine is only complete with mirin. Mirin is likely the secret ingredient in many traditional Japanese dishes’ signature flavor. The sweet, sour, and bitter notes of Mizkan Mirin Sweet Cooking Seasoning were used greatly in this dish. Use it in marinades, glazes, and sauces like the Teriyaki in this dish.

Mizkan has been around for over 200 years, and throughout that time, the company has perfected and imported the delicious flavors of Japan. You can easily recreate restaurant-quality Japanese dishes at home with the help of these condiments and sauces.

For example, this recipe for oyster mushroom teriyaki calls for just seven ingredients and can be prepared in a single pan in under ten minutes.

Perhaps A Bento Box For Lunch?

These teriyaki mushrooms are perfect for a bento, and we enjoyed making one with the free time we now have.

Bento is a single-serving meal popular in Japan and other Asian countries, typically consisting of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.

Kyaraben is a bento designed for children, featuring food shaped like cartoon characters or adorable animals. Does a panda-shaped rice ball make with seaweed taste better than plain rice? Certainly, I can see that being the case!

The experience of devouring a bento-boxed lunch is pure pleasure. To begin with, it’s a visual treat. It’s all very organized and tightly packed.

Recently, I learned that there are contests for the most aesthetically pleasing (and presumably tasty?) bento arrangements. A bento with flavor points would be awesome.

It’s possible to sample a wide range of textures, flavors, and aromas. If you try a little bit of everything, you can make a nutritious meal in no time.

Here, I’ll describe the steps I take to assemble a bento box of teriyaki mushrooms.

Ingredients:

For The Teriyaki Mushrooms:

• 4 pcs. of king oyster mushrooms
• 2 tbsp. of vegetable oil
• 1 tsp. of ginger (minced)
• 2 tbsp. of mirin
• 1 tbsp. of soy sauce
• 1-2 tsp. of brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. of sesame oil

Bento Box Accompaniments:

• Gyoza (steamed or pan-fried)
• Steamed rice
• Hard boiled eggs
• Sesame marinated vegetables (toss 1 cup of steamed, blanched, or raw vegetables in 1 tsp. of rice vinegar, 1 tsp. of sesame oil, and a pinch of salt)
• Fresh fruits

Instructions:

1. To prepare king oyster mushrooms, trim off the ends. Cube them into 1/2-inch pieces.
2. Vegetable oil should be heated in a pan (preferably cast iron) over medium heat.
3. Fry the oyster mushroom slices until they are golden and caramelized. The mushrooms will steam if you crowd them.
4. Cook the ginger in a pan for a minute or until it starts to release its aroma. Mizkan Mirin, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil should then be added. Toss the mushrooms in the sauce so that they are completely covered.
5. Make a bento box lunch by layering steamed rice, hard-boiled eggs, gyoza, vegetables, and sliced fruit with teriyaki oyster mushrooms.