These Spicy Enoki Mushrooms are a perfect snack or side dish with their addictive crunch and a flavorful gochujang-based sauce. The spicy, tangy sauce gives the mushrooms a bold, savory taste that pairs beautifully with their tender yet crispy texture.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Mushrooms:

  • 1 packet enoki mushrooms

  • 2 tbsp oil (for frying)

  • 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)

• For the Gochujang Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp gochujang

  • 1 tbsp gochugaru (or ½ tsp chili flakes)

  • ½ tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tsp rice vinegar

  • ½ tbsp sugar

  • ½ tsp toasted sesame oil

  • ½ cup water

  • 1 tbsp Buldak sauce (optional, for extra spice)

Directions

1. Prepare the Mushrooms: Cut off the brownish roots of the enoki mushrooms. Wash them under tap water and pat dry with paper towels. Break the bundle into 3 or 4 smaller bundles.

2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and water. Add Buldak sauce if you like extra heat. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.

3. Cook the Mushrooms: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the mushrooms and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside. Repeat with the remaining mushrooms.

4. Make the Sauce Mixture: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Immediately add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.

5. Combine: Return the mushrooms to the pan, cooking them for 3-4 minutes while flipping them occasionally. Let the sauce reduce slightly and coat the mushrooms evenly.

6. Serve: Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 240

• Protein: 2g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fat: 23g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 323mg

• Sugar: 5g

Why Enoki Mushrooms Work So Well in This Dish

Enoki mushrooms are prized for their unique texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. They have long, thin stems that maintain a delightful crunch even after being cooked, which makes them an excellent ingredient for dishes that require a bit of bite and substance. When cooked, enoki mushrooms have a tender yet slightly crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the bold, spicy sauce, creating a dynamic eating experience. Their ability to absorb flavors while retaining their texture makes them the perfect vehicle for a gochujang-based sauce, which needs a delicate yet firm base to cling to.

Enoki mushrooms are also versatile. Whether sautéed, stir-fried, or deep-fried, they hold up well in various cooking methods. In this recipe, the mushrooms are briefly fried, which enhances their crispy texture and helps them hold their shape when combined with the flavorful gochujang sauce.

The Gochujang Sauce: Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

The gochujang sauce is the heart of this dish, and it’s what gives the Spicy Enoki Mushrooms their bold and addictive flavor. Gochujang is a fermented Korean chili paste that is both spicy and sweet, with an umami-rich depth that is hard to beat. It’s a pantry staple in Korean cooking, often used in everything from soups and stews to marinades and sauces. The sauce in this recipe combines gochujang with gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for an extra layer of heat and flavor. The soy sauce and rice vinegar add saltiness and tanginess, while the sugar helps to balance the heat and enhance the overall flavor profile.

The toasted sesame oil brings a nutty aroma that adds another dimension to the sauce, while the Buldak sauce (optional) takes the heat to another level, making the dish even spicier for those who enjoy a bit more kick. If you prefer a milder version, you can omit the Buldak sauce and adjust the chili flakes to suit your taste. The sauce, once simmered, thickens slightly, creating a luscious coating for the mushrooms.

How to Make the Spicy Enoki Mushrooms

The cooking process for Spicy Enoki Mushrooms is relatively quick, making it a perfect dish for busy days when you’re craving something flavorful. The first step is preparing the mushrooms by cutting off the brownish roots and gently washing them. Be sure to pat the mushrooms dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, as moisture can prevent them from crisping up during frying.

The next step is frying the mushrooms in batches. The mushrooms are fried for just 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. This brief frying ensures that the mushrooms stay crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. Once fried, they are set aside to rest before being added to the sauce.

In the same pan, garlic is sautéed until fragrant, followed by the addition of the gochujang sauce. The sauce is simmered for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, and then the fried mushrooms are returned to the pan. The mushrooms are coated in the sauce and cooked for a few more minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and stick to the mushrooms, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.

Serving Spicy Enoki Mushrooms

These Spicy Enoki Mushrooms are best served immediately while they are still crispy and hot. They make an excellent snack on their own, or they can be served as a side dish with a variety of meals. Pair them with steamed rice for a complete meal or serve them alongside grilled meats, stir-fried vegetables, or even tofu for a well-rounded dish. Their addictive crunch and spicy sauce make them a crowd-pleasing choice for any occasion.

If you’re preparing these mushrooms as part of a larger spread, consider serving them with other Korean-inspired dishes such as kimchi, bibimbap, or Korean fried chicken. The spicy, tangy mushrooms add a delicious contrast to the richness of other dishes and enhance the overall meal experience.

Nutritional Information

Spicy Enoki Mushrooms are not only delicious but also relatively healthy. With only 240 calories per serving, they are a great option for anyone looking for a lighter dish that’s still full of flavor. The mushrooms provide a modest amount of protein (2g) and fiber (2g) per serving. The dish is higher in fat (23g), primarily due to the oil used for frying, but it’s made with healthy oils like sesame oil. The sodium content (323mg per serving) is moderate, but it can be adjusted by using less soy sauce or opting for a low-sodium version.

This dish is also a great source of flavor without adding a lot of unnecessary calories or carbs. The combination of umami from the soy sauce and gochujang, along with the spicy and tangy elements, makes it a satisfying and guilt-free indulgence.

Conclusion: An Irresistible, Flavorful Snack

Spicy Enoki Mushrooms are the perfect dish for anyone who loves bold flavors and satisfying textures. With their addictive crunch and the spicy, tangy gochujang sauce, these mushrooms are a delicious snack, side dish, or even a light main course. The combination of the crispy mushrooms with the flavorful sauce creates an irresistible experience that will leave you coming back for more.

Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a seasoned fan, this dish is sure to impress. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. Enjoy these Spicy Enoki Mushrooms as a snack, side, or appetizer, and savor the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and savory goodness in every bite.