🐷Juicy Shiitake Shumai🍄: Stuffed Mushrooms Steamed to Umami Perfection!

🐷Juicy Shiitake Shumai🍄: Stuffed Mushrooms Steamed to Umami Perfection! is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking with Dog on YouTube.

Prep: 22 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $31.11 total, $7.78 per serving

Ingredients

  • 8 pieces Shiitake Mushrooms (large caps) (caps only, stems removed)
  • 200 g Ground Pork (prefer 20% fat for juiciness)
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (regular or low‑sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (adds depth of umami)
  • 1 tablespoon Sake (Japanese cooking sake)
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar (balances saltiness)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger (grated)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (toasted, for aroma)
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 tablespoons Shiitake Stems (finely diced from 4 stems)
  • ¼ cup Onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Potato Starch (coats onions to keep moisture)
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (light dusting on mushroom undersides)
  • 1 cup Green Cabbage (shredded)
  • 1 cup Napa Cabbage (shredded)
  • ½ cup Komatsuna Spinach (added at end, loosely packed)
  • 120 ml Water (for steaming)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Shiitake Mushrooms

    Using kitchen scissors, detach the stems from the caps, cut off the tough base of each stem, then finely dice two of the stems into thin strips and dice them finely. Set the diced stems aside for the meat mixture; reserve the remaining stems for other uses.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prep Vegetables

    Shred the green cabbage and napa cabbage into bite‑size pieces and place them in a large frying pan. Keep the komatsuna spinach whole; it will be added later.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Make Meat Mixture

    In the mixing bowl combine ground pork, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sake, sugar, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and the finely diced shiitake stems. Mix with a spatula until the mixture becomes slightly sticky and holds together.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Incorporate Onions and Starch

    Create a small well in the meat mixture, add the finely chopped onion, sprinkle the potato starch over the onion and toss to coat, then gently fold the onion‑starch mixture into the meat until just combined.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Portion the Meat

    Divide the seasoned meat mixture into four equal portions and set aside on a clean plate.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Dust and Stuff Mushrooms

    Lightly sprinkle flour on the underside of each shiitake cap. Take one portion of meat, place it on a cap and gently press it down, moistening fingertips with a little water for a smooth finish. Repeat for all caps.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Steam the Shumai

    Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on top of the cabbage bed in the pan, leaving space between each. Add 120 ml of water, cover with the lid, and set the burner to high. When strong steam escapes, lower the heat to medium and steam for 6 minutes.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: high then medium

  8. Add Komatsuna Spinach

    Just before turning off the heat, flip the cabbage layer, quickly add the komatsuna spinach, cover again and let it wilt for about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  9. Serve

    Transfer the hot shiitake shumai to a serving plate and accompany with ponzu or karashi‑vinegar soy sauce for dipping.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
10 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains gluten (regular soy sauce), Can be made gluten‑free with tamari

Allergens: Soy, Sesame, Shellfish (oyster sauce)

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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🐷Juicy Shiitake Shumai🍄: Stuffed Mushrooms Steamed to Umami Perfection!

Recipe by Cooking with Dog

Delicate shiitake mushroom caps are filled with a savory ground pork mixture, steamed together with cabbage, napa cabbage, and komatsuna spinach. The result is a juicy, umami‑rich appetizer that showcases classic Japanese flavors.

MediumJapaneseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
23m
Prep
13m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
46m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$31.11
Total cost
$7.78
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Using scissors to remove stems safely
  • Mixing meat until sticky but not over‑worked
  • Coating onions with potato starch to retain moisture
  • Dusting mushroom undersides with flour to prevent filling loss
  • Steaming with proper heat adjustment and timing
  • Avoiding overcrowding in the steamer

Safety Warnings

  • Hot steam can cause severe burns – keep face away from vent
  • Handle scissors carefully to avoid cuts
  • Ensure ground pork reaches an internal temperature of 71 °C (160 °F)

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of shiitake shumai in Japanese cuisine?

A

Shiitake shumai is a modern Japanese twist on traditional Chinese dim sum, using locally abundant shiitake mushrooms to create a bite‑size, steamed appetizer that highlights umami. It reflects Japan’s post‑war adaptation of foreign dishes into home‑cooking comfort food.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of shiitake shumai in Japan?

A

In Kansai, shiitake shumai may be seasoned with mirin and kombu dashi, while in the Kanto region soy sauce and sake are more common. Some versions add grated daikon for extra moisture, but the core concept of mushroom‑filled steamed bites remains consistent.

cultural
Q

How is shiitake shumai traditionally served in Japan?

A

It is typically served hot in a shallow dish, accompanied by a light dipping sauce such as ponzu, karashi‑vinegar soy sauce, or a citrus‑yuzu vinaigrette, and eaten as an appetizer or part of a multi‑course kaiseki meal.

cultural
Q

During which Japanese celebrations or occasions is shiitake shumai commonly enjoyed?

A

Shiitake shumai appears at informal gatherings, tea‑time snacks, and seasonal izakaya menus, especially during autumn when shiitake mushrooms are at their peak flavor. It is also a popular home‑cooked dish for New Year’s osechi when mushroom dishes symbolize longevity.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with shiitake shumai?

A

Pair it with a light miso soup, a crisp cucumber sunomono salad, or a side of simmered daikon. A glass of chilled sake or a light Japanese craft beer complements the umami‑rich flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for shiitake shumai versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include fresh shiitake caps, ground pork, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sake, ginger, and sesame oil. Substitutes can be ground chicken or turkey for the meat, tamari for soy sauce (gluten‑free), and corn starch instead of potato starch.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making shiitake shumai?

A

Common errors include over‑steaming (causing mushrooms to shrink and the filling to fall out), mixing the meat too vigorously (making it tough), and skipping the flour dusting, which leads to the filling separating during steam.

technical
Q

Why does this shiitake shumai recipe use potato starch on the onions instead of regular flour?

A

Potato starch creates a light coating that locks moisture inside the onions without adding extra gluten, preventing the meat mixture from becoming soggy during steaming—a key to a clean, juicy texture.

technical
Q

Can I make shiitake shumai ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Prepare the meat mixture and stuff the mushrooms, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Steam them directly from the fridge; they may need an extra minute of steaming to ensure the pork is fully cooked.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the shiitake shumai is done?

A

The mushroom caps should be tender but still retain their shape, and the meat filling should be firm, no longer pink, and slightly glossy from the sauces. The vegetables underneath should be softened but still vibrant.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking with Dog specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cooking with Dog specializes in Japanese home cooking tutorials presented by the narrator Francis and his animated dog companion, offering step‑by‑step recipes that blend traditional flavors with approachable techniques for home cooks worldwide.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking with Dog's approach to Japanese cooking differ from other Japanese cooking channels?

A

Cooking with Dog combines whimsical animation, clear visual close‑ups, and a focus on everyday ingredients, making complex Japanese dishes feel accessible, whereas many other channels emphasize professional kitchen setups or high‑end gastronomy.

channel

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