Shiitake mushroom powder is extremely simple to make, especially if you purchase the mushrooms already dried. In this post, I will discuss what shiitake mushroom powder is like, how to make it yourself, and how I use it in my kitchen.
How to make shiitake mushroom powder
If you start with dried mushrooms like I did, then this mushroom powder is simply a matter of grinding them into a powder; yes, it’s that simple. If you have fresh mushrooms, however, you are going to have to dehydrate them. I have never done this, but the folks at the Spruce Eats seem to know what they’re doing.
This 1-ounce bag of mushrooms cost $2.59 at Pick N Save and yielded about 1/4 cup of mushroom powder. That may not seem like a lot, but it will take me several months to use all this, as mushroom powder doesn’t go with everything, and only a small amount needs to be used at a time.
How to use shiitake mushroom powder
The way I use my mushroom powder the most is in soups, stews, and lentils. Not only does it thicken it a little bit, but it gives an umami depth of flavor. A little goes a long way, though, so I typically use no more than 1 Tbsp. for an entire batch of soup, depending on who I’m making it for. Unless you use a lot, you really can’t taste the mushrooms, so I can sneak it into meals for people who are mushroom averse with no issues.
That’s all! Have you ever tried cooking with mushroom powder? Let me know in the comments!
