Thai food has been gaining immense popularity among food enthusiasts over the last few years. It has become a popular cuisine for all the appropriate reasons. The use of the simple yet tasteful ingredients and a unique way of cooking is making Thai cuisine worldly famous. However, talking about one specific ingredient in Thai cuisine is the mushroom.
There is involvement of different types of mushrooms in Thai food in Sydney. Every mushroom type has a unique flavor to offer and acts as a unique element in every dish. Here are the complete details about the mushroom types that are used in Thai dishes:
- Straw mushrooms
Straw mushrooms are commonly used in Thai cuisine. They are commonly used in various recipes like stir-fries, salads, curries, and much more. The most common yet famous Thai dish, which involves straw mushrooms, is Tom Yum soup. This dish is spicy and sour and also involves ingredients like kaffir lime leaves, shrimp, chilli peppers, lemongrass, etc. Also, straw mushrooms are involved in Pad Kra Pao, which is a stir-fry dish. The other ingredients involved in it are Thai basil, chilli peppers, and a source of protein like tofu, chicken, etc.
- Shiitake mushrooms
You will commonly find shiitake mushrooms in dishes like stir-fry, curries, etc. This type of mushroom adds a lot of depth as well as complexity to the Thai dishes. While trying Pad Prik Gaeng, you will be able to witness shiitake mushrooms in it. Also, it is prepared using Thai basil, various vegetables, spicy curry paste, etc.
Shiitake mushrooms are also used in Phad Bai Kaplai, which is a vegetarian stir-fry dish. In this dish, different kinds of vegetables are used along with the protein of your choice.
- Oyster mushrooms
These mushrooms have a very nice flavor. The texture of oyster mushrooms is considered to be velvety. Plus, it offers a mild or sweet flvaor to the entir dish. They are mostly used in Thai stir-fried or curries. Also, oyster mushrooms are commonly used in dishes like Pad Hed Kao Pad, Gaeng Kua Sapparot, etc., along with other ingredients like chili, basil, and much more. They are cooked till they are tender and juicy. Plus, the use of savory sauces like fish sauce, oyster sauce, etc., helps in enhancing their flavor. They are loved by many people and should be indulged in while trying Thai food.
- Wood ear mushrooms
Another type of mushroom, which is commonly used in Thai cuisine, is wood ear mushrooms. They are black in color and look like an ear. The best thing about this mushroom type is that they have a crunchy texture and a mild and sweet flavour. You will often find them in Thai soup or stir-fries. The most famous Thai dish that involves wood ear mushrooms is Yum Woon Sen. It is a spicy salad that has a hint of tanginess in it. The ingredients used in it are kinds of proteins, vegetables, as well as glass noodles. However, Pad Pak Bung Fai Daeng, a famous Thai dish, has wood ear mushrooms in it.
- Enoki mushrooms
The delicate texture, mild, and sweet flavor of enoki mushrooms is to die for. This mushroom type is commonly used in soups, salads, hot pot dishes, etc. Pad Pak Boong involves these mushrooms, which are made from oyster sauce, garlic, and various other components. The mushrooms add an extra bite and crunch to the entire dish. However, Thai hot pot dishes involving various splendid elements have enoki mushrooms.
Conclusion
Thai recipes have gained a lot of popularity due to simple yet effective flavors. Plus, Thai dishes are light on the stomach and are very fulfilling. However, it is essential to note that most Thai dishes have different kinds of mushrooms in them. The points listed above define different mushrooms that are highly used in Thai dishes. They have a unique flavor and taste heavenly. You can also try them at the best restaurant in Canberra.
