For a truly transcendent Saturday night experience, Meera Sodha's vegetarian rendition of mushroom egg foo yung over buttered rice is a game-changer. This homespun twist on the beloved takeaway staple may not replicate the exact flavors and textures of its Chinese takeout counterparts, but it comes close.
The recipe begins with a simple yet crucial step: cooking jasmine rice to perfection. Sodha instructs her readers to rinse the grains under cold water until the water runs clear, then sauté 30g of unsalted butter in the centre of the pan before covering and cooking for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, a separate pan is used to sauté sliced shiitake mushrooms with garlic and mirin, creating a fragrant and savory base for the omelette.
The eggs, whisked with salt and two-thirds of the chopped chives, are then mixed with the cooled mushroom mixture before being ladled into a hot pan coated in neutral oil. As the omelette cooks, it's essential to stir the mushrooms evenly and not overcook them, allowing for a delicate balance between textures.
Sodha's clever move is to serve the omelette atop a bed of buttered rice, which serves as a comforting base for the dish. A sprinkle of reserved chopped chives adds a pop of color and freshness, while a drizzle of chilli vinegar sauce provides a tangy contrast.
While this vegetarian rendition may not be an exact replica of its original counterparts, it's undeniable that Sodha has captured the essence of mushroom egg foo yung. This recipe is perfect for those weekend nights when takeout just won't cut it – or for adventurous home cooks looking to explore new flavors and techniques.
The recipe begins with a simple yet crucial step: cooking jasmine rice to perfection. Sodha instructs her readers to rinse the grains under cold water until the water runs clear, then sauté 30g of unsalted butter in the centre of the pan before covering and cooking for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, a separate pan is used to sauté sliced shiitake mushrooms with garlic and mirin, creating a fragrant and savory base for the omelette.
The eggs, whisked with salt and two-thirds of the chopped chives, are then mixed with the cooled mushroom mixture before being ladled into a hot pan coated in neutral oil. As the omelette cooks, it's essential to stir the mushrooms evenly and not overcook them, allowing for a delicate balance between textures.
Sodha's clever move is to serve the omelette atop a bed of buttered rice, which serves as a comforting base for the dish. A sprinkle of reserved chopped chives adds a pop of color and freshness, while a drizzle of chilli vinegar sauce provides a tangy contrast.
While this vegetarian rendition may not be an exact replica of its original counterparts, it's undeniable that Sodha has captured the essence of mushroom egg foo yung. This recipe is perfect for those weekend nights when takeout just won't cut it – or for adventurous home cooks looking to explore new flavors and techniques.