Substituting Dried Shiitake Mushrooms for Fresh

Substituting Dried Shiitake Mushrooms for Fresh - Brown Eggs and Mushrooms in a Ceramic Plate

I have a recipe that calls for 12 oz of fresh Shiitake mushrooms. Due to cost and availability concerns, I decided to get dried instead, figuring I would be able to find information about how to substitute dried Shiitake mushrooms for fresh, but I have been unable.

What would an appropriate ratio be for substituting dried shiitakes for fresh?



Best Answer

I answered a question like this previously. How to work with Dried Mushrooms?

Cold water - the best way to keep the original flavour.

It will take at least couple of hours.

  1. I would soak them in cold water for about 15 mins

  2. Pour all the water out. Put in fresh water and keep soaking it. I will do this step couple of times. Remember you may retain the water as flavour, but you have to clean the mushroom and make sure the bitterness is gone. Also, I must say the imported Chinese mushroom must be handled carefully as there have been reports their process may contain some chemicals.

  3. After a couple of hours, make sure the mushrooms are soft and take them out of water and drive them thoroughly. You may keep the water if you wish. The mushrooms are good for steamed and stir-fry.

Hot water

If you are in rush, then you may use hot or warm water. You still have to go through the cleaning process, but the time required will be less.




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Substituting Dried Shiitake Mushrooms for Fresh - From above many wooden containers filled with assorted dried mushrooms with condiments and raw cashew nuts placed on bamboo mat
Substituting Dried Shiitake Mushrooms for Fresh - Corn and Red Tomato on Green Table
Substituting Dried Shiitake Mushrooms for Fresh - Top View Photo Of Vegetables



Quick Answer about "Substituting Dried Shiitake Mushrooms for Fresh"

How Many Mushrooms to Use. Use about three ounces of dried mushrooms for every pound of fresh mushrooms called for in the recipe.

How do I substitute dried shiitake mushrooms?

Substitute For Shiitake Mushrooms
  • Reconstituted dried shiitakes if fresh is not available.
  • OR - Substitute portobello mushrooms.
  • OR - Crimini mushrooms which are portobello's little brothers.
  • You can use porcini mushrooms in place of shiitake but they have a stronger mushroom flavor and are less "meaty" than the shiitake.


  • How do I substitute dried mushrooms for fresh mushrooms?

    If a recipe lists fresh mushrooms, having the dried and powdered equivalents nearby will help you in a pinch.
  • 1 1/2 ounces dried mushrooms = 8 ounces sliced fresh.
  • 1 1/2 ounces dried mushrooms = 4 ounces drained canned sliced mushrooms.
  • 1 tablespoon powdered mushrooms = 3 tablespoons whole dried mushrooms.


  • Do you have to rehydrate dried shiitake mushrooms?

    Before using dried shiitake mushrooms in your cooking, you will need to rehydrate them in water and remove the tough stems. Depending on the size of the dried shiitake mushrooms, they typically need to be soaked in the water for at least 15-20 minutes.

    How do you rehydrate dried shiitake mushrooms?

    Simple Steps for Rehydrating Chinese Dried Mushrooms
  • Gently rinse the dried shiitake mushroom with cold water.
  • Place the dried mushrooms in a bowl with warm water to cover. ...
  • Soak the Chinese dried mushrooms in warm water for about 20 to 30 minutes or until softened.




  • How to Rehydrate Dried Shiitake Mushrooms




    More answers regarding substituting Dried Shiitake Mushrooms for Fresh

    Answer 2

    All you need to do with dried mushrooms is reconstitute them before use. Place them in a small bowl and just about cover them with boiling water. Let sit for 20 mintues or so. They should resume their original volume and cook with them as if they were fresh. The remaining liquid will be strongly flavored so try to include that in your recipe if at all possible.

    Answer 3

    Most of a fresh mushroom consists of water.

    One retail website claims that it takes a whole pound fresh to make 3 ounces of dried shiitakes; a nutritional website claims that about 83g of a 100g serving is water.

    As for reconstituting them, I found these instructions:
    - steep them in warm water broth for ~ 30 min
    OR
    - add them to a simmering liquid for 10-15 min

    See this related question: How to work with Dried Mushrooms?

    Answer 4

    I found that 20g of dried shitake rehydrated to 125g so if you divide your fresh quantity by 6 you should be about right.

    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Fez Brook, Pietro Jeng, olia danilevich, Ella Olsson