Maitake Mushrooms with Chinese Broccoli 清炒舞茸拌芥蓝

One of my favorite green vegetables is Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli), so I can be quite choosy when it comes to buying Gai Lan; going for the the "younger" tender Gai Lan (usually thinner stems) and not those with thick stems which are typically too "old" and fibrous. Of course, if they are too fibrous, you can always peel off the stems.


Oh no! Not again! Another mushrooms and green vegetable dish?


I used Maitake mushrooms this time. Maitake mushrooms are less "meaty" compared to king oyster but definitely has a more woodsy flavor compared to the lighter flavored oyster mushrooms.

In Asia, some mushrooms such as Reishi, and Maitake are regarded as longevity mushrooms, claimed to preserve youth and maintain health.

Mushrooms are rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, vitamins e.g. thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), C, D and the essential amino acids. Due to the presence of beta-D-glucan or polysaccharides, mushrooms are also known to be immunity enhancers. This compound has been shown to be most active and strongest in Maitake which also means Maitake mushroom is a strong immune system enhancer.

How about tossing these mushrooms into pasta? A quick lunch it will be!



Maitake Mushrooms with Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli) 清炒舞茸拌芥蓝
Rinse the Gai Lan, separate the stems and leaves. Blanched a bunch (1-2 handfuls) Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli), stems first for about 2 mins, then add the leaves for another 1-2 mins. When stems turn slightly tender, and leaves are still green, remove from pot of boiling water. Allow to cool for about 10 mins, then sliced them to bite-sizes (stems at the bias and leaves roughly chopped). Set aside on a plate.While waiting for Gai Lan to cool, heat a pan with 1-2tsp cooking oil and add 1-2 tsp minced garlic, then the mushrooms. Add 1/2 tsp soy sauce, and saute till the mushrooms are tender and cooked. This will take about 10-15mins. Pinch of ground white pepper to taste.


I like to use quick-cooking pasta such as Angel Hair pasta to make everything fast. Toss the mushrooms, and Gai Lan with cooked pasta and a meal is ready.

Sharing this with Weekend Herb Blogging hosted at Erbe in Cucina.

Tag: chinese broccoli, maitake mushrooms

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