Shiitake Mushroom and Carrot Fukujinzuke Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups of carrots, julienned
- 1 cup of rice vinegar
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of mirin
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Julienne peeler or mandoline
- Mixing bowl
- Glass jars with lids for storage

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

2. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms, julienned carrots, soy sauce, mirin, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes to the pot.

3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.

5. Transfer the fukujinzuke to glass jars with lids and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Room temperature for cooling
- Refrigerate for storage
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 3 cups of fukujinzuke

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120 per 1/4 cup serving
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- White vinegar can be substituted for rice vinegar
- Honey or maple syrup can be substituted for sugar
- Tamari can be substituted for soy sauce
- Sake can be substituted for mirin

Variations:
- Add sliced daikon radish for extra crunch
- Use different types of mushrooms, such as oyster or enoki
- Add sliced onions or scallions for extra flavor

Tips and Tricks:
- Use a julienne peeler or mandoline to make quick work of julienned carrots
- Make sure the vegetables are completely submerged in the vinegar mixture to ensure even pickling
- Fukujinzuke can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

Storage Instructions:
- Store in glass jars with lids in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

Reheating Instructions:
- Fukujinzuke is best served cold and does not need to be reheated

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve in small bowls or ramekins as a side dish
- Use as a topping for rice bowls or sushi rolls

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for extra flavor and color

Pairings:
- Serve with grilled meats or fish for a flavorful side dish

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Miso soup
- Grilled vegetables

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the vegetables are not tender after simmering, continue to cook until desired tenderness is reached

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to use clean utensils and jars when making and storing fukujinzuke
- Store in the refrigerator and discard if any signs of spoilage occur

Food History:
- Fukujinzuke is a traditional Japanese pickle made with a variety of vegetables and is often served as a condiment with rice dishes or as a side dish.

Flavor Profiles:
- Sweet, sour, salty, and spicy

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish or condiment with rice dishes or sushi rolls

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Savory, Umami, Tangy, Sweet, Spicy