Shiitake Dried Mushrooms 80g | Rich Umami Asian Pantry Staple

Dried shiitake mushrooms are a true treasure of the Asian pantry, prized for their deep, savoury umami flavour and satisfying, meaty texture. Once rehydrated, they transform soups, stir-fries, braises, noodle dishes and sauces with a richness that's hard to achieve with fresh mushrooms alone — the kind of ingredient that quietly makes a dish taste like it took hours of work.

They're a brilliant addition to Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian cooking alike, lending authentic depth to ramen, hotpots, fried rice and dumpling fillings. And don't discard the soaking liquid — it makes a wonderfully flavourful stock that can lift soups, broths and sauces even further. With a generous 80g pack on hand, you'll always be ready to add that signature umami depth whenever a recipe calls for it.

Why you'll love it:

• Rich, savoury umami flavour and satisfying meaty texture
• Versatile across soups, stir-fries, braises, noodles and sauces
• Perfect for Chinese, Japanese and Southeast Asian dishes
• Soaking liquid doubles as a flavourful stock — nothing goes to waste
• Convenient 80g pack — a long-lasting pantry essential

Best enjoyed: Rehydrated and added to soups, hotpots, stir-fries, fried rice and dumpling fillings, with the soaking liquid saved to enrich stocks and sauces.

Suitable for: Home cooks who love Asian cuisine, fans of umami-rich dishes like ramen and hotpot, and anyone wanting to deepen the flavour of soups, braises and stir-fries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I prepare dried shiitake mushrooms? A: Soak them in warm water until softened (usually 20–30 minutes, or longer for a fuller flavour), then trim the stems and use them in your dish — saving the soaking liquid as a flavourful stock.

Q: What dishes can I use them in? A: They're wonderfully versatile — perfect for soups, hotpots, stir-fries, braises, fried rice, noodle dishes, and dumpling or spring roll fillings.

Q: Why do recipes recommend keeping the soaking liquid? A: The soaking liquid absorbs the mushrooms' rich umami flavour, making it an excellent base for stocks, soups and sauces — so it's well worth saving rather than discarding.

Q: How should I store dried shiitake mushrooms? A: Keep them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container or their original packaging until you're ready to rehydrate and use them.

Q: Where can I buy dried shiitake mushrooms in South Africa? A: You can order them online from Fabasian, with fast nationwide delivery to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and beyond.