Miso Mushrooms with Maple Glaze

Packed with earthy umami and a hint of sweetness, these miso mushrooms are a flavorful side dish for any meal. The combination of earthy, umami-rich 3-year aged miso, a hint of sweetness from maple syrup, and a splash of bright white wine creates a perfectly balanced miso glaze that makes every bite irresistibly delicious. A medley of maitake, shimeji, and shiitake mushrooms provides a delightful mix of meaty textures and flavors, absorbing the rich glaze beautifully. This makes the dish equally appealing as an autumn side or as a hearty main course served over a bed of rice or mixed with pasta and butter. Plus, it’s an ideal make-ahead dish since the flavors only get better as they meld together.

Ingredients

• Mushrooms – A mix of different types of edible fungi takes this miso mushroom recipe to the next level because they each bring unique textures and flavors to the dish. This was made with three Japanese mushrooms: shiitake, maitake (hen of the woods), and shimeji. But other fresh mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms, portobello, button mushrooms, or cremini mushrooms are all excellent options.
• Organic Miso 3-Year Aged – This intensely flavorful, aged miso brings an umami-rich depth of flavor that amplifies the savory flavor of the mushrooms while contributing salt to season them. If you don’t have 3-year aged miso, white miso paste or red miso will also work.
• White Wine – The white wine adds a bright, fruity aroma and a touch of acidity that balances the nuttiness of the miso and the sweetness of the maple syrup. Sake can be used here instead of wine if you want to make it more Japanese. 
• Maple Syrup – The maple syrup brings a natural sweetness that balances the savory miso while enhancing this dish’s earthy, nutty flavors. Honey or brown sugar are good alternatives if you don’t have maple syrup.
• Vegetable Oil -You want to use vegetable oil with a neutral flavor and high smoke point to sauté the fungi, but if you want to add a bit more flavor at the end, a splash of toasted sesame oil or a pat of butter are two good ways of adding another dimension to these miso glazed mushrooms.
• Green Onion – Chopped scallions or spring onions add color and a burst of fresh flavor to this miso mushroom recipe, but you can also garnish it with chives, parsley, or toasted sesame seeds.

Preparing Mushrooms

Depending on the types of mushrooms you are using, you should follow a few steps to prepare them properly.

If the caps have dirt or debris, gently wipe them clean with a damp paper towel or a soft brush. Avoid rinsing mushrooms under running water. They absorb water like a sponge, which will make them soggy.

Next, trim any growing medium or tough parts off the stems using a knife. For shiitakes, remove the entire stem as it tends to be fibrous and tough, while for oyster or portobello mushrooms, simply trim off any dried or woody bit.

For clustered varieties, such as enoki or shimeji, use your hands to pull them apart into bite-sized clusters. This helps preserve their natural shape and creates more surface area for the maple miso glaze to cling to.

For larger mushrooms, such as portobello, shiitake, or king oyster mushrooms, use a knife to slice the caps and stems into bite-sized pieces.

How to Make Miso Mushrooms

Make the maple miso glaze by whisking together the miso paste, white wine, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth.

Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot, then add the vegetable oil, swirling it around the pan to coat the bottom evenly. Letting the pan get hot before adding the oil and mushrooms is critical. Mushrooms are over 90% water, and if the pan isn’t hot enough, they will start to steam instead of sautéing, resulting in a soft rubbery texture. 

Once the oil is shimmering, add the prepared mushrooms, spreading them out in an even layer. Let them cook without stirring too much at first—this helps them develop that rich, golden-brown crust around the edges.

Sauté until they’ve browned around the edges, and then pour the miso glaze into the pan. Toss everything together until the mushrooms are evenly coated and the glaze becomes shiny.

Finish by garnishing the miso mushrooms with chopped scallions. This dish can be served warm, but the flavors become even more pronounced as it cools, making this an ideal make-ahead side for gatherings.

Variations

For some flavor variations, try sautéing chopped fresh garlic or grated ginger with the mushrooms for an extra layer of aromatic depth. A splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can add a bright, tangy note that balances the savory glaze beautifully. If you end up with leftover mushrooms, this dish is perfect for tossing with freshly boiled pasta, along with a bit of pasta water and a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, to create a delightful miso mushroom pasta that’s creamy, comforting, and brimming with umami.