Vietnamese cooking uses dried shiitake mushroom (nam huong) a lot to add an earthy flavor to the dish.
How to use
You can use it to flavor stock/broth, or you can mince it and add it to meat fillings. You can also slice it and use in stir-fry. Dried shiitake mushrooms shouldn’t be used in an excessive amount, or their earthiness will overwhelm the dish.
How to prepare
Dried shiitake mushroom requires soaking. Boil some water and pour it over dried shiitake mushrooms. Let the mushrooms soak for 5 – 7 minutes, or until they are plump and softened.
Where to buy
You can find dried whole shiitake mushroom at Asian grocery stores.