Description
Named 'Sea Mushroom (Hai Xianggu)' but actually squid skin specially processed (alkalized) to look like shiitake. A massive Re Chao staple rapid-fried on high with Taiwanese basil and garlic.
Restaurants serving Stir-fried Sea Mushroom (Squid Skin)
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On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Hai Xianggu(Processed squid skin)
- Jiucengta(Taiwanese Basil)
- Garlic
- Oyster sauce
- Soy sauce
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe]
- [Identity of Hai Xianggu] Prepare 'Hai Xianggu' sold in Taiwanese markets, black and curled like shiitake caps (a feint ingredient made by alkalizing giant squid skin to add thickness and a mushroom-like texture/look).
- Wash it, blanch briefly in boiling water for a few seconds, and drain.
- Mince garlic, ginger, and red chili.
- Heat oil in a wok, fragrantly sauté the aromatics.
- Vigorously dump in Hai Xianggu, toss on high.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, a little sugar, and wine; toss violently for dozens of seconds to meld flavors (overcooking turns it rubbery).
- Right before turning off heat, dump in two handfuls of raw 'Jiucengta (Taiwanese basil)' to transfer aroma and finish.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Intense Taiwanese basil and garlic aroma
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
Black wood ear or thick squid (lacks the unique crispness)
Pairing
Ice-cold Taiwan Beer exclusively
Trivia
[For Youth] Hugely popular among youth and drinkers at Taiwanese Re Chao for its funny name and great texture. Countless people eat it truly believing it's a mushroom, but it's processed seafood. The mysterious bite combining 'crispness' and 'crunch' becomes an addictive, ultimate beer thief.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] Experience the intense betrayal when biting it thinking it's shiitake, only to find a 'crisp! crunch!' texture like a mix of squid and wood ear, washing down the garlic punch with beer!
Allergen
Squid (Seafood), Soy, Wheat (from soy sauce)