Vegan Braised Straw Mushrooms with Black Pepper – Simple, Flavorful Home Recipe

Vegan braised straw mushrooms with black pepper are one of the most beloved Vietnamese plant-based dishes, thanks to the warm spiciness of black pepper combined with the natural sweetness and pleasantly chewy texture of straw mushrooms. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly comforting and “rice-friendly,” making it perfect for everyday meals as well as peaceful vegetarian days. In this article, Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant invites you to explore how to make braised straw mushrooms with black pepper and other delicious vegan braised straw mushroom recipes that are simple, authentic, and full of flavor.

Nutritional Value of Straw Mushrooms

Straw mushrooms are a staple ingredient in Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine and are highly valued for their nutritional benefits. Rich in essential nutrients, they support overall health and wellness.

Key health benefits of straw mushrooms include:

• High in plant-based protein, helping maintain and build muscle

• Rich in dietary fiber, supporting healthy digestion

• Naturally low in cholesterol, ideal for weight management

• Helps regulate blood sugar levels, suitable for people with diabetes

• Reduces the risk of obesity, high blood lipids, and atherosclerosis

• Cooling properties that help detoxify the body and boost immunity

• Supports memory and overall vitality

Thanks to these benefits, straw mushrooms frequently appear in healthy vegan meal plans.

4 Easy & Light Vegan Braised Straw Mushroom Recipes

Vegan braised dishes made with straw mushrooms are not only easy to cook but also incredibly versatile. Below are some of the best braised straw mushroom recipes to help diversify your daily meals.

How to Make Vegan Braised Straw Mushrooms with Black Pepper

Vegan braised straw mushrooms with black pepper are a standout dish among plant-based braised recipes. The fragrant heat of green peppercorns blends beautifully with a lightly thickened sauce, allowing each mushroom to absorb rich, savory flavors while maintaining its natural crunch.

Ingredients

• Straw mushrooms: 300g (preferably button-sized)

• Fresh green peppercorns: 2–3 sprigs (or ground black pepper)

• Vegan black pepper braising sauce: 2 tbsp

• Vegan mushroom oyster sauce: 1 tbsp

• Soy sauce: 1 tbsp

• Sugar: 1 tsp

• Cooking oil: 1 tbsp

• Minced garlic: 1 tsp

• Red chili: 1 (optional)

• Water: 50 ml

• Scallions and cilantro: to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Trim the mushroom bases, soak them in lightly salted water for 10–15 minutes, then rinse and drain well. Cut larger mushrooms in half. Rinse the peppercorns, slice the chili, and finely chop scallions and cilantro.

Step 2: Stir-fry the mushrooms
Heat oil in a pan, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add straw mushrooms. Stir-fry over medium heat until they firm up and release their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Braising
Add vegan pepper sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water. Stir well. Once the sauce gently simmers, add peppercorns and chili, then reduce to low heat.

Step 4: Finish
Braise for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the mushrooms are evenly coated. Adjust seasoning, turn off the heat, and garnish with scallions and cilantro.

This braised straw mushroom dish tastes best when served hot with steamed white rice, brown rice, or plain rice porridge. The gentle heat from the pepper and the balanced savory-sweet sauce make vegan meals deeply satisfying and complete.

Vegan Braised Tofu with Straw Mushrooms

If you prefer mild, comforting vegan dishes, braised tofu with straw mushrooms is a must-try. Golden-fried tofu paired with chewy straw mushrooms creates a harmonious balance of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu: 3 blocks

• Straw mushrooms: 100g

• Fresh ginger: 1 small piece

• Red chili: 1

• Scallions: 1–2 stalks

Instructions

1. Cut tofu into cubes and pan-fry until golden. Clean and drain mushrooms. Slice ginger and chop scallions.

2. Sauté ginger and scallion whites in oil, add mushrooms, season with soy sauce and vegan oyster sauce, and stir-fry for 2 minutes.

3. Add tofu and enough water to cover halfway. Braise over low heat until the sauce thickens and ingredients absorb the flavors.

Serve hot with steamed rice or vegan broken rice. The gentle richness of tofu combined with flavorful braised straw mushrooms makes this dish warming, easy to eat, and never heavy.

How to Cook Braised Straw Mushrooms with Eggplant

Braised straw mushrooms with eggplant is a rustic yet crowd-pleasing vegan dish. Soft, buttery eggplant absorbs the savory sauce, while straw mushrooms add texture and depth without being greasy.

This recipe is ideal for those who enjoy tender, well-seasoned vegan braised dishes that are incredibly satisfying with rice.

Ingredients

• Straw mushrooms: 200g

• Eggplant: 2

• Shallots and garlic: 1–2 cloves

• Scallions

• Soy sauce, sugar, vegan seasoning

Instructions

1. Clean and halve mushrooms. Cut eggplant into bite-sized pieces and soak briefly in salted water to prevent browning. Mince shallots and garlic.

2. Sauté shallots and garlic, add mushrooms and eggplant, stir briefly. Season with soy sauce, sugar, and vegan seasoning. Add a little water and braise over low heat until eggplant softens.

3. Adjust seasoning, sprinkle scallions and black pepper, then turn off the heat.

Vegan Braised Straw Mushrooms with Green Peppercorns – Bold & Aromatic

Unlike the mild black pepper version, vegan braised straw mushrooms with green peppercorns deliver a much bolder, spicier flavor profile. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy deeply seasoned braised dishes with the unmistakable aroma of fresh green peppercorns.

Green peppercorns not only add a distinctive heat but also enhance the fragrance of the dish, instantly stimulating the appetite as soon as it reaches the table.

This recipe is ideal for meals when you want something different, especially on rainy days or whenever you crave a vegan dish that is hearty enough to enjoy with hot steamed rice.

Ingredients

• Straw mushrooms: 500g

• Fresh green peppercorns: 5 sprigs

• Bird’s eye chilies: 2

• Minced shallots: 2 tbsp

• Soy sauce: 5 tbsp

• Sugar: 1 tbsp

• Cooking oil: 2 tbsp

• Salt: 1/2 tbsp

Instructions

Step 1: Clean the straw mushrooms thoroughly and drain well. Rinse the green peppercorns.

Step 2: Heat oil in a pan, sauté minced shallots until fragrant. Add straw mushrooms, green peppercorns, and chilies, then stir well.

Step 3: Add soy sauce and sugar. Reduce heat and braise gently until the sauce thickens and the mushrooms absorb the seasoning. Turn off the heat.

Vegan braised straw mushrooms with green peppercorns are best served hot with steamed white rice or brown rice. The warm spiciness and moderately thick sauce make this dish extremely satisfying and hard to resist.

Why Braised Straw Mushroom Dishes Are Perfect for Daily Vegan Meals

Although each recipe offers a unique flavor — from the heat of pepper, the soft richness of tofu, to the mellow sweetness of eggplant — all vegan braised straw mushroom dishes share common advantages: they are easy to cook, use familiar ingredients, and are well-suited for everyday family meals.

These dishes are an excellent way to diversify your vegetarian menu while staying nutritious, comforting, and delicious.

Tips to Make Braised Straw Mushrooms More Flavorful

To achieve a well-balanced vegan braised straw mushroom dish that is rich but not overpowering, attention is needed from ingredient selection to cooking technique. A great braised dish is not only about seasoning but also about how the mushrooms are handled to preserve their natural sweetness.

Important tips to remember:

• Choose fresh, button-shaped straw mushrooms: Closed caps remain firm and chewy during long braising.

• Clean mushrooms thoroughly: Soak in lightly salted water for 10–15 minutes, rinse well, and drain completely.

• Stir-fry before braising: This step firms up the mushrooms and releases natural sweetness, enhancing depth of flavor.

• Braise over low heat: Gentle simmering allows mushrooms to absorb seasoning gradually without releasing too much water.

• Season moderately: Avoid excessive soy sauce or salt to preserve the mushroom’s natural umami.

• Add pepper at the right time: Green peppercorns or ground black pepper should be added mid-way or near the end to retain aroma and heat.

When these tips are followed, braised straw mushrooms will have an appealing color, lightly thickened sauce, warm spiciness, and a fragrant aroma that pairs beautifully with rice without becoming heavy.

How to Choose Fresh Straw Mushrooms

The quality of braised straw mushroom dishes depends greatly on the freshness of the mushrooms. Since straw mushrooms have a short shelf life, selecting fresh ones ensures better flavor, prevents unpleasant odors, and maintains nutritional value.

How to identify fresh straw mushrooms:

• Shape: Round, tightly closed caps, medium-sized

• Surface: Firm, intact, no bruises or sliminess

• Aroma: Mild, pleasant mushroom scent without sourness

• Color: Natural gray-brown, not unnaturally pale

• Texture: Firm when gently pressed, not mushy

Avoid mushrooms that:

• Have fully opened caps resembling flowers

• Smell sour or feel wet and slimy

• Have been stored too long in hot environments

• Show signs of chemical treatment to retain color

Ideally, purchase straw mushrooms for same-day use and store them in a cool place. Choosing fresh mushrooms not only improves taste but also preserves their full nutritional benefits.

Conclusion

Braised straw mushrooms are a humble yet nutritious vegan dish that is easy to prepare and suits a wide range of tastes. From braised straw mushrooms with black pepper to tofu and eggplant variations, each version offers a distinct flavor while maintaining the light, wholesome essence of vegetarian cuisine. If you would like to enjoy expertly prepared vegan dishes featuring straw mushrooms, feel free to visit Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant, where we are always happy to serve you with care and dedication.