Crispy Shiitake Mushroom Beef Cheese Burgers

These savory shiitake mushrooms are stuffed with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, then deep-fried until perfectly crispy and golden.

Ingredients

• 10-12 large fresh shiitake mushrooms
• 250 g ground beef
• 100 g mozzarella cheese, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp minced green onion
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp five-spice powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 pinch MSG
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tbsp white sugar
• 1 tbsp water
• to taste barbecue seasoning
• to garnish white sesame seeds

Instructions

1. 1Blanch the shiitake mushrooms

   

   Place the cleaned shiitake mushrooms into a pot of boiling water and blanch for about 10 minutes. This softens the mushrooms and prepares them for stuffing. After blanching, remove them, soak in cold water, squeeze out excess moisture, and pat dry with a paper towel.

   Tip: Choosing large shiitake mushrooms makes them easier to stuff with the beef and cheese filling.
2. 2Score the mushrooms

   

   Place chopsticks on both sides of a mushroom to act as a depth guide. Carefully use a knife to cut a cross-hatch pattern into the surface of the mushroom without cutting all the way through.

   Tip: The chopsticks prevent you from accidentally slicing the mushroom in half.
3. 3Prepare the beef filling

   

   In a bowl, combine ground beef with minced green onion, ginger, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, five-spice powder, pepper, salt, and a pinch of MSG. Knead the mixture thoroughly until well combined, then let it marinate for 30 minutes to develop flavor.

   Tip: Ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed through the meat for a consistent flavor in every bite.
4. 4Dredge with cornstarch

   

   Take the prepared shiitake mushrooms and dredge the inner, scored side with cornstarch. This helps the beef filling adhere properly to the mushroom during the frying process.

   Tip: Ensure the cornstarch is evenly distributed in the crevices for a better crust.
5. 5Stuff the mushrooms

   

   Take a portion of the marinated beef filling and a piece of cheese, and press them firmly into the cavity of the prepared shiitake mushroom.

   Tip: Make sure to press the beef and cheese tightly into the mushroom so it doesnt fall out during frying.
6. 6Coat the stuffed mushroom

   

   After stuffing, take the entire mushroom and coat the exterior thoroughly in dry cornstarch. This will provide a crispy texture once deep-fried.

   Tip: Gently shake off any excess cornstarch so the coating is light and even.
7. 7Deep-fry the mushrooms

   

   Carefully place the coated mushrooms into hot oil heated to 60% heat. Deep-fry them over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown, then remove and double-fry for 1 minute at a higher temperature for extra crispiness.

   Tip: Use medium heat to ensure the beef inside is fully cooked without burning the mushroom crust.

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