Roasted Hen of the Woods with Miso Glaze
Hen of the Woods (Grifola frondosa) wild specimen
Hen of the Woods (Grifola frondosa) wild specimen
Hen of the Woods cross section
Hen of the woods (maitake) is the mushroom that most reliably converts skeptics. It grows in enormous rosettes at the base of oak trees, and when you roast big pieces of it at high heat, the edges crisp up like chips while the center stays tender and meaty. The miso glaze here adds umami on top of umami. It's almost unfair.
Ingredients
- 400g hen of the woods, torn into large pieces along natural fracture lines
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (grapeseed or vegetable)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onion for garnish
Method
- 1
Preheat oven to 220C/425F. Tear the hen of the woods into large, steak-like pieces by following the natural layers. You want pieces roughly the size of your palm.
- 2
Whisk together miso, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, neutral oil, and ginger.
- 3
Arrange mushroom pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, frilly side up. Brush generously with the miso glaze.
- 4
Roast for 20-25 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crispy. The thin, frilly parts will get chip-like while the thick base stays juicy.
- 5
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion. Serve as a main course with rice, or as a side.
Forager's tip
Hen of the woods can get massive, sometimes over 20 kg. If you find a big one, tear it into portions and store in paper bags in the fridge. It stays good for a week. Do not wash it; just brush off debris.
What it tastes like
Maitake has a deep, earthy flavor with a slight nuttiness. The roasted edges become intensely savory, almost like crispy bacon. The miso glaze adds sweetness and umami. The texture varies from crispy-thin at the edges to tender and succulent at the thick base.
Where to find Hen of the Woods in the wild
Based on reported sightings worldwide
Native to temperate forests of eastern North America, Europe, and East Asia (especially Japan and China). Most common in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. Also found in parts of the Pacific Northwest and scattered locations in the UK a... Full species guide →
Found something in the wild you can't identify? Try Orangutany, it can ID mushrooms from a photo.