Japanese Grilled Maitake Mushrooms with Soy Butter

There is arguably no vegetable—or fungus, to be precise—that takes to the grill quite like Maitake mushrooms. Often referred to as "Hen of the Woods," these frilly, clustered mushrooms possess a distinctively earthy flavor and a robust texture that holds up beautifully against high heat. Unlike smaller mushrooms that might wither, Maitake develops crispy, caramelized edges while remaining tender and meaty on the inside, especially when seared on the flat top of an Arteflame grill. This recipe channels the classic flavors of a Japanese Izakaya, utilizing a rich, savory soy butter glaze that amplifies the natural umami of the fungus. It is a deceptively simple dish that tastes sophisticated, offering a balance of salt, fat, and smoke that transforms a humble ingredient into a centerpiece-worthy side. Whether you are a vegetarian looking for a hearty main or a meat-eater seeking the perfect steak accompaniment, this dish delivers on every level.

Ingredients

The Main Event

• 2 large clusters of Maitake (Hen of the Woods) mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or grapeseed oil (for the grill)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Soy Butter Glaze

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons high-quality soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced (optional)

Garnish

• 2 stalks green onions (scallions), finely sliced
• Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese seven-spice blend) or red pepper flakes (optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Mushrooms

1. Start by gently cleaning the Maitake mushrooms. Avoid running them under water, as they act like sponges and will become soggy, preventing a good sear. Instead, use a damp paper towel or a soft brush to wipe away any dirt or debris.
2. Slice the hard woody base off the bottom of the stem, but keep the clusters largely intact.
3. Tear the large clusters into smaller, manageable steaks or thick wedges (about palm-sized). Keeping them large ensures they don't fall apart and retain moisture while grilling.

Step 2: Firing Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-hot fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want the flat steel cooktop to reach a searing temperature.
2. Allow the grill to heat up for about 15 to 20 minutes. The center ring will be the hottest, while the outer edges are cooler.
3. Lightly oil the flat top surface where you plan to cook the mushrooms to ensure a non-stick surface.

Step 3: The Initial Sear

1. Place the Maitake pieces directly onto the hot flat cooktop. Press them down gently with a spatula to maximize contact with the steel.
2. Let them sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes. You are looking for a deep golden-brown crust and crispy edges.
3. Flip the mushrooms over. Season lightly with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook the other side for another 3 minutes until tender and browned.

Step 4: Glazing with Soy Butter

1. Move the mushrooms slightly further from the center fire to a medium-heat zone to prevent burning the butter.
2. Place the butter directly on the cooktop next to the mushrooms or right on top of them. As it melts, drizzle the soy sauce, mirin, and minced garlic over the mushrooms.
3. Toss the mushrooms in this bubbling mixture on the griddle for 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring every crevice of the frilly caps absorbs the sauce.

Step 5: Plating and Serving

1. Remove the mushrooms from the grill immediately once glazed to prevent the soy sauce from scorching.
2. Transfer to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to cut the richness.
3. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of Shichimi Togarashi for a kick of heat. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips

To master this Japanese grilled Maitake recipe, moisture management is key. Never soak your mushrooms; a waterlogged mushroom will steam rather than sear, robbing you of that signature crisp texture. When using an Arteflame, leverage the different heat zones. Start closer to the center to get a hard sear on the mushroom "steaks," then move them toward the outer edge when adding the butter and soy sauce. Dairy solids and soy sugars burn quickly at high temperatures, so the finishing phase should be gentle. If you cannot find Maitake, this method works reasonably well with Oyster mushrooms or King Trumpet mushrooms, though the cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness. Finally, use unsalted butter so you can control the salinity, as soy sauce already adds a significant amount of salt to the dish.

Variations

While the classic soy butter combination is timeless, these grilled mushrooms are a versatile canvas for various flavor profiles. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit dietary restrictions or explore different cuisines. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

• Vegan Umami Bomb: Substitute the dairy butter with a high-quality vegan plant butter or simply use toasted sesame oil for a nutty finish.
• Citrus Ponzu Twist: Instead of the soy sauce and mirin mix, use Ponzu sauce at the very end for a zesty, citrus-forward flavor that cuts through the earthiness.
• Garlic Herb Style: Ditch the Asian ingredients and opt for olive oil, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary for a Western-style steakhouse side.
• Spicy Miso Glaze: Whisk a teaspoon of red miso paste into the butter before melting it on the grill for a deeper, fermented savory kick.
• Truffle Finish: Keep the seasoning simple with just salt and pepper during the grill, then drizzle with white truffle oil right before serving.

Best pairings

Japanese Grilled Maitake Mushrooms are incredibly versatile, bridging the gap between a light vegetable side and a savory main component. Because of their rich umami profile, they stand up well alongside bold proteins. They are the ultimate companion for a Wagyu steak or a ribeye cooked on the Arteflame, as the earthy fungus complements the richness of the beef. For a lighter meal, pair them with grilled miso-glazed salmon or mackerel. If you are aiming for a vegetarian feast, serve these atop a bowl of steamed white rice or soba noodles with a poached egg on top. In terms of beverages, the salt and butter in this dish pair exceptionally well with a crisp, dry Junmai Sake or a light Japanese lager like Sapporo. Alternatively, a Pinot Noir with earthy undertones will echo the forest flavors of the mushrooms perfectly.

Conclusion

Grilling Maitake mushrooms on the Arteflame is a revelation for anyone who loves texture and deep, savory flavors. This recipe elevates a simple forest ingredient into a gourmet experience, proving that you don't need complicated techniques to create restaurant-quality food at home. The combination of the smoky char from the grill, the creamy richness of the butter, and the salty punch of soy sauce creates a harmony that is hard to beat. It is a dish that celebrates the essence of Japanese cooking—respecting the ingredient and enhancing it with precision. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a quiet weeknight dinner, these soy butter mushrooms are guaranteed to disappear from the plate in seconds. Fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy one of nature’s most delicious gifts.