舞茸(まいたけ)

まいたけ
noun
maitake mushroom; hen-of-the-woods
1. maitake mushroom; hen-of-the-woods
A large, fan-shaped edible mushroom (Grifola frondosa) with a rich flavor, widely used in Japanese cooking. Grows in clusters at the base of trees.
舞茸(まいたけ)の天(てん)ぷらがおいしい。
Maitake tempura is delicious.
舞茸(まいたけ)を使(つか)った炊(た)き込(こ)みご飯(はん)を作(つく)った。
I made mixed rice with maitake mushrooms.
舞茸(まいたけ)は香(かお)りが良(よ)くて、どんな料理(りょうり)にも合(あ)う。
Maitake have a nice aroma and go well with any dish.

The name literally means "dancing mushroom" — 舞(まい) (dance) + 茸(たけ) (mushroom). According to folk etymology, people danced with joy when they found this prized mushroom in the wild.

COMMON DISHES:

  • 舞茸(まいたけ)の天(てん)ぷら: maitake tempura (a classic)
  • 舞茸(まいたけ)の炊(た)き込(こ)みご飯(はん): mixed rice with maitake
  • 舞茸(まいたけ)の味噌汁(みそしる): miso soup with maitake
  • 舞茸(まいたけ)の炒(いた)め物(もの): stir-fried maitake

COOKING NOTE:
Maitake mushrooms are known for containing a protease enzyme that breaks down protein, which can prevent egg-based batters and gelatin from setting properly. Heating deactivates the enzyme.

OTHER COMMON MUSHROOMS:

  • しめじ: shimeji mushroom
  • えのき: enoki mushroom
  • 椎茸(しいたけ): shiitake mushroom
  • エリンギ: king oyster mushroom
  • 松茸(まつたけ): matsutake mushroom (highly prized)
general
Added 2026.3.28 14:28
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