# shiitake

/ʃiˈtɑki/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shiitake
Updated: 2026-09-28

## Definition

a type of mushroom with a brown cap that is often used in Asian cooking. It has a strong, savory taste and is popular in soups and stir-fry dishes.

For teachers: an edible mushroom, Lentinula edodes, native to East Asia and widely cultivated for its culinary and medicinal properties. Characterised by a dark brown, slightly convex cap and a tough, fibrous stem.

## Examples

- I added sliced shiitake to the vegetable stir-fry.
- The chef recommends using dried shiitake for the broth because they have a much deeper flavor than fresh ones.
- While button mushrooms offer a mild profile, shiitake provides a meaty texture and intense umami that anchors the vegetarian ramen bowl.

## Usage notes

- Countable when referring to the individual mushrooms; uncountable when referring to them as a food category or ingredient.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.