Dou Dou (豆豆)
This simple stir-fry lets cauliflower mushroom shine — crisp, tender, and bursting with natural umami. Just a few ingredients, one pan, and 5 minutes.
这道清炒绣球菌做法极其简单，保留了绣球菌原汁原味的清脆口感。只需几种食材、一个炒锅、5分钟即可完成。
📹 Watch the Recipe
Recipe by 家常素 Irene Yong
🥘 Why This Recipe Works
Cauliflower mushroom (绣球菌), also known as “cauliflower fungus” or Sparassis crispa, is a prized ingredient in Chinese cuisine for its unique coral-like appearance and remarkable texture. Unlike regular mushrooms, it stays delightfully crisp even after cooking — offering a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with a quick, gentle stir-fry.
This recipe from Irene Yong keeps things minimal to let the mushroom’s natural flavor take center stage. The key is a short cooking time — just 2-3 minutes of stir-frying preserves that signature crisp-tender bite. A touch of mushroom stir-fry sauce, a pinch of white pepper, and the sweetness of bell peppers round out the dish without overwhelming it.
5 ingredients, one pan, 5 minutes — and you have a restaurant-quality vegetable dish that pairs with any meal.
🛒 Ingredients
| Ingredient (食材) | Amount (用量) | Notes (备注) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh cauliflower mushroom (新鲜绣球菌) | 150g | trimmed, torn into bite-sized pieces |
| Bell peppers (青红椒) | 100g | sliced; mix of green and red for color |
| Sunflower seed oil (葵花籽油) | ½ tbsp | or any neutral oil |
| Garlic & ginger (蒜和姜) | to taste | minced, sautéed first |
| Mushroom stir-fry sauce (素蚝油) | ½ tbsp | or vegetarian oyster sauce |
| Salt (盐) | ¼ tsp | |
| Sugar (糖) | ¼ tsp | balances the savory flavors |
| White pepper (白胡椒粉) | ¼ tsp | adds subtle warmth |
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Gently rinse the cauliflower mushroom and tear into fork-friendly pieces
- Slice bell peppers into thin strips
- Mince garlic and ginger
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat sunflower seed oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat
- Add minced garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds)
Step 3: Stir-fry the Mushroom
- Add cauliflower mushroom pieces and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes
- The mushroom will soften slightly but keep its crisp texture
Step 4: Season and Finish
- Add mushroom stir-fry sauce, salt, sugar, and white pepper
- Add sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes
- Toss everything together until evenly coated
- Serve immediately while hot and crisp
💡 Tips & Substitutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Can’t find cauliflower mushroom? | Substitute with king oyster mushroom (杏鲍菇) sliced thin, or enoki mushroom (金针菇) for a different texture |
| Too mild? | Add a sliced bird’s eye chili (小辣椒) with the aromatics for heat |
| No mushroom stir-fry sauce? | Substitute with light soy sauce (生抽) + a dash of vegetarian oyster sauce (素蚝油) |
| Want more protein? | Add cubed firm tofu or edamame in the last minute of cooking |
📊 Nutrition
Per serving (approx.): ~65 cal | 3g protein | 4g carbs | 4g fat | Rich in beta-glucans, vitamin D, and antioxidants
🌱 Why This Dish
Cauliflower mushroom (绣球菌, xiù qiú jūn — literally “embroidered ball fungus”) is a delicacy in Chinese vegetarian cuisine, particularly valued in Buddhist cooking for its meaty texture without being animal-derived. It grows wild on pine tree roots and is now cultivated widely in China and Japan.
In traditional Chinese medicine, cauliflower mushroom is believed to benefit bone health (helping prevent osteoporosis), support cardiovascular function, and promote healthy skin — making this simple dish both delicious and nourishing. Its natural crispness means it requires minimal cooking, aligning perfectly with the Chinese culinary principle that the best cooking preserves an ingredient’s inherent character.
This recipe comes from 家常素 Irene Yong, a Malaysian-Chinese home cook who specializes in simple, everyday vegan dishes that any home cook can master.
