Sharing the Recipe for Chinese-Style Wood Ear Mushroom Salad: A Viral TikTok Hit Thats Easy, Low-Calorie, Crispy, and Delicious

The “Chinese-Style Wood Ear Mushroom Salad” has become a viral dish flooding social media feeds on TikTok and Instagram. This appetizer is known for its spicy flavor, aromatic sesame oil scent, and crunchy texture. We delve into the origin of this trend, share an easy yet authentic recipe that tastes like it was made in China, and explore the remarkable health benefits of wood ear mushrooms.

Why has the “Wood Ear Mushroom Salad” captured the hearts of social media users?

The popularity of the Chinese-style Wood Ear Mushroom Salad, known in Chinese as “Liangban Mu'er,” began on Douyin (China's TikTok) and spread to Thailand. It gained attention through ASMR videos where creators showcase eating the crisp wood ear mushrooms accompanied by the vivid colors of chili and garlic.

Beyond the sounds and appearance, the main reason this dish became a trend is its alignment with the “clean eating with bold flavors” movement. It is very low in calories and fat (if sesame oil is used moderately), appealing to those seeking weight loss without bland food. Consequently, it quickly circulated among health-conscious individuals who enjoy spicy food.

The benefits of “Wood Ear Mushrooms” (Wood Ear Mushroom): an affordable superfood

Before we share the recipe, let's look at the star ingredient’s benefits. Wood ear mushrooms are not only crunchy but also packed with medicinal properties according to traditional Chinese medicine and modern nutrition.

1. Supports digestion and detoxifies the intestines: Wood ear mushrooms are very high in fiber, which stimulates bowel movements and helps absorb toxins remaining in the intestines.
2. Nourishes blood and heart health: They contain high iron levels that support blood health and substances that reduce blood viscosity, improving circulation and lowering heart disease risk.
3. Low calorie, ideal for weight loss: 100 grams of wood ear mushrooms provide only about 20-30 kilocalories, helping you feel full longer without gaining weight.
4. Lowers cholesterol levels: Regular consumption can reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol in the blood.

Sharing the recipe for "Chinese-Style Wood Ear Mushroom Salad"

The secret to this recipe’s deliciousness lies in the “cold and crisp” texture of the mushrooms and the distinctive aroma of pickled chili sauce (jig cho) and sesame oil.

Main ingredients

• Black wood ear mushrooms (fresh or dried and soaked) 300 grams
• Finely chopped garlic 1–2 tablespoons
• Sliced red bird’s eye chili (spicy to taste) 5–7 pieces
• Coriander (for garnish)
• Sliced green onions

Dressing ingredients

• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons jig cho (Chinese sour sauce); substitute with fermented vinegar if unavailable
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar (to balance sour and salty flavors)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon Chinese chili oil (optional)
• A pinch of salt

Preparation steps

1. Clean the wood ear mushrooms, trim off the tough stems, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. Boil water vigorously and blanch the mushrooms for about 2–3 minutes (avoid overcooking to prevent softness and sliminess). Then immediately transfer them to ice-cold water. This step is crucial to keep the mushrooms crisp and bouncy.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine light soy sauce, jig cho, sugar, sesame oil, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
4. Drain the mushrooms and add them to the dressing bowl. Add chopped garlic and sliced chili, then toss everything together.
5. Serve on a plate and garnish with green onions and coriander. Ready to enjoy.

The Chinese-Style Wood Ear Mushroom Salad is not just a fleeting trend but a compelling option for those seeking healthy dishes with exciting flavors. It is simple to make, affordable, and packed with benefits. Anyone watching their weight or caring for intestinal health should try this recipe—it’s guaranteed to be irresistibly crunchy and delicious.