A termite mushroom chili paste would be a flavorful condiment made by combining termite mushrooms — a wild edible fungus prized in parts of Asia and Africa — with chilies and seasonings to make a spicy, umami‑rich paste you can use on rice, noodles, or grilled foods. (Donser)
(Termite mushrooms grow in symbiosis with termites and are eaten in local cuisines, valued for their earthy, savory flavor.) (Wikipedia)
Below is a recipe inspired by mushroom chili pastes — adapted for termite mushrooms if you can source them. If you can’t find termite mushrooms locally, you can use other firm mushrooms (like oyster or shiitake) instead.
🌶️ Termite Mushroom Chili Paste (Adapted Recipe)
Ingredients
- 300–400 g termite mushrooms, cleaned and chopped
- 10–15 dried red chilies (soaked in warm water until soft)
- 4–6 garlic cloves
- 2–3 fresh red chilies (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tbsp oil (neutral or chili oil)
- 1–2 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- 1–2 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp soy sauce or fish sauce for extra umami
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Chilies
- Soak dried red chilies in warm water for 10–15 minutes until soft.
- Drain and roughly chop both dried and fresh chilies.
2️⃣ Blend the Paste
- In a blender or mortar & pestle, combine:
- Soaked dried chilies
- Fresh chilies
- Garlic cloves
- 1–2 tsp salt
- Sugar
- Grind to a rough paste — add a splash of water if needed.
3️⃣ Cook the Mushroom Base
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped termite mushrooms and cook down until moisture evaporates and mushrooms start to brown — 5–7 minutes.
4️⃣ Add Chili Paste
- Add the chili paste to the pan.
- Stir and cook for 5–8 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the paste.
5️⃣ Season & Finish
- Stir in vinegar (or lemon juice), and optional soy/fish sauce.
- Cook 2–3 minutes more.
- Taste and adjust salt, sugar, or acidity.
6️⃣ Cool & Store
- Let the paste cool, then store in a clean jar in the fridge — it keeps 1–2 weeks.
💡 How to Use
- Spread on toast or flatbread.
- Mix into noodles or rice.
- Use as a dipping sauce for grilled meats or vegetables.
- Stir into soups for extra depth.
📝 Notes
- Termite mushrooms are seasonal and wild‑harvested in tropical regions; they’re regarded as a delicacy in places where they grow. (Vietnam Times)
- If they’re unavailable where you are, other hearty mushrooms work well in this paste too.
Would you like a milder version or an option that’s suitable for vegetarians/vegans with no added fermented sauces?
