Nametake Recipe
Nametake is a simple Japanese mushroom condiment that delivers rich umami flavor with minimal effort. Made with enoki mushrooms simmered in a sweet and savory soy sauce-based seasoning, it is a versatile make-ahead side dish that can be enjoyed with rice, tofu, noodles, and more. This homemade version comes together quickly and keeps well in the refrigerator, making it a convenient addition to everyday meals.
What’s Nametake?
Nametake is a traditional Japanese side dish made from enoki mushrooms (enokitake) simmered until soft in a savory soy sauce-based seasoning. This slightly salty condiment is often kept in the refrigerator as a convenient preserved food, much like pickles in many Western households. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and also makes a delicious topping for tofu, noodles, and even pasta.
Nametake is commonly sold in glass jars at Japanese supermarkets. Similar to nori tsukudani, it is not often made at home in Japan because it is inexpensive and readily available in stores. However, homemade nametake is incredibly easy and quick to prepare, and it can be even more economical than store-bought versions. Making it yourself also means you can enjoy an all-natural dish without artificial additives or preservatives.
Enoki mushrooms are widely available in the United States and can often be found in Asian markets as well as many local grocery stores. These long, slender white mushrooms have a mild flavor and a pleasant texture. As they cook, they naturally release compounds that help thicken the sauce.
Nametake is typically seasoned with soy sauce, a touch of sweetness, and vinegar for a subtle tang. The seasoning is salty enough to help preserve the mushrooms, allowing the dish to keep well in the refrigerator for one to two weeks.
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Serving Suggestions
Nametake can be enjoyed in many ways. Try serving it:
- Over steamed rice
- On hiyayakko (Japanese cold tofu)
- Tossed with Japanese-style pasta
- As a topping for cold noodle dishes
Keeping a jar of nametake on hand is an easy way to add savory umami flavor to everyday meals.
More recipes like Nametake
- Furikake Recipe
- Katsuo and Kombu Furikake Recipe
- Shiitake and Kombu Tsukudani Recipe
- Kombu Tsukudani Recipe
- Nori Tsukudani Recipe
The recipe was originally published on April 21, 2016. The post was fully updated on June 1, 2026 with revised text, new photos, and a short video.
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Ingredients
- 7 oz Enoki mushroom
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Mirin
- 2 Tbsp Sake
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
Instructions
- Cut off the brown ends of the Enoki mushrooms and wash. Cut into 2″ length pieces.
- Put in a pot all the ingredients except vinegar and cook at medium heat, stirring constantly. When thickened, add vinegar and cook 2-3 minutes longer.
- Remove from heat, let cool, and store in a clean container. Refrigerate up to one or two weeks.
Hello ! I have a hard time finding enoki mushrooms is my country. Are there any other alternitives? Like oyster mushrooms or something ?