Canned Bamboo Shoots: What's The Best Way To Use Them?

For some people, the thought of eating bamboo may be exclusive to panda bears and other furry creatures. But bamboo isn't just something cute black-and-white bears feast on. Besides being a source of food for pandas, bamboo is commonly used as building material and decorative plants, and bamboo shoots have been part of our diet for ages. Many Asian cuisines, including dishes traditionally prepared in Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, and China, use bamboo shoots extensively.

Bamboo shoots have also been gaining attention globally. It doesn't hurt that the vegetable is easy to cook with, too. Your best bet to find bamboo shoots is an Asian grocery store. While fresh bamboo shoots are an option, canned bamboo shoots are more widely available, and they're comparable to their fresh counterparts. Plus, the canned bamboo shoots will already be peeled and sliced for cooking. Whether you're adding them in stir-fry or stews, canned bamboo shoots are a breeze to use.

Adding bamboo shoots can give your dish a fun texture, as they are typically crunchy. Bamboo shoots can be bitter, but it can be masked by adding seasoning such as mirin, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Canned bamboo shoots pair well with nearly any protein and spices — just make sure to rinse them well before using them. 

If it's your first time cooking with bamboo shoots, try adding them to a stir-fry with vegetables, like mushrooms and bell peppers, and protein. You can also add them to a stew or soup. Bamboo shoot is also a common ingredient in Thai cuisine, so the next time you're making Thai green curry, try adding the vegetable for an extra crunch. If curry isn't your thing, incorporate bamboo shoots into a Thai-inspired noodle dish.

Not only is bamboo seen as a symbol of prosperity in Japan, but it is also a popular ingredient in Japanese fare. Bamboo shoot is a common addition in ramen and is often cooked with rice.

Not only are bamboo shoots delicious in a wide variety of dishes, but the vegetable is nutritious as well. Bamboo shoots largely consist of water, meaning they are low in calories and fat. They're also high in fiber, copper, and vitamins, according to Healthline. (A good source of copper can help improve your skin, teeth, and brain.) Bamboo shoots may also decrease cholesterol levels and improve gut health.

If you opt to cook with fresh bamboo shoots, make sure to prepare them properly. Eating too many raw bamboo shoots has its downside, as the vegetable contains cyanide, which can cause cyanide poisoning. In order to prevent reduce the amount of cyanide in the shoots, make sure to cook them probably. Healthline suggests boiling and soaking fresh bamboo shoots before eating them. If you're eating fresh, raw bamboo shoots, make sure to eat them in moderation. Otherwise, you may want to grab canned bamboo shoots on your next grocery run.