An Unstoppable Umami Experience with Chef Chris’s Glazed Mushroom

Griffith Foods continually advances culinary frontiers through our FlavorIQ® Food & Flavor Outlook Program. This year, with the theme of “Unstoppable Umami,” we present “The Glazed Umami Mushroom” by Chef Chris Schwellenbach. This dish brilliantly blends Korean-inspired ingredients, showcasing a creative twist on traditional umami flavors. 

The Glazed Umami Mushroom captures the essence of Griffith Foods’ “Unstoppable Umami” theme, celebrating the dynamic, savory notes of umami through a harmonious blend of Korean-inspired ingredients, offering a rich, layered flavor experience that appeals to diverse palates. 

Embracing Culinary Diversity 

Before joining Griffith Foods, Chris honed his skills in various kitchens, most notably in a Korean fine dining restaurant. His passion for umami-infused flavors and dedication to enhancing dishes with depth and complexity define his culinary vision, which he seamlessly incorporates into Griffith Foods’ innovative ethos.  

“My thing with food is I want to learn as much as possible“

– Chef Chris Schwellenbach

Inspiration and Alignment: The Art of Unstoppable Umami  

Rooted in his experiences at a Korean fine dining restaurant, Chef Chris’s Glazed Umami Mushroom is an homage to these cherished flavors. This dish supports quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and retail markets catering to an audience eager for innovative vegetarian options. 

Chef Chris’s Creative Process: 5 Key Insights 

1. Cultural Encounter: Chef Chris’s exposure to Korean cuisine in a fine dining setting instilled a respect for authentic ingredient use, laying the foundation for his umami-rich creations. 
2. Maitake Mushroom Discovery: Discovering maitake mushrooms transformed Chris’s culinary perspective. Herby yet floral, these mushrooms offer an exciting alternative to standard fungi, providing an ideal platform for umami exploration. 
3. Balanced Umami Symphony: Every component of the dish, from Gochugaru aioli to caramelized kimchi, is meticulously crafted to achieve a balanced umami profile, crucial to its success. 
4. Technique and Intuition: Mastery of sauce work, particularly balancing soy sauce reduction, is pivotal. Chris emphasizes the importance of controlling concentrations to avoid overwhelming saltiness. 
5. Textural Contrast: Inspired by Korean culinary traditions, the dish incorporates crispy elements like fried shallots and garlic, elevating the overall sensory experience. 

Glazed Umami Mushroom: Dish Breakdown 

Core Ingredients and Enhancements 

At the heart of this umami exploration are two Griffith Foods products: Sesame Umami Topical Seasoning and Custom Culinary Vegetable Base. Each plays a critical role in amplifying the dish’s flavors: 

• Sesame Umami Topical Seasoning: Infuses the dish with seaweed and sesame nuances, enriching the mushroom’s depth. Its versatility extends beyond this dish, adaptable for enhancing snacks and meat marinades. 
• Custom Culinary Vegetable Base: Fortifies the glaze, introducing sweet, earthy notes that complement the mushroom’s natural flavor. 

The Components 

• The dish kicks off with maitake mushrooms, known for their unique texture and earthy, slightly floral taste. These mushrooms serve as a perfect canvas for umami flavors.  
• The Gochugaru aioli, made with Korean chili and Kewpie Mayo, adds fruitiness and subtle heat, further enhancing the umami depth.  
• The caramelized kimchi brings a sweet, spicy, and tangy note, where Chris caramelizes the natural sugars to create a deeper flavor complexity.  
• Crispy shallots and garlic, seasoned with Griffith Foods’ sesame umami topical, provide a satisfying crunch, with fresh scallions offering a bright finishing touch. 

Culinary Harmony and Market Potential 

Chef Chris’s Glazed Umami Mushroom not only presents a personal culinary narrative but also aligns with broader market trends that seek inventive, umami-centered experiences.  

Its potential as an easy-to-assemble meal kit or a featured item in fast-casual dining opens new avenues for Griffith Foods’ products, underlining their promise of culinary innovation. Paired with a side of sushi rice or complemented by a glass of Riesling, this dish delivers an intimate umami journey, underscoring the power of flavor to capture imagination and tastebuds alike. 

FlavorIQ® Food & Flavor Outlook Program

At Griffith Foods, we turn insights and culinary creativity into new opportunities with our FlavorIQ® Food & Flavor Outlook Program. Through our annual culinary theme program, we curated a list of key culinary themes that reflect the food industry’s current state and our prediction for what’s next.

Learn more about our program and themes here.