Your dried shiitake mushrooms haven't come into their own yet. If you're going to eat them anyway, try bringing them back to super-plump! The texture is plumper than fresh shiitake mushrooms, and the flavor is enriched! Dried shiitake mushrooms can be used from a single piece, so there is no waste.
Three tips for rehydrating them to plump and super-meaty. You should complete these sequentially.
1) Cut the stem early to allow it to absorb water from the centre.
2) Cut the cap so that water is absorbed from the cut surface. Cook once to perfect water absorption.
3) Freeze once, then defrost and use. The freezing trick will make them plump.
Dried Shiitake mushrooms should be rehydrated in cold water to make them sweeter and tastier without any messy taste.
How to Rehydrate Dried Shiitake Mushrooms for Maximum Flavor