Bamboo shoots are the edible young and tender stems of bamboo plants. Bamboo shoots are available either fresh or canned but canned bamboo shoots are the most easily found and probably safest to use as some fresh bamboo shoots emit a strong and unappetizing odor. Canned bamboo shoots are already cooked and come sliced, whole, or in thin strips. I prefer the sliced version so I can use it for stir-fries and I can cut them into thin strips for Hot and Sour Soup (page 00).
