Stir-Fry Mushroom Magic: When And How To Add Them

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries. They are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus and are known for their unique umami flavour and meaty texture. They are low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy and tasty addition to any stir-fry. There are many types of mushrooms that can be used in stir-fries, such as shiitake, cremini, portobello, and enoki mushrooms, each offering a distinct flavour and texture. When cooking mushrooms for a stir-fry, it is recommended to fry them first to achieve a crispy texture and then add them to the other ingredients and sauce.

Types of mushrooms for stir fry

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including stir-frying. When choosing mushrooms for a stir fry, it is essential to consider the desired texture and flavour profile. Here are some popular types of mushrooms that can be used in stir-fries:

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms have a distinct umbrella shape and are dark brown or black in colour. They offer a slightly smoky flavour and meaty texture, making them a popular choice for stir-fries. They pair well with teriyaki, soy, or Asian-style sauces.

Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms have a wide cap and a creamy white colour. They possess a mild taste, making them versatile in various Asian dishes, including stir-fries.

Cremini or White Button Mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms resemble white button mushrooms but have a darker brown colour. They have a mildly earthy flavour and are suitable for stir-fries as they do not dry out quickly and absorb flavours well. White button mushrooms, on the other hand, are the most popular variety for stir-frying due to their mild, earthy flavour and wide availability.

Enoki Mushrooms

Enoki mushrooms are known for their visual appeal and textural interest in stir-fries. They have a unique appearance and add a crunchy texture to the dish.

Beech Mushrooms

Beech mushrooms, along with enoki and shiitake mushrooms, can be combined to create a medley of flavours and textures in a stir fry. They complement each other well, providing a vegetarian-friendly, meaty texture and earthy flavour.

When preparing mushrooms for a stir fry, it is recommended to cut them into bite-sized pieces or slices. While some sources suggest washing mushrooms before cooking, others advise simply brushing off any debris. Cooking mushrooms in a wok or frying pan with oil over medium-high heat is a common technique to achieve the desired texture and flavour.

How to prepare mushrooms for stir fry

Mushrooms are a great addition to stir-fries. You can use a variety of mushrooms, including white button mushrooms, shiitake, beech, and enoki mushrooms.

To prepare the mushrooms, start by washing them lightly to remove any dirt or substrate. You can then choose to dry them with paper towels or leave them to dry on their own. Next, cut off the ends of the stems. You can remove the stems entirely, but keeping them will add texture to your stir fry. After that, slice the mushrooms into your desired thickness. Keep in mind that if they are too thin, they may lose their flavor.

Once your mushrooms are prepared, heat some oil in a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and coat them with the oil. Keep frying until they release their water and start to brown. At this point, you can add salt or soy sauce for seasoning. If you are using other vegetables in your stir fry, such as onions or garlic, you may want to add the mushrooms first so that they absorb the flavors of these ingredients.

If you are making a sauce for your stir fry, such as a honey and soy sauce glaze, cook the mushrooms until they are browned and set them aside. Then, prepare your sauce by adding the remaining oil, garlic, ginger, and chilies. Finally, toss the mushrooms with the sauce and any other ingredients, such as snow peas and green onions.

How to cook mushrooms for stir fry

Mushrooms are a great addition to a stir fry, adding an earthy flavour and meaty texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook mushrooms for a stir fry:

Firstly, select your mushrooms. You can use standard button mushrooms, or for a more authentic Asian flavour, try shiitake, beech or enoki mushrooms. If you are using dried mushrooms, you will need to soak them in hot water for 5-15 minutes until soft, and then slice them. Fresh mushrooms should also be sliced, and you can choose to slice off the ends of the stems or remove them entirely.

Next, heat some oil in a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. You can use vegetable, olive or peanut oil. Add the mushrooms and coat them in the oil, adding more if necessary. You can also add salt at this stage to help draw out the water. Keep frying until they are browned, and then remove them from the pan and set aside.

If you want to add an onion to your stir fry, this is the next step. Add a sliced onion to the pan and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is soft and translucent. You can then add garlic and seasoning for the last minute of cooking.

Now, return the mushrooms to the pan and add your stir-fry sauce. You can use a simple combination of honey, soy sauce and cooking wine or sherry, or a more complex sauce with ginger, chilli and sesame. Stir everything together and cook until the sauce has thickened.

Finally, serve your mushroom stir fry with rice or noodles. Enjoy!

When to add mushrooms to stir fry

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including stir-frying. When it comes to adding mushrooms to a stir fry, there are a few things to consider to ensure they are cooked properly and complement the other ingredients in the dish.

Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of mushroom for a stir fry. Some varieties that work well include shiitake, cremini, portobello, maitake, and enoki mushrooms. These mushrooms offer a range of flavours and textures that can enhance the dish. Shiitake mushrooms, for example, have a smoky flavour and meaty texture, while enoki mushrooms have a delicate flavour and texture.

Secondly, the desired texture of the mushrooms will determine when they should be added to the stir fry. If a softer texture is preferred, the mushrooms can be added earlier in the cooking process, along with other vegetables such as bell peppers. This allows the mushrooms to cook through and absorb the flavours of the other ingredients. However, if a crispier texture is desired, the mushrooms should be cooked separately first. This involves frying them in oil until they are browned and crispy, then setting them aside while the other ingredients are cooked.

Additionally, the flavour of the mushrooms can be enhanced by adding certain ingredients. For instance, garlic and seasonings can be added along with the mushrooms to impart a savoury flavour. Soy sauce or salt can also be added once the mushrooms start to release their water during cooking, which adds depth of flavour. If a sweeter glaze is desired, honey can be used instead.

Finally, the mushrooms should be added back into the stir fry towards the end of the cooking process. This ensures that they are heated through and allows them to absorb the flavours of the other ingredients without overcooking. This technique is especially important if the mushrooms have been cooked separately to achieve a crispy texture.

In conclusion, the timing of adding mushrooms to a stir fry depends on the desired texture and flavour. By considering the variety of mushroom, cooking technique, and flavour combinations, cooks can ensure that the mushrooms are properly prepared and integrated into the dish.

What to serve mushrooms stir fry with

Mushrooms are a great addition to stir-fries and can be served with a variety of other ingredients. Here are some ideas for what to serve with a mushroom stir-fry:

Vegetables

Stir-fries are typically made with a variety of vegetables. Some good options to pair with mushrooms include bell peppers, broccolini, onions, and garlic. You can also add green parts of green onions, ginger, and chilies. Snow peas or snap peas are also a great addition, and they go well with shrimp if you want to add some protein to your stir-fry.

Rice or Noodles

Mushroom stir-fry can be served over a bed of rice or noodles. This makes it a more filling and satisfying dish. You can also serve it with cauliflower rice if you're looking for a lower-carb option.

Sauce

A good sauce can really enhance the flavor of a mushroom stir-fry. You can make a simple sauce with soy sauce, honey, and garlic. For a spicier option, add some chilies or Sriracha. If you want a more complex flavor profile, try using Shaoxing cooking wine or cooking sherry. You can also add some sesame oil and cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Protein

If you want to add some protein to your mushroom stir-fry, you can serve it with shrimp, steak, or tofu. Mushrooms have a meaty texture, so they can also be a good source of protein on their own.

Other Ingredients

You can also experiment with other ingredients to add flavor and texture to your mushroom stir-fry. Some options include sesame seeds, lime juice, tamari, red pepper flakes, and maple syrup. You can also try different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake, beech, or enoki mushrooms, to change up the flavors and textures in your dish.

Frequently asked questions