Mushroom Prep: Easy Steps To Deliciousness

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to sauces. When preparing mushrooms, it is important to first clean them by using a damp paper towel to wipe away any dirt or, if they are very dirty, rinsing them quickly under water and then drying them. When it comes to cutting mushrooms, there are a few options. For smaller mushrooms, slicing or chopping them into wedges is a good option, while larger mushrooms can be cut into quarters or cubes. It is also important to remove the stems, which can be woody and difficult to eat. When cooking mushrooms, it is best to use a dry pan and avoid adding oil, butter, or salt until the very end. This allows the mushrooms to brown properly and develop a golden colour and crispy texture.

How to prep mushrooms

Choosing the right mushrooms

• Variety: Depending on your recipe and taste preferences, you can choose from various mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, portobello, oyster, or wild mushrooms. Each variety has its unique flavour and texture, so decide based on the specific requirements of your dish.
• Freshness: When shopping for mushrooms, always opt for fresh, firm mushrooms. Look for ones without any greyish-brown spots on their caps, as these indicate decay. Inspect the moist area under the cap, as it can be an early sign of spoilage. The bottom of the stem can be slightly discoloured, but it should not be overly dry, mushy, or starting to fall apart.
• Cleanliness: While dirt on mushrooms is not necessarily an indication of freshness or quality, it is still preferable to choose cleaner mushrooms. They will require less cleaning before cooking. A little dirt clustered near the stem is acceptable, but try to avoid mushrooms with excessive soil or grime.
• Texture: Consider the texture you want in your dish. If you desire meaty, chewy pieces, chopping the mushrooms is a better option than slicing. Chopping creates larger, more substantial pieces. Slicing, on the other hand, is ideal for sauces, as it yields thinner pieces that integrate well into liquid-based dishes.
• Quantity: Plan the quantity of mushrooms needed for your recipe. Mushrooms shrink significantly during cooking, so keep in mind that you may need more than you initially estimated. Buying a few extra mushrooms is advisable, especially if you're making a dish with mushrooms as the star ingredient.

Remember, choosing the right mushrooms involves considering their variety, freshness, cleanliness, and how they will contribute to the texture and overall presentation of your dish. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to selecting the perfect mushrooms for your culinary creations.

Storing mushrooms

When purchasing mushrooms, carefully examine their appearance. Avoid mushrooms with greyish-brown spots on their caps, as these indicate decay. Check the moist area under the cap, as it often starts to turn before the rest of the mushroom. While some discolouration on the stem is acceptable, it should not be overly dry, mushy, or beginning to shred. Although dirt is not an indication of freshness, cleaner mushrooms are easier to work with.

Once you've selected your mushrooms, it's essential to store them properly. Place them in a plastic bag with the top left open or use a perforated plastic container. Store them in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator. This storage method will help keep your mushrooms fresh for at least three to five days.

If you plan to use the mushrooms after this timeframe, consider cooking them and then storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Alternatively, you can freeze cooked mushrooms for up to six months. Remember to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your mushrooms stay fresh and are ready to be incorporated into your culinary creations.

Cleaning mushrooms

Firstly, when shopping for mushrooms, it is advisable to choose ones that do not have any grey-brown spots on their caps, as this can indicate decay. The bottom of the stem can be slightly discoloured, but it should not be overly dry, mushy, or starting to fall apart. While dirt is not an indication of freshness, cleaner mushrooms are easier to work with.

Once you have selected your mushrooms, you can begin the cleaning process. If the mushrooms are very dirty, it is recommended to rinse them under running water for about 10 seconds and then gently brush them dry with a paper towel. This ensures that any dirt or grit is removed. If the mushrooms are only slightly dirty or slimy, a paper towel can be used to wipe them down gently. It is important to ensure that the mushrooms are dry before cooking, as moisture can affect the browning process.

Before cooking, it is also necessary to remove the stems from the mushrooms. This not only gets rid of any dried-out or dirty sections but also creates a flat base, making slicing easier and safer. The stems can be cut or torn away, and then the mushrooms can be sliced or chopped into the desired thickness or shape.

Finally, when cooking mushrooms, it is important to avoid overcrowding the pan. Mushrooms should be spread out in a single layer to allow them to brown and crisp properly. By following these steps, you can effectively clean and prepare mushrooms for cooking, ensuring a tasty and textured result.

Cutting mushrooms

When it comes to cutting mushrooms, there are a few different approaches you can take. Firstly, it's important to trim off the stems of the mushrooms to create a flat base, making slicing easier and safer. You can then decide on the shape you'd like your mushrooms to be in.

One common method is to slice the mushrooms. This is a good option if you plan to use the mushrooms in sauces, as they will cook quickly and brown relatively fast. Simply place the mushrooms stem-side down on a cutting board and use a knife to slice them to your desired thickness. You can also use an egg slicer to achieve thin slices.

Another option is to quarter the mushrooms, which works well for stir-fries, soups, or stews. To do this, cut the mushrooms into wedges or, for thicker mushrooms, cut the cap crosswise and then chop. You can also chop mushrooms into smaller pieces for specific dishes like stuffings, meatballs, or duxelles, using a food processor for the finest results.

Keep in mind that mushrooms shrink significantly when cooked, so you don't need to worry too much about making perfect cuts. Additionally, different varieties of mushrooms may call for different cutting techniques, such as portobello mushrooms, which can be scraped with a metal spoon to remove the gills and create a cleaner look and feel, although this may sacrifice some flavour.

Cooking mushrooms

Once cleaned, you can start prepping your mushrooms for cooking. The first step is to remove the stems by trimming them off with a small knife. This creates a flat base for your mushroom, making it easier to slice. You can then slice or chop your mushrooms into the desired shape and size. Sliced mushrooms are best for sauces, while quartered mushrooms work well for stir-fries, soups, or stews. If you are using larger mushrooms, you can cut them into wedges or chop the cap crosswise. An egg slicer can also be used to slice mushrooms thinly and evenly.

When cooking mushrooms, it is best to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause them to steam instead of brown. Heat some oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the mushrooms in a single layer. Cook without moving them until browned on one side, about 3-5 minutes. Then stir and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown all over. At this point, you can add salt and pepper to taste, as well as any other desired seasonings or aromatics, such as thyme or garlic.

Mushrooms can also be roasted in the oven. Simply toss them with olive oil and salt and roast until golden brown. Mushrooms are very beginner-friendly, as they are almost impossible to burn, and they release a lot of water during cooking, so there is little risk of drying them out.

Frequently asked questions