Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including frying, baking, boiling, and steaming. Steaming mushrooms in the microwave is a convenient and safe cooking method that can be done in just a few minutes. This process also preserves their flavour and nutritional value. To steam mushrooms in the microwave, simply clean and slice the mushrooms, add a small amount of water, stock, or butter, cover, and cook on high power for 2 to 3 minutes. However, it's important to note that different varieties of mushrooms may respond better to certain cooking methods, and the addition of ingredients like garlic butter, olive oil, or soy sauce can enhance the flavour of microwaved mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 2-3 minutes on high heat |
| Container | Microwave-safe bowl or container, covered |
| Add-ons | Water, stock, butter, salt, pepper, herbs, seasonings, olive oil, garlic butter, soy sauce, etc. |
| Texture | Mushrooms should be fork-tender, bendy, and soft |
| Doneness | Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture |
| Clean-up | Minimal |
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What You'll Learn
Preparation: Clean, trim and slice mushrooms
To prepare mushrooms for steaming in the microwave, start by cleaning them thoroughly under cool running water and patting them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. This removes any dirt or residue. Next, trim the ends of the mushroom stems to ensure they are neat and uniform in size. You can use kitchen scissors or a small knife for this step.
After trimming, slice the mushrooms to your desired thickness. Thicker slices will take longer to cook, while thinner slices may cook more quickly, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. You can slice the mushrooms into halves, quarters, or even smaller pieces, depending on your preference and the dish you are preparing.
Place the sliced mushrooms into a microwave-safe bowl or container. You can use a glass bowl or a microwave-safe pasta dish. Avoid using metal containers or dishes with metallic trim, as they are not safe for microwave use. Cover the bowl or container tightly with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
At this point, you can add a small amount of liquid to create steam and enhance the cooking process. You can use water, stock, or even butter to add some flavour to the mushrooms. However, it is not necessary to add liquid, as mushrooms have a high water content and will produce their own liquid during cooking.
Now your mushrooms are prepared and ready for steaming in the microwave! Follow the subsequent steps for cooking, stirring, and serving.
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Cooking time: 2-3 minutes on high
To steam mushrooms in the microwave, start by cleaning them thoroughly under cool water, then pat them dry. Next, trim and slice the mushrooms to your desired thickness—this will help them cook evenly. Place the sliced mushrooms in a microwave-safe bowl or container. You can add a small amount of water, stock, or butter to create steam and enhance the flavour. Cover the bowl or container and cook on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once.
The cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of mushrooms, as well as the thickness of the slices. If the mushrooms are not tender enough after the initial cooking time, continue cooking in 30-second bursts until done. To determine when mushrooms are cooked through, look for fork-tender, bendy mushrooms with some excess cooking liquid. You can also taste a piece to check for doneness—it should be soft and hot, not rubbery.
It's important to note that different varieties of mushrooms respond differently to cooking methods. For example, chanterelle mushrooms taste better when fried, while oyster mushrooms can become leathery if cooked for too long. Microwaving mushrooms will not enhance their flavour but will concentrate it, resulting in a simple cooked mushroom taste. However, you can add flavour by smearing the mushrooms with garlic butter, coating them in olive oil and thyme, using soy sauce, or adding seasonings and herbs.
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Add flavour: garlic, butter, herbs, seasonings
While microwaving mushrooms is a convenient way to cook them, it doesn't enhance their flavour. However, there are several ways to add flavour to your mushrooms before or after microwaving them.
One way to add flavour to your mushrooms is to smear them with garlic butter. You can make a garlic butter sauce by melting butter and adding olive oil to a skillet. Then, add in the mushrooms and stir every few minutes over medium heat until they are tender and browned. Finally, add in some garlic and herbs of your choice, such as rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, or parsley.
Another option is to coat the mushrooms in olive oil and a sprig of thyme before microwaving. You can also add a few drops of soy sauce to your mushrooms before or after microwaving to give them an unexpected touch of umami. Additionally, you can sauté your microwaved mushrooms in a skillet with some oil, butter, garlic, and herbs such as parsley or thyme.
If you're looking for a more complex flavour profile, try adding some balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or red cooking wine to your mushrooms. You can also experiment with different types of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or steak seasoning.
Finally, don't forget to eat the mushroom juices as well! Not only are they full of flavour, but they also contain maximum nutrients.
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Avoid overcooking: Mushrooms become rubbery
When steaming mushrooms in the microwave, it's important to avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming rubbery and maintain their texture. Mushrooms are like sponges and will absorb flavours well, but they can also become rubbery if cooked for too long.
To avoid overcooking, start by cleaning the mushrooms thoroughly under cool water and patting them dry. Trim and slice the mushrooms to your desired thickness, as this will ensure even cooking. Add a small amount of water, stock, or butter to create steam, then cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe cover.
Cook the mushrooms on high power for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once during cooking. Check the doneness of the mushrooms by looking for fork-tender, bendy mushrooms with some excess cooking liquid. You can also taste a piece to ensure it's soft and hot, not rubbery. If the mushrooms are not done to your liking, continue cooking in 30-second bursts until they reach your desired texture.
Different varieties of mushrooms may require slight adjustments in cooking time and method. For example, oyster mushrooms can become leathery if cooked for too long, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. Additionally, consider enhancing the flavour of your mushrooms by adding butter, herbs, seasonings, or other condiments before or after cooking.
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Use juices: Maximise nutrients
Mushrooms are a great addition to any meal, providing a boost of dietary fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in fat and calories.
However, the cooking process can affect the nutritional value of mushrooms. Frying and boiling mushrooms can lead to a significant loss of protein and antioxidants. This is due to the leaching of soluble substances in the water or oil, which negatively impacts the nutritional value of the cooked mushrooms.
To retain the maximum amount of nutrients, it is recommended to grill or microwave them. Microwaving mushrooms is a simple process: place sliced mushrooms in a microwave-safe bowl or container, cover, and cook on high power for 2-3 minutes. Stir the mushrooms once and continue cooking in 30-second bursts if needed.
While microwaving, the mushrooms will release juices. Make sure to consume these juices as well, as they contain valuable nutrients. You can also add flavour by tossing the mushrooms in a sauce made of soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings before microwaving.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious microwaved mushrooms while maximising their health benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 2-3 minutes per cup of mushrooms.
A high temperature or power level of 700 is recommended.
The mushrooms should be fork-tender and bendy, with some excess liquid in the bowl. You can also taste a piece to check if it is soft and hot, not rubbery.
You can add flavour by using butter, chicken or beef stock, or oils such as sesame or olive oil. You can also try soy sauce, garlic, or Worcestershire sauce.
Different varieties of mushrooms respond differently to cooking. For example, Chanterelle mushrooms taste better fried, while Oyster mushrooms can become leathery if cooked too long. Button mushrooms and Portobello mushrooms are commonly steamed in the microwave.
