Emma Wilson
Boiling mushrooms is a great way to prepare them, especially if you have other cooking tasks at hand. Chef and mycologist Jim Fuller advocates boiling as the best way to cook mushrooms. It is a quick and simple way to make cooking with mushrooms easier. Boiling mushrooms can help to dry them out a little, and they brown faster and more evenly than when raw. You can boil mushrooms for 3-7 minutes, depending on your preference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boiling time | 3-10 minutes |
| Salted water | Yes |
| Use of lid | No |
| Browning time | 1-2 minutes |
| Sliced mushrooms storage time | 7 days |
| Whole mushrooms storage time | 10 days |
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What You'll Learn
Boiling mushrooms for 10 minutes
Step 1: Preparing the Mushrooms
Start by rinsing the mushrooms in warm water for 30 seconds to remove any soil or dirt. You can use a colander to agitate and clean them gently. After rinsing, pat the mushrooms dry with a paper towel. Optionally, you can remove the gills and stems, especially if you're using portobello mushrooms, as the gills tend to excrete a dark liquid when cooked. You can use a spoon to gently scrape out the gills and a knife to slice off the hard ends. Cut the mushroom heads into quarters, halves, or any desired size.
Step 2: Boiling the Mushrooms
Fill a pot with enough water to float the mushrooms. Bring the water to a boil. Add the prepared mushrooms to the boiling water and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Boiling the mushrooms helps draw out moisture, resulting in a meatier texture. It also reduces their volume, making it easier to fit more mushrooms in the pan for the next steps.
Step 3: Draining and Sautéing
After 10 minutes of boiling, use a colander to drain the mushrooms and shake off any excess water. You can also use a salad spinner to remove as much moisture as possible. At this point, you can choose to refrigerate the boiled mushrooms for later use. They will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 7 to 10 days.
To continue cooking, heat a pan on high heat and add a small amount of butter and oil. You can use clarified butter for a richer flavour. Place the boiled mushrooms in the hot pan, flattening them slightly. Allow the mushrooms to brown on one side without touching them. Once golden brown, turn them over and brown the other side.
Step 4: Seasoning and Serving
Once both sides of the mushrooms are browned, add additional butter, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also experiment with other seasonings like soy sauce, minced garlic, or fresh herbs. Toss the mushrooms to coat them evenly with the butter and seasonings. Serve the mushrooms as a side dish or use them in your favourite recipes, such as vegan bolognese or creamy risotto.
Tips and Variations:
- When boiling mushrooms, ensure you use enough water to allow them to float freely. This helps ensure even cooking.
- Boiling mushrooms before sautéing or pan-frying can improve their texture and make them more meaty and juicy.
- You can also roast boiled mushrooms in a hot oven at about 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Drizzle with oil and herbs to prevent sticking and enhance flavour.
- If you're short on time, you can microwave mushrooms for a quick, easy, and nutritious option.
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Boiling before sautéing
Boiling Mushrooms Before Sautéing
Boiling mushrooms before sautéing them is a great way to prepare them, especially if you have other cooking tasks to complete simultaneously. This method is also useful when cooking a large batch of mushrooms, as they shrink in size during boiling and become easier to fit into the pan.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Clean and Cut the Mushrooms
Before boiling, clean the mushrooms by washing them in warm water for 30 seconds. Then, cut them into your desired size—quarters, thirds, or halves.
Step 2: Boil the Mushrooms
Place the mushrooms in a pot and add enough boiling water to just cover or float them. Boil the mushrooms for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can add a little more water or boil for a minute or two longer if needed.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
After boiling, it's time to sauté. Heat some butter or oil in a pan on high heat. You can use various types of oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. Once the pan is hot, add the boiled mushrooms and let them cook until they are golden brown. Flatten the mushrooms in the pan and turn them only once browned to ensure even browning on both sides.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Once the mushrooms are nicely browned, add additional butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss the mushrooms in the seasoned butter, and they're ready to serve!
Tips
- If you want to add more flavor to the mushrooms, you can season them with soy sauce, thyme, lemon, or garlic.
- To prevent the mushrooms from steaming, avoid overcrowding them in the pan. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even browning.
- If you're using whole mushrooms, you don't need to chop them before boiling, as they will boil just as well as sliced mushrooms.
- For a "delicious, earthy, meaty" flavor, renowned chef and mycologist Jim Fuller recommends boiling the mushrooms to the right consistency and then adding olive oil.
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Boiling whole vs sliced mushrooms
Boiling mushrooms is a great way to prepare them for a variety of recipes or to eat on their own. It is a quick and simple way to make cooking with mushrooms easier.
When boiling mushrooms, you can choose to keep them whole or slice them into quarters, halves, or thirds. Whole mushrooms will boil just the same as sliced mushrooms, so it is a matter of personal preference and the desired texture and cooking time.
If you prefer larger bites or want to reduce the cooking time, you can leave the mushrooms whole. Slicing the mushrooms will increase the surface area exposed to the boiling water, allowing them to cook faster and absorb more water. This is ideal if you want softer, juicier mushrooms or plan to add them to a dish where smaller pieces are preferred.
Additionally, slicing the mushrooms before boiling can make it easier to clean and remove any dirt or residues. It is recommended to wash mushrooms in warm water for 30 seconds, agitating them to remove any soil or dirt particles.
Whether you choose to boil whole or sliced mushrooms, the boiling time can range from 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the mushrooms and your desired level of doneness. Remember to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. After boiling, you can drain the mushrooms, pat them dry, and then cook them further in a pan with butter, oil, and seasonings of your choice.
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Roasting mushrooms in the oven
Boiling mushrooms for around 3 to 10 minutes is a good way to prepare them before frying or sautéing. This technique dries them out, allowing them to brown more evenly and quickly when cooked in a skillet.
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 400-450°F (200-230°C).
- Clean the mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp cloth or brush to remove any dirt. Avoid washing mushrooms as they are highly absorbent and will soak up water, which can affect their browning.
- Line a baking sheet or shallow baking pan with parchment paper, or lightly oil the pan.
Seasoning:
- Place the mushrooms in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic, balsamic vinegar, or herbs such as parsley or chives.
- Spread the mushrooms in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or pan. Make sure they are not piled on top of each other to ensure even cooking and browning.
Roasting:
- Place the baking sheet in the middle or lower rack of the oven.
- Roast the mushrooms for about 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Remove the mushrooms from the oven when they are tender and caramelized.
Roasted mushrooms make a delicious side dish and can also be added to various main courses, such as pasta, omelets, frittatas, or soups. They pair well with proteins like garlic roasted chicken, seared steak, or baked salmon.
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Preparing mushrooms before boiling
Once the mushrooms are clean, you can choose to cut them into quarters or similar-sized pieces. Removing the gills and stems is also recommended. However, it is not necessary to chop them if you prefer larger bites, as whole mushrooms will boil just the same as sliced mushrooms.
Before boiling, it is crucial to ensure that the mushrooms are completely dry. This step is important to prevent the mushrooms from becoming slimy during storage or cooking. You can use a paper towel or let them air dry before placing them in the refrigerator or boiling them.
Additionally, when preparing mushrooms for boiling, it is advisable to use a clean, spacious pan that can accommodate the mushrooms and the liquid required to cover them. A large pan helps prevent overcrowding, which can cause the mushrooms to steam instead of sauté or brown properly.
Lastly, when preparing mushrooms for boiling, consider the quantity you will need for your recipe. Boiling mushrooms in batches allows you to cook a large quantity at once, and any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you boil mushrooms for 3-7 minutes. However, some sources suggest boiling them for 10 minutes.
Boiling mushrooms dries them out, which means they brown faster and more evenly. Boiling is also a good way to prepare mushrooms if you have other cooking tasks to complete, as they don't need as much attention.
First, clean and cut the mushrooms to your desired size. Then, put them in a pot of boiling salted water for 3-7 minutes, stirring to ensure each piece cooks evenly. Drain the mushrooms, shake off the excess water, and sauté as usual.
