Emily Johnson
Cremini mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are a mature version of white button mushrooms and are meatier in texture. They can be cooked in several ways, including sautéing, roasting, grilling, frying, or even simmering in wine. When cooked, cremini mushrooms develop a rich, savoury flavour and can be served as a side dish or used as a topping for steak, burgers, or pizza. They are also a nutritious option, containing various vitamins and minerals. With their ability to absorb flavours and crisp up, cremini mushrooms are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other names | Baby bella, baby portobella, crimini, portobello when mature, white button mushrooms when immature |
| Flavour | Earthy, savoury, mild |
| Texture | Meaty |
| Nutrition | Good source of copper, selenium, phosphorus, B vitamins (including vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and B6), potassium, amino acids, vitamin D, riboflavin, zinc, folate, and manganese |
| Storage | Store in a paper bag in the refrigerator (not the produce drawer) |
| Cleaning | Rinse with water |
| Preparation | Sautéing, roasting, grilling, blending into pâté |
| Common dishes | Pizza topping, pasta, soup, gravy, quesadillas, skewers, rice dishes, barley pilaf, sandwiches, vegan sausage |
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What You'll Learn
Sautéed cremini mushrooms
To prepare the mushrooms, start by rinsing them thoroughly under water and then patting them dry. Cut the mushrooms into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced mushrooms along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook the mushrooms for about 5 minutes.
At this point, you can add additional ingredients to enhance the flavor. Garlic and thyme are great options, and you can also experiment with other fresh herbs. Cook the mushrooms with the added ingredients for another 3-4 minutes. For an extra touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice is recommended.
For a more substantial dish, cremini mushrooms can be served as an appetizer or side. Their meatier texture compared to white button mushrooms makes them a great choice. Additionally, they can be added to vegetable-based soups or used to make a homemade mushroom sauce for a green bean casserole.
With their versatility and nutritious profile, sautéed cremini mushrooms are a fantastic addition to any meal.
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Roasted cremini mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces of cremini mushrooms
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Tamari (or soy sauce)
- Fresh herbs (parsley and thyme)
- Salt and pepper
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt or debris.
- Quarter or halve the mushrooms.
- Place the mushrooms on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and tamari.
- Sprinkle with pepper and toss to coat evenly.
- Roast for 18 to 20 minutes, tossing halfway, or until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
- Remove from the oven and toss with the parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
For garlic lovers, toss the mushrooms with garlic butter or a grated garlic clove while they are still warm. You can also experiment with adding other ingredients like wine or lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
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Cremini mushrooms on the grill
Grilled Cremini mushrooms are a delicious and healthy veggie side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to grilling them:
Preparation
Firstly, clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or kitchen towel. Do not rinse them under running water. Trim off any dried-out ends and cut the mushrooms into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. If your mushrooms are larger than one inch in diameter, halve them for quicker and more consistent cooking.
Seasoning
Place the mushrooms on a plate or in a bowl and drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and tamari to enhance the mushrooms' natural umami flavour. Use your hands to ensure the mushrooms are thoroughly coated.
Grilling
Thread the seasoned mushrooms onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Place the skewers on a preheated grill at medium-high heat (375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit). Grill for about 10 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and slightly charred.
Serving
Remove the mushrooms from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle them with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, and squeeze some lemon juice over them to enhance the flavour. Serve as a side dish or use them in tacos, burrito bowls, or pasta.
Enjoy your juicy and flavourful grilled Cremini mushrooms!
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Cremini mushroom substitutes
Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bella mushrooms, are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are known for their earthy flavour and meaty texture. While cremini mushrooms are a great addition to recipes, they may not always be available. Here are some substitutes that can be used in their place:
White Button Mushrooms
White button mushrooms are an excellent substitute for cremini mushrooms as they are essentially the same mushroom but at an earlier growth stage. They have a milder flavour and a softer texture than creminis. To maintain the same texture, it is recommended to cut them slightly thicker. White button mushrooms are easily accessible year-round in most supermarkets. They can be substituted at a 1:1 ratio.
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are also a great alternative as they are the same type of mushroom as creminis but at a more mature stage. They have a stronger flavour and a darker colour. Portobellos also have a slightly meatier texture. To duplicate the texture of cremini mushrooms, it is suggested to cut the portobellos slightly thinner or in quarters before slicing. They can be substituted at a 1:1 ratio, but it is important to cook them separately before adding them to the dish to avoid altering the overall texture.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are another good substitute for cremini mushrooms, especially in seafood and fish recipes. They have a mildly sweet and slightly briny flavour, adding a unique tang to dishes. Oyster mushrooms also possess a meaty texture similar to creminis. They are recommended for soups, curries, and focaccia toppings. The substitution ratio is 1:1.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms make an excellent substitute for cremini mushrooms in Asian-style recipes. They have a strong umami flavour and a similar meaty texture. Both the caps and stems can be used to add texture to the dish, as the stems are chewy. The recommended substitution ratio is 1/2 cup of shiitake mushrooms for 1 cup of cremini mushrooms.
Chanterelle Mushrooms
Chanterelle mushrooms have a meaty texture comparable to cremini mushrooms. They are distinguished by their unique peppery and slightly fruity flavour. Chanterelle mushrooms are a great substitute in creamy recipes like soups, pasta, and sauces. However, their flavour may be milder than creminis.
When choosing a substitute for cremini mushrooms, it is important to consider the specific recipe and the desired flavour and texture profile. Some mushrooms, like shiitake and oyster, may be better suited for certain types of dishes due to their unique flavours and textures.
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Storing cremini mushrooms
Keep Them in Their Original Packaging: If possible, it's best to store cremini mushrooms in their original packaging. The plastic wrap usually has holes that allow excess moisture to escape without drying out the mushrooms. This helps keep them fresh for longer.
Use Paper Bags or Paper Towels: If you bought loose mushrooms, place them in a paper bag or wrap them in paper towels. Paper absorbs moisture, preventing the mushrooms from getting slimy. You can then place the paper bag or wrapped mushrooms in a container and cover it tightly with plastic wrap before putting it in the fridge.
Store in the Fridge: Mushrooms should be stored in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Place them on a shelf, preferably in the dry, cool section of the fridge, rather than in the crisper drawer, which can be too moist. Keeping them cool slows down their metabolism and prolongs their freshness.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage: If you don't plan to use your cremini mushrooms within a week or so, it's best to freeze them. Start by rinsing the mushrooms and then letting them dry in the open air. Once they're relatively dry, brush them gently to remove any stubborn dirt. Properly dried mushrooms can then be placed in the freezer for extended storage.
By following these storage tips, you can help keep your cremini mushrooms fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.
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