Laura Smith
Frying raw mushrooms is a simple and versatile process that can be adapted to suit your preferences. Mushrooms are a great ingredient to cook with because they are almost impossible to burn and are very beginner-friendly. To fry mushrooms, you will need to clean them, heat a pan, sauté and evaporate, achieve golden perfection, and then add your choice of aromatics, herbs, and seasoning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Use a damp paper towel to wipe away any dirt. |
| Cutting | Cut into 1/4-inch slices or cubes, depending on the mushroom size. |
| Pan | Use a large, wide skillet or pan. |
| Heat | Medium to medium-high heat. |
| Oil | Olive oil, coconut oil, or a mix. |
| Butter | Add at the end, with aromatics like thyme or rosemary. |
| Salt | Add at the end, or after the mushrooms start to heat up. |
| Cooking | Cook without moving until browned on one side, then stir and cook until golden brown on all sides. |
| Seasoning | Pepper, garlic, fresh herbs, lemon juice, etc. |
| Storage | Store cooked mushrooms in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months. |
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What You'll Learn
- Preparation: wipe mushrooms with a damp cloth, remove stems, and slice
- Pan and heat: use a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat
- Cooking process: add oil, then mushrooms, and cook until browned
- Seasoning: add salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, and butter
- Serving suggestions: fried mushrooms are great as a side dish, toast topping, or garnish
Preparation: wipe mushrooms with a damp cloth, remove stems, and slice
Preparation
Before frying raw mushrooms, it is important to prepare them properly. First, use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe any dirt from the mushrooms. Avoid washing the mushrooms under water, as they are very absorbent and this may negatively affect their texture when cooked.
Next, remove the stems from the mushrooms. Mushroom stems are often hard and fibrous, so they should be cut away and discarded. However, you can keep the stems to add flavour to a soup base, as long as you remember to strain them out before eating.
Finally, slice the mushrooms. The way you cut them will depend on how you plan to use them in your dish. For example, quartered mushrooms are best for stir-fries, soups, or stews, while sliced mushrooms are ideal for sauces. If you plan to eat the mushrooms on their own, keeping them whole or simply removing the stems may be the best option. For larger mushrooms, such as portobellos, cutting them into cubes can be a good choice.
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Pan and heat: use a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat
When frying mushrooms, it's important to use a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. This is because mushrooms release a lot of moisture when they cook, and a wide pan gives them ample space to ensure they become nicely browned and remain dry. If you use a smaller pan, the mushrooms may end up steaming instead of frying.
You can use a skillet or a regular pan, but it's important to ensure that the pan is hot before adding the mushrooms. This will help to sear the mushrooms and give them a nice brown colour.
It's also worth noting that while you can use a non-stick pan, a stainless steel pan will give you a better sear. If you're using a stainless steel pan, make sure to add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the pan before adding the mushrooms to prevent them from sticking.
When frying mushrooms, it's important to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will ensure that the mushrooms cook evenly and don't steam. It's best to cook the mushrooms in a single layer, and if you have a lot of mushrooms, you may need to cook them in batches.
Additionally, it's important to note that mushrooms should be cooked undisturbed for a couple of minutes to allow them to brown properly. Once they have released their juices and started to brown, you can stir them and continue cooking until they are golden brown all over.
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Cooking process: add oil, then mushrooms, and cook until browned
Firstly, heat a large pan over medium-high heat. You can use any type of mushroom, but it's important not to overcrowd the pan, so make sure there's ample space. Mushrooms release moisture when they cook, so if there are too many in the pan, they'll steam instead of fry.
Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the pan. You can also add oil later in the process, after the mushrooms have released their juices, but this is a matter of preference.
Once the oil is hot, add the mushrooms in a single layer. Leave them to cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes, until they start to release their juices and brown. You can gently stir them if you wish and move them around while they cook.
Once the mushrooms have released their juices, the water will completely evaporate, and they will begin to brown again. How much colour you like is up to you, so keep an eye on them and move them around so they brown evenly.
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Seasoning: add salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, and butter
When frying raw mushrooms, seasoning is key to enhancing their earthy flavour and meaty texture. Here are some tips for seasoning your mushrooms with salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, and butter:
Salt
When salting your mushrooms, it is best to add salt towards the end of the cooking process. Adding salt too early can draw out moisture, hindering the browning process and affecting the texture. Instead, wait until your mushrooms are almost done before seasoning them with salt. You can also experiment with different types of salt, such as truffle or porcini salt, to deepen the mushroom flavour.
Pepper
Ground black pepper is a versatile seasoning that can be added to your mushrooms. It provides a sharp, pungent flavour and a slight bite. Like salt, it is best to add pepper towards the end of cooking, once the mushrooms are golden brown.
Garlic
Garlic is a popular seasoning for mushrooms and can be added in a variety of ways. Finely chopped or crushed garlic can be sautéed with the mushrooms, infusing them with flavour. Alternatively, you can make garlic mushrooms by adding butter and garlic to the pan after the mushrooms are cooked. This creates a light, buttery sauce that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
Herbs
Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, or parsley can enhance the flavour of your fried mushrooms. Add them towards the end of cooking, allowing their aroma to permeate the dish. You can also experiment with dried herbs, though fresh herbs are generally preferred for their more intense flavour and aroma.
Butter
Butter is a crucial ingredient when frying mushrooms, adding richness and flavour. It is best to add butter after the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to brown. This prevents the butter from burning and gives the mushrooms a golden, crispy exterior. If using unsalted butter, you may want to add a sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavour.
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Serving suggestions: fried mushrooms are great as a side dish, toast topping, or garnish
Fried mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Side Dish
Fried mushrooms make an excellent side dish for a variety of entrées, from beef to fish. Their umami flavour pairs perfectly with grilled meats such as steak, burgers, and ribs. For a tasty and easy summer dinner, serve them over a grilled beef patty or use them to top a burger. They also go well with fish, such as air fryer haddock. For a heartier meal, try them on top of a baked potato.
Toast Topping
For a quick and delicious meal any time of day, fried mushrooms are excellent on toast. Simply fry your mushrooms and add in some garlic, herbs, and chilli flakes. Then, stir in butter and lemon juice to create a creamy sauce. Serve this on top of thick-sliced toast smeared with cream cheese. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread and vegan cream cheese with dairy-free butter. You can also add poached eggs for a more filling breakfast.
Garnish
Fried mushrooms can also be used as a garnish to add a burst of flavour to your dishes. Sautéed mushrooms are a particularly good option for this, as they are packed with umami flavour. Try using them to top a steak or a baked potato for a simple yet elegant presentation. You can also use them to garnish a variety of other entrées, such as fish or ground beef patties.
Other Ideas
In addition to the suggestions above, fried mushrooms can be used in a variety of other ways. Try adding them to a breakfast scramble or an omelette for a savoury breakfast option. They can also be used as a pizza topping or in a pasta dish. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite ways to enjoy fried mushrooms!
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