Laura Smith
Button mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to steak dinners. They are also delicious on their own as a side dish. Preparing button mushrooms is a simple and quick process that can be done in a variety of ways, including sautéing, roasting, or frying. Before cooking, it is important to clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel or quickly rinsing them. To enhance the flavour, you can cook the mushrooms in butter or olive oil, and season them with salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, and spices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Wipe button mushrooms with a damp paper towel or cloth to remove dirt. Rinsing is possible but not recommended as mushrooms absorb water. |
| Stems | Remove any hard stems. |
| Cutting | Cut mushrooms into similar-sized pieces. Smaller, evenly sized mushrooms are recommended for a bite-sized effect. |
| Cooking Method | Sautéing is recommended. |
| Pan | Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pan to avoid overcrowding the mushrooms. |
| Oil | Use olive oil for cooking the mushrooms. |
| Butter | Adding butter is optional but recommended for flavor. |
| Spices | Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, and paprika are commonly used spices. |
| Flavor Enhancers | Lemon, lemon juice, teriyaki sauce, and wine are used to enhance flavor. |
| Serving | Sprinkle with fresh herbs such as parsley for garnish. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and preparation
To clean button mushrooms, use a slightly damp paper towel to brush off any dirt. Avoid submerging them in water or rinsing them unless they are very dirty, as mushrooms absorb water, which can prevent browning and affect their texture. If you do rinse them, make sure they are completely dry before cooking. Trim any extra-long stems and cut or tear the mushrooms into similar-sized pieces. Smaller, evenly sized mushrooms work best as each mushroom will be bite-sized. However, all whole button mushrooms can be used.
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Cooking methods
Button mushrooms can be cooked in a variety of ways, but sautéing is a popular method. Here are some steps to follow to achieve tasty sautéed button mushrooms:
- Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel or quickly rinsing them. Remove any hard stems and cut the mushrooms into similar-sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large, wide skillet over medium to high heat. Using both butter and oil adds great flavour.
- Once the butter is melted, add the mushrooms and ensure they are spread out in a single layer.
- Cook the mushrooms without moving them for 3 to 5 minutes, until they are browned on one side.
- Stir the mushrooms, then cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown on all sides.
- Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper, and other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic, thyme, lemon juice, paprika, or cayenne.
- Toss everything together in the pan, then serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Button mushrooms can also be roasted, grilled, or fried, and they are a versatile ingredient that can be added to pasta dishes, risottos, quiches, or used as a side dish for steak, chicken, or fish.
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Sauces and seasonings
Sauces
- Wine is a popular choice to add depth of flavour to mushroom dishes. Red cooking wine or white wine can be used, depending on the desired outcome.
- Teriyaki sauce is another option that pairs well with the savoury notes of mushrooms. You can use store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce.
- Soy sauce is a great way to add umami flavour to your mushroom dishes. A tablespoon of soy sauce can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Lemon juice adds a bright, zingy component to mushroom dishes and pairs well with other ingredients like wine and garlic.
- Beef broth is an excellent choice for simmering mushrooms, giving them a deep and rich flavour. The slow simmering process allows the mushrooms to absorb the broth, resulting in a bold and flavourful dish.
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper are simple yet essential seasonings for mushroom dishes. It is recommended to add salt when the mushrooms are hot to incorporate more flavour. Taste the mushrooms as you cook and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Garlic is a must-have seasoning for mushroom dishes. Fresh garlic cloves or minced garlic provide bold flavours and aromatics. If you're not a fan of garlic, it can be omitted or reduced according to your preference.
- Thyme and parsley are excellent herb choices to complement the earthy flavours of mushrooms. Fresh parsley can be used as a garnish, adding a balanced touch to the dish.
- Other herbs and spices can be used according to your preference and the desired flavour profile. Herbs like rosemary, basil, or chives could be good options to explore.
Remember, the key to seasoning mushrooms is to enhance their natural flavour without overwhelming it. Taste as you go, and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
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Storing and reheating
Storing button mushrooms correctly is important, as they are delicate and perishable. The refrigerator is the best place to store mushrooms, but it's important to consider which spot you choose. Avoid the crisper, as it tends to have high humidity, which is not ideal for mushrooms. Instead, store them in their original packaging or a porous paper bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to a week. Avoid plastic containers or bags, as these trap moisture, leading to discolouration, mould, and slime.
If you've already sliced the mushrooms, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Sliced mushrooms should be used within three days. If you're unable to use mushrooms within a week, consider freezing them. However, fresher mushrooms tend to freeze better, so it's best to freeze them sooner rather than later. It's also important to prepare them correctly for freezing. Sauté them lightly in butter until just cooked, or steam them whole for five minutes (quartered or sliced mushrooms can be steamed for about three minutes). Once cooled, place them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to a month. Freezing mushrooms will likely affect their texture, so they are best used to flavour stocks or chopped into veggie burgers.
Another long-term storage option is to dry your mushrooms. This method better preserves the quality of the fungi and they can be stored indefinitely. Dried mushrooms have an intense umami flavour and can be reconstituted in soups, stews, sauces, or stir-fries. To dry mushrooms, use a dehydrator or air-drying technique, which involves placing them in a mesh container with good airflow for about a week. Once completely dry, store them in an airtight glass jar.
When reheating mushrooms, it is safe to do so in a microwave or by other means. However, it's important to note that freezing and reheating mushrooms may affect their texture, so they may not be suitable for all dishes.
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Serving suggestions
Button mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be served as a side dish or used as a topping or filling. Here are some serving suggestions:
Side Dish
Sautéed button mushrooms make a great side dish for steak, pork chops, chicken, or pasta. To prepare, rinse the mushrooms and pat them dry with a paper towel. Heat olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they are lightly browned. Reduce the heat and simmer until tender. For extra flavour, add some wine, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and seasonings like black pepper and garlic powder. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish and serve warm.
Topping
Button mushrooms can be sliced or chopped and sautéed in butter or olive oil. They can then be used as a topping for grilled meats, such as steak or pork chops, or for vegetarian options like baked potatoes. For a smoky flavour, try grilling the mushrooms on skewers over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. Season with garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
Filling
Button mushrooms can be finely chopped and added as a filler to ground meat dishes, such as shepherd's pie or vegetarian burger patties. They can also be mixed with other ingredients like pancetta and thyme, or used in dishes like mushroom risotto, quiche, or pasta sauce. For a heartier meal, sauté the mushrooms with pasta, spinach, green onions, and cheese.
Freezing
Prepared button mushrooms can also be frozen and later added to any meal. Simply sauté the mushrooms and let them cool before freezing in airtight containers. When ready to use, thaw and reheat the mushrooms, adding them to your favourite dishes for a boost of flavour and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Use a damp paper towel to wipe down the mushrooms and remove excess dirt. If needed, gently rinse them, but be careful as mushrooms absorb a lot of water, which can affect their texture when cooked. Make sure they are completely dry before cooking.
You can cook button mushrooms in a variety of ways, including sautéing, roasting, or frying. Sautéing is a popular choice, as it is quick and easy. To sauté button mushrooms, heat olive oil and/or butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms in a single layer and 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 on all sides.
Button mushrooms are versatile and can take on the flavours of various ingredients. Popular additions include garlic, butter, thyme, lemon, salt, and pepper. For a more robust flavour, you can add paprika, cayenne, or red chili powder.
