Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steaming. Steaming mushrooms is a simple and healthy way to prepare them, and they can be served warm or cold at any time of the day. They can be steamed using a variety of methods, including a pot with a steamer basket, a rice cooker, or an electric steamer. The steaming liquid can be water, wine, or broth, and the mushrooms can be seasoned with herbs, butter, or oil. Steaming is a good way to cook mushrooms if you want to avoid using butter and garlic, and it helps to retain their natural juices.
How to Steam Mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Use a brush or a clean kitchen towel to gently clean the mushrooms. If the mushrooms have any dirt on them, do not rinse them. Instead, use a damp paper towel to wipe them well. |
| Cutting | Remove the stems and cut the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. If you like, you can carve a star pattern on top of the mushrooms using a flat-bladed knife at a 30-degree angle. |
| Cooking | Line a pot with a steamer basket and add water (about 2 inches). Put the mushrooms in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Put the lid on the pot, turn the heat to high, and bring the water to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. Keep the mushrooms covered during the cooking process. |
| Serving | Remove the mushrooms and serve on a warm plate. You can dip them in melted butter, oil, or ghee, and a sauce of your choice. |
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Preparing the mushrooms
Next, decide whether you want to slice or chop the mushrooms. If you are steaming larger mushrooms, such as king oyster or shiitake, it is recommended to cut them into bite-sized pieces or strips. Smaller mushrooms like young buttons, baby bellas, or crimini can be left whole. If using wild mushrooms, trim any stems and tear them into bite-sized pieces.
If you plan to steam the mushrooms whole, you can skip this step and move on to preparing the steamer. However, if you are slicing or chopping the mushrooms, be sure to do so evenly to ensure consistent cooking. It is important not to overcrowd the steamer, so adjust the amount of mushroom you prepare accordingly.
Once your mushrooms are cleaned and cut, you can begin setting up your steamer. Line a pot with a steamer basket and add about 2 inches of water to the pot. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. You can also use alternatives to water, such as white wine and fresh or dried herbs, for added flavour. Place the mushrooms in the steamer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Cover the pot and begin steaming.
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Steamer setup
Steaming mushrooms is a great way to cook them, especially if you want a break from sautéing. It is also a good way to par-cook them for later use. You can steam mushrooms using a rice cooker or electric steamer, or by following the setup described below.
Firstly, cut the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. You can cut them into pieces you can pick up with a pair of chopsticks. If the mushrooms are small, you can cook them whole. Trim any stems if necessary to make them look nice. If your mushrooms are wild, make sure to wash and dry them.
Next, line a pot with a steamer basket. Add water to the pot—about one to two inches—then add the mushrooms. Put the lid on the pot and turn the heat to high. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. Keep the mushrooms covered during the cooking process.
You can also steam mushrooms without water. In French cuisine, steaming or cooking au vapor is often done with white wine and fresh or dried herbs.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for steamed mushrooms depends on the method you use and the type of mushroom.
If you are using a steamer basket, add about 2 inches of water to a pot, put the mushrooms in the basket, and bring the water to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. Keep the mushrooms covered during the cooking process.
If you are using a rice cooker or electric steamer, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the cooking time. You can also steam mushrooms by putting them in a pot with an inch or two of water, topping the pot with a lid, and cooking until the mushrooms are wilted. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
When steaming mushrooms, it is important to cut them into pieces that can be easily picked up with a pair of chopsticks or a fork. Larger mushrooms can be pulled into pieces or strips. Young buttons, baby bellas, or crimini mushrooms can be cooked whole if they are small.
Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of doneness. For example, some people prefer their mushrooms to be golden brown, which will take longer to achieve than simply wilting the mushrooms.
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Sauces and dips
Steamed mushrooms can be used in sauces and dips, or as a side dish. They can also be added to pasta dishes, rice dishes, soups, or salads.
To steam mushrooms, you can use a steamer basket or a pot with a lid. Add water to the pot, about 1-2 inches deep, and bring it to a boil. Put the mushrooms in the steamer basket or pot, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes, keeping the mushrooms covered. You can also use an electric steamer, but be sure to add the mushrooms after the water has come to a boil to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Once the mushrooms are steamed, you can add them to a sauce or dip. Here are some ideas for sauces and dips using steamed mushrooms:
Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This sauce can be served with steak, chicken, pork chops, baked potatoes, pasta, or omelettes. To make it, sauté the mushrooms in butter until they are golden brown. Add garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for another minute. Then, stir in cream, parmesan, and broth. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, stirring occasionally. You can also add some white wine to the sauce for extra flavour. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Ponzu Sauce
This sauce is a simple condiment made from soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, lime zest, and fermented hot sauce. Cut the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces and steam them. Then, dip them into the ponzu sauce and enjoy as an appetizer.
Butter and Herb Sauce
After steaming the mushrooms, toss them with butter, garlic, fresh lemon zest, thyme leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This sauce can be used as a topping for meats or vegetables, or as a dip.
Worcestershire Sauce
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to your steamed mushrooms for a savoury kick. You can also add some minced shallots or garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. This sauce goes well with steak, chicken, or pork.
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Serving suggestions
Steamed mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can be used in various culinary creations. Here are some serving suggestions:
Simple Seasoning
Start with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to let the natural mushroom flavours shine through. If you can find it, swap regular sea salt for truffle or porcini salt to deepen the mushroom flavour.
Herbs and Spices
For a more adventurous approach, try adding herbs like garlic, rosemary, thyme, or oregano to complement the earthy taste of mushrooms.
Toppings
Transform steamed mushrooms into a delectable topping for toast or crostini. Spread goat cheese or hummus on a slice of bread and layer on your steamed mushrooms for a delightful snack or appetiser.
Salads
Add steamed mushrooms to salads for a unique texture and earthy flavour.
Stir-Fries
Incorporate steamed mushrooms into stir-fries with other vegetables and protein sources for a rich, savoury dish. Their rich, savoury flavour pairs well with a variety of vegetables and proteins.
Soups
Enhance the flavour and texture of soups by adding steamed mushrooms as an ingredient.
Snacks
Enjoy steamed mushrooms as a healthy and flavourful snack on their own, or pair them with a dip or sauce for added taste.
Pasta
You can also add steamed mushrooms to pasta dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Steam mushrooms for 5-7 minutes or until they're cooked to your liking. If you are using a deep steaming tray, steam for 15 minutes.
Line a pot with a steamer basket and add 1-2 inches of water. Put the mushrooms in the steamer, cover the pot, and bring the water to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. Keep the mushrooms covered during the cooking process.
Use a brush or clean kitchen towel to gently clean the mushrooms. Remove the stems and cut them into bite-sized pieces. If you want to get creative, you can carve a star pattern on top of the mushrooms using a flat-bladed knife.
