John Miller
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from steaks to stir-fries. They are easy to cook and can be prepared in a number of ways, making them a popular choice for home cooks. In this guide, we will explore the different methods for stir-frying mushrooms, including the ingredients and cooking techniques required. We will also discuss the various types of mushrooms that can be used, such as shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms, and how to choose the right variety for your dish. By the end, you should be able to create a delicious and flavorful mushroom stir-fry that can be served as a side or incorporated into other recipes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 10 minutes |
| Mushrooms | White, brown, porcini, shiitake, oyster, enoki, maitake, beech, baby bella, button |
| Oil | Vegetable, olive, peanut, sesame |
| Add-ins | Garlic, ginger, green onions, thyme, celery, onion, snow peas, fish sauce, soy sauce, wine, honey, chilli |
| Wash mushrooms? | Not necessary, but can be washed gently |
| Cooking style | High heat, browned |
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What You'll Learn
Preparation: Wash or not?
When it comes to preparing mushrooms for stir-frying, there are differing opinions on whether or not to wash them. Some sources suggest that washing mushrooms is unnecessary, especially for standard supermarket button mushrooms, which are grown on pasteurized substrates. Instead of washing, you can simply brush off any debris and then slice them.
On the other hand, some people do choose to wash their mushrooms before stir-frying. One approach is to place the mushrooms in a colander and run them under water, brushing off any foreign bits. This can help remove any grow medium that may be stuck to the mushrooms, which, while edible, may not be particularly tasty. Washing the mushrooms will not make them waterlogged, contrary to what some people may suggest.
Ultimately, the decision to wash or not wash mushrooms before stir-frying is a matter of personal preference. If you choose not to wash them, simply ensure that you brush off any visible debris before slicing and adding them to your stir-fry. If you do decide to wash them, a quick rinse under running water should suffice, followed by proper drying before slicing and cooking.
It is worth noting that some types of mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, and enoki mushrooms, may require more thorough cleaning due to their shape and the presence of dirt or debris in their crevices. In these cases, gently wiping each mushroom with a damp cloth or paper towel can be an effective way to clean them without soaking them in water.
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Cooking method: High heat, no slime
To stir-fry mushrooms and avoid slime, you should use high heat to cook off the water and brown the mushrooms. This method is ideal for those who dislike the slimy texture that can result from steaming or lightly cooking mushrooms.
First, prepare the mushrooms by washing them and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. If using standard supermarket button mushrooms, simply brush off any debris.
Next, heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add vegetable oil, peanut oil, or olive oil to the pan. Once hot, add the mushrooms and stir-fry until they begin to soften and release their moisture. This should take around 2 to 3 minutes.
Continue to cook the mushrooms over high heat until they are browned and most of their water has cooked off. This process may take up to 10 minutes. If you are using other vegetables in your stir-fry, you may need to cook the mushrooms separately to avoid sogginess.
Once the mushrooms are browned and cooked to your desired level, you can add other ingredients and seasonings, such as garlic, ginger, chilli, soy sauce, or fish sauce, and cook for a further 30 seconds to 1 minute.
By using high heat and cooking off the water, you can enjoy stir-fried mushrooms with a meaty texture and avoid the slime.
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Flavour combinations: Spicy, sweet, savoury
Stir-fried mushrooms can be a delicious side dish or a main course. The key to a tasty mushroom stir-fry is to combine flavours that complement each other. Here are some ideas for savoury, spicy, and sweet flavour combinations.
For a savoury stir-fry, garlic and ginger are a classic combination. Start by stir-frying the mushrooms in vegetable oil over high heat. Add some garlic and ginger, along with a little garlic chilli sauce. For extra savouriness, add a drizzle of fish sauce or soy sauce. You can also add some green onions at the end for a fresh savoury note.
If you're looking for a spicy kick, a sweet and spicy stir-fry sauce is a great option. Saute the mushrooms with a honey and soy sauce glaze, then toss them with stir-fried green onions and peas. For the spicy element, add a simple ginger, garlic, chilli, and sesame sauce. This sauce can be made even spicier with the addition of Chinese cooking wine or cooking sherry.
To create a savoury umami flavour, Chinese five-spice powder is a great option. This spice blend typically includes cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, fennel seeds, star anise, and cloves. Combine this with soy sauce, vegan oyster sauce, and rice wine vinegar for a savoury stir-fry that's packed with flavour.
For a sweet stir-fry, yellow onion is a great base. Its natural sweetness will add a gentle sugary note to the dish. Combine this with garlic, red bell pepper, and a small amount of honey to enhance the sweetness. You can also add green onions to balance the sweetness with a fresh flavour.
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What mushrooms to use: Shiitake, oyster, button
When it comes to stir-frying mushrooms, you have a variety of options to choose from, each with its unique flavour, texture, and cooking method. Here is a detailed guide to three popular varieties: Shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms, to help you decide which one to use for your stir-fry.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are a popular choice for stir-fries due to their distinct umami flavour and meaty texture. They have a slightly earthy and savoury taste that can enhance the overall flavour of your dish. When stir-frying, it is recommended to wash shiitake mushrooms and slice them into bite-sized pieces. You can also remove the stems if desired. In terms of cooking, shiitake mushrooms go well with a variety of ingredients, including bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and a sweet-salty soy-chilli sauce.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms offer a unique flavour and texture that work well in stir-fries. They have a mild, earthy, and slightly sweet taste, with a tender yet meaty texture. To prepare oyster mushrooms for stir-frying, start by removing the tough ends and cutting them into small pieces. You can choose to wash them quickly and squeeze out the excess water, or skip washing if they are already clean. When cooking, heat oil in a wok over medium heat, add aromatics like green onion whites and ginger shreds, then add the mushrooms. It is important not to move the mushrooms too frequently, as the goal is to remove the extra water content and concentrate the sauce's flavour.
Button Mushrooms
Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, are versatile and readily available in most supermarkets. They have a mild, earthy flavour and a tender texture. When preparing button mushrooms for a stir-fry, you can choose to wash them lightly or simply brush off any debris. Slice them into bite-sized pieces, and add them towards the end of your stir-fry to avoid overcooking. Button mushrooms go well with a variety of ingredients, and you can season them with salt or soy sauce to enhance their flavour.
Each type of mushroom offers a distinct flavour and texture, so feel free to experiment with different varieties or even create your own mix to find your preferred combination for stir-fries.
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Serving suggestions: Sides, snacks, soups
Stir-fried mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served as a side, snack, or incorporated into soups.
Sides
Stir-fried mushrooms can be served as a side dish to accompany a variety of meals. They pair well with rice-based dishes such as congee, steamed rice, or rice noodles. For a heartier option, try serving them with sweet potato congee or brown rice congee. You can also add them to ramen or use them as a topping for steaks or burgers.
Snacks
For a quick snack, you can enjoy stir-fried mushrooms on their own. They are flavorful and can be cooked in under 10 minutes, making them a convenient and tasty snack option.
Soups
Stir-fried mushrooms can add depth of flavor and texture to soups. They can be added directly to the soup or used as a topping or garnish. Their savory, umami flavor will enhance the taste of any soup.
Additionally, stir-fried mushrooms can be incorporated into other dishes such as casseroles, stews, pasta sauce, omelets, or spring rolls. They are a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of flavors and dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any type of mushroom, but some popular options include shiitake, oyster, enoki, white button, and cremini mushrooms.
You don't need to wash mushrooms, but you may want to brush off any visible dirt or debris. If you do choose to wash them, make sure to dry them thoroughly before cooking.
Slice the mushrooms thinly or cut them into bite-sized pieces. If the mushrooms are small and grouped together at the base, you can cut off the base to separate them.
Cook the mushrooms over medium-high to high heat. This will help to evaporate the water released by the mushrooms and prevent them from becoming slimy.
Stir-fried mushrooms often include garlic, ginger, green onions, and a variety of sauces such as soy sauce, fish sauce, or a sweet and spicy stir-fry sauce. You can also add other vegetables like celery, onion, peas, or snow peas.
