The Best Way To Cut Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to soups and salads. They come in many shapes and sizes, and there are over 2,000 species of edible mushrooms grown around the world. Cutting mushrooms is a simple cooking step that even beginner-level home cooks can master. Before cutting mushrooms, it is important to clean and prepare them by removing any dirt with a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush. Most mushrooms also need to be trimmed and stemmed before cutting, although some varieties, such as shiitake, chanterelle, and portobello mushrooms, can have their stems removed entirely. The way you cut your mushrooms can depend on the recipe, as some dishes may require sliced, diced, cubed, or quartered mushrooms.

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How to cut different types of mushrooms

When preparing mushrooms, it's important to first clean them. Use a damp paper towel or a brush to wipe away any dirt and debris. You can also rinse them under running water, but they absorb water easily and may become mushy.

Most mushrooms need to be trimmed before cutting them. Trim off any woody, discoloured, or dried-out pieces of the stems. Some mushroom stems are fully dried out and tough, so you should remove them entirely. However, many mushroom varieties have edible stems, so it depends on the specific type of mushroom and your recipe preferences.

Now, let's look at how to cut different types of mushrooms:

Slicing

To slice mushrooms, place the mushroom cap-side down on a cutting board. Hold the mushroom in place with your non-dominant hand, ensuring your knuckles are pressed towards the knife to protect your fingers. Make even slices from one end of the mushroom to the other, adjusting the thickness to your preference.

Quartering

To quarter mushrooms, place the mushroom stem side down on a cutting board and slice it in half. Then, rotate the mushroom 90 degrees and slice it in half again. Quartered mushrooms are great for stir-fries, chilis, chunky stews, or roasting with olive oil.

Dicing

To dice mushrooms, first slice them into 1/4-inch thick sections, without cutting all the way to the edge. Then, rotate the mushroom 90 degrees and chop the sections into cubes. Finish cubing the end piece, then repeat with the rest of the mushrooms. Diced mushrooms are perfect for ground meat alternatives like chorizo, bolognese, and burgers.

Chopping

To chop mushrooms, you can first cut them into slices or quarters, and then chop them into smaller pieces. This method is great for dishes like stir-fries or soups, where you want smaller pieces of mushrooms.

Knife skills and safety

When preparing mushrooms, it is important to keep knife skills and safety in mind. Here are some key considerations:

Knife Selection

Choose a sharp knife that is the right size for the mushrooms you are cutting. A utility knife or a paring knife is generally suitable for mushrooms. The Opinel No.08 Mushroom Knife, for example, is specifically designed for mushrooms with a curved blade to cut delicate mushrooms and features a brush to wipe away any dirt.

Knife Maintenance

Ensure your knife is sharp. A dull knife can be dangerous as it requires more force to cut, leading to less control and an increased risk of injury. Regularly sharpen your knives and learn the proper technique for doing so.

Mushroom Preparation

Before cutting, clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or cloth to remove any dirt or growing compounds. Do not submerge mushrooms in water as they are porous and will absorb moisture, affecting their texture when cooked.

Cutting Technique

Always create a flat surface on the mushroom before cutting to prevent it from rolling and reducing the risk of injury. To do this, trim or cut off the stem. You can use the stems in your dish to add flavour, but be sure to trim off any dry or bruised ends first. When slicing, pay attention to the type of cut required by your recipe. For example, slicing mushrooms are great for sandwiches, while diced mushrooms work well in hot pasta dishes.

Storing cut mushrooms

It is recommended to store cut mushrooms in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for 1 to 2 days. However, some sources suggest they can last for up to 4-6 days. The key is to use them as quickly as possible. Check for signs of spoilage, such as discolouration, sliminess, or softness, and discard them if they show any of these signs.

If you want to store mushrooms for longer, freezing is an option, but it's best to blanch or saute them first, as freezing fresh mushrooms can result in a loss of texture and flavour.

When storing mushrooms in the refrigerator, choose a spot where they are less likely to be crushed or bruised, as this can also accelerate the spoiling process.

Additionally, it is worth noting that some sources suggest that leaving mushrooms in their original packaging can also help extend their shelf life.

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Cleaning mushrooms

Mushrooms should always be cleaned before cutting and cooking. To clean mushrooms, take a damp paper towel and wipe each mushroom until clean. Alternatively, use a mushroom brush to brush off any dirt. It is important to avoid submerging mushrooms in water, as they will become waterlogged and won't crisp up when cooked.

Once cleaned, you can trim the stems. Most mushroom stems are woody and not meant for consumption. Slice the stem at the cap, creating a flat surface on the mushroom. You can save the stems to make vegetable stock.

After cleaning and trimming, the mushrooms are ready to be cut into your desired shape and size.

Recipes and cooking methods for cut mushrooms

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes and cooking methods. Here are some tips for cutting and cooking mushrooms:

Cutting Mushrooms:

Before cutting, use a damp paper towel to gently wipe any dirt or debris from the mushrooms. Mushrooms absorb liquid quickly, so it is best to avoid rinsing them under water. When cutting, place the mushroom stem side down on a cutting board and hold it in place. You can trim the stem, but it is not necessary to remove it completely unless it is dried out or woody. Here are some common ways to cut mushrooms:

• Sliced: Cut the mushrooms into even slices of your desired thickness. You can use an egg slicer for quicker and easier slicing.
• Quartered: Slice the mushroom in half, then rotate it 90 degrees and slice it in half again.
• Cubed: Slice the mushroom in half, but not all the way through. Rotate it so the stem side is down, then slice into 1/4-inch thick sections without going all the way to the edge. Chop the sections into cubes, then repeat with the other side.
• Diced: Slice the mushroom as desired, then cut the sliced mushroom into matchsticks. Rotate your cutting board or knife 90 degrees and dice the matchsticks into small pieces.

Cooking Mushrooms:

Mushrooms can be cooked in various ways, including sautéing, baking, microwaving, or steaming. Here are some common cooking methods for mushrooms:

• Sautéed Mushrooms: Heat olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, wine, teriyaki sauce, sliced garlic, garlic salt, and black pepper. Cook and stir until the mushrooms are lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat and simmer until tender.
• Lemon Garlic Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms in a single layer and cook until browned on one side, about 3-5 minutes. Stir and cook for another 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Add butter, garlic, thyme, and lemon zest for a delicious flavour.
• Stir-fries, Soups, and Sauces: Mushrooms are perfect for adding to stir-fries, soups, and sauces. You can cut them into slices, quarters, or diced pieces, depending on your preference.

Storage:

Store uncooked cut mushrooms in a porous container with a paper towel to absorb extra moisture or in a paper bag. Cooked mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months.

Frequently asked questions