Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with an earthy flavour and meaty texture, used in dishes from pasta to curry and burgers. They can be cooked in many ways, including sautéing, frying, grilling, and steaming. Mushrooms are typically cooked without oil or butter, as they consist of 80 to 90% water, which is released during cooking. This water can be used to cook the mushrooms without the need for additional fats. Mushrooms are best cooked in a single layer to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause them to steam instead of fry. Salt is typically added at the end of cooking, as it draws out moisture and can make the mushrooms mushy. Common types of mushrooms used in cooking include button, shiitake, king oyster, and morel mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Mushrooms have a meaty texture |
| Taste | Mushrooms have an earthy taste |
| Types | Button, beech, black trumpet, chanterelle, shiitake, king oyster, honeycomb-like morels, cremini, portobello, chestnut, porcini, oyster |
| Cooking methods | Sautéing, dry sautéing, pan-frying, grilling, baking |
| Cooking tips | Mushrooms should not be overcrowded in the pan, they should be salted at the end, they should be cooked in a single layer, they should be cleaned with a damp cloth |
| Common dishes | Pasta, curry, burgers, tacos, quesadillas, carbonara, cheesesteaks, stir-fries, noodle dishes |
| Common pairings | Olive oil, butter, thyme, lemon, salt, pepper, garlic, teriyaki sauce, wine, beef, pork chops, potatoes |
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What You'll Learn
Types of mushrooms
Mushrooms are versatile and popular worldwide, with a range of varieties to choose from. They can be cooked in many ways, from sautéing to grilling, and are a great addition to pizzas, soups, salads, and more. Here is a look at some of the different types of mushrooms and their unique characteristics:
Button Mushrooms
Button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are the most common variety found in grocery stores. They are mild in flavour and can be eaten raw or cooked. Buttons are great for soups, salads, pizzas, and stuffing. Baby button mushrooms, criminis, and portobellos are all the same species at various life stages. Crimini mushrooms, often spelled cremini, are darker and firmer than white buttons and are sold as "baby bellas".
Black Trumpets
Black trumpets are a wavy, cone-shaped fungus found in the Midwest and eastern US during late summer, and in the West during winter. They have a rich, smoky flavour with notes of black truffle when dried. Black trumpets are perfect for mushroom risotto or any dish that calls for truffle oil.
Chanterelles
Chanterelles have a trumpet-like shape with a depression in the centre of their cap. They are golden-hued, fleshy, and firm, with an apricot-like scent. Chanterelles are notoriously difficult to cultivate, so they are typically foraged in the wild. They are commonly used in European cuisines, such as French and Austrian, and are native to North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake, meaning "chinquapin mushroom" in Japanese, are typically found growing on decaying wood. They are identified by their umbrella-shaped brown caps. Fresh shiitakes have a light, woodsy aroma, while dried shiitakes have a more intense flavour. They are commonly used in Japanese dishes such as Yaki Shiitake Ponzu-zoe (Grilled Shiitake with Ponzu Dressing).
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms, also known as king oysters, are meaty and versatile. They can be folded into tacos or added to quesadillas.
Maitake Mushrooms
Also known as "hen of the woods", maitake mushrooms grow in clusters and resemble a head of cabbage. They have a soft, feathery appearance and are native to Japan and the United States. Maitake mushrooms have an earthy aroma and a gamey flavour.
Lion's Mane Mushrooms
Lion's mane mushrooms have a fuzzy, shaggy appearance, resembling a lion's mane as they grow on tree trunks. They have a flavour reminiscent of shellfish, with an earthy note. Lion's mane mushrooms are traditionally used in East Asian medicine and are now commonly added to coffee. They are firm and hardy, making them suitable for grilling.
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How to prepare mushrooms
Preparing mushrooms is a straightforward process, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare mushrooms:
Cleaning and Preparation:
First, clean your mushrooms by using a damp paper towel to gently wipe away any visible dirt. Avoid submerging them in water or rinsing them, as mushrooms act like sponges and will absorb water, resulting in a less flavourful and browned final product. If your mushrooms have hard stems, remove them, and then cut the mushrooms into evenly sized pieces. The specific cut can depend on how you plan to use the mushrooms—whole or quartered mushrooms are great for eating on their own, while sliced mushrooms work well in sauces, and quartered or sliced mushrooms are ideal for stir-fries, soups, or stews.
Cooking Method:
For a simple cooking method that allows the mushrooms to develop flavour and colour, use a dry sauté technique. Place a large, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Avoid adding any oil, butter, or salt at this stage, as these ingredients can be added at the end for flavour. Add the mushrooms in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space to brown instead of steaming.
Cooking Process:
Cook the mushrooms without moving them for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are browned on one side. Then, stir them and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are mostly golden brown on all sides. At this point, you can season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finishing Touches:
Once the mushrooms are golden brown, you can finish them with butter, garlic, thyme, lemon zest, or other aromatics of your choice. If you want a light buttery sauce, add the butter to the pan after removing it from the heat, along with fresh thyme leaves, garlic, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also deglaze the pan with marsala or use the cooked mushrooms as an ingredient in another recipe.
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Cooking methods
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many ways. Here are some cooking methods to prepare delicious mushrooms:
Pan-Frying
Pan-frying is a popular method for cooking mushrooms. To do this, heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. You can also use a mixture of both. Once hot, add the mushrooms in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap or overcrowd the pan. Allow them to cook undisturbed for a few minutes until they release their juices and start to brown. Then, stir and continue cooking until they are golden brown and tender, which usually takes around 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and herbs like parsley or thyme, if desired. This method gives mushrooms a nice texture and flavour.
Sautéing
Sautéing mushrooms is another common technique. To sauté mushrooms, heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms in a single layer, or as close to a single layer as possible, without overcrowding the pan. Let them cook until they start to brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, stir and spread them back into a layer to brown the other side. When the mushrooms are mostly golden brown, season with salt and pepper, and add garlic, lemon, thyme, and butter if desired. This method creates a light buttery sauce for the mushrooms.
Dry Sautéing
Dry sautéing is a variation of traditional sautéing that doesn't use any butter, oil, or liquid. Simply cook sliced or chopped mushrooms in a hot pan until they release their juices and cook in their own liquid. After about 5 to 10 minutes, when the mushrooms have released most of their moisture, you can add some butter for extra flavour if desired. This method is excellent for preparing mushrooms for recipes that already contain sufficient fat, like stews or casseroles.
Stuffing and Baking
Mushrooms can also be stuffed and baked. For instance, you can stuff them with a mixture of ingredients like cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, and then bake them in the oven until tender and golden. Additionally, mushrooms can be baked into dishes like mushroom risotto or pasta bakes.
Other Methods
Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can be cooked in various ways beyond pan-frying and sautéing. They can be grilled, roasted, or even pickled. They are also delicious when simply stir-fried or tossed into dishes like pasta, curry, burgers, or tacos.
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Mistakes to avoid
- Avoid rinsing mushrooms under water as they are like sponges and can absorb moisture, which may affect their texture when cooked. Instead, gently brush off any dirt with a soft brush or damp kitchen paper.
- Do not salt the mushrooms before cooking. Salt draws out moisture, making them extremely mushy. To get a nice meaty texture, it is best to salt at the end of the cooking process.
- Do not crowd the mushrooms in the pan. If you pile raw mushrooms on top of each other in a pan, they will steam instead of fry. Spread them out in a single layer to allow them to brown and crisp around the edges.
- Avoid adding oil or butter to the pan before cooking the mushrooms. Mushrooms have a high water content and will release their juices as they cook, so they can be cooked in their own liquid.
- Do not overcook the mushrooms. Mushrooms are best when they are golden brown and tender, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning or overcooking.
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Serving suggestions
Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions for cooked mushrooms:
As a Side Dish
Sautéed mushrooms make a great side dish and can be served alongside a variety of mains. Their umami flavour pairs well with beef, fish, and vegetarian options. For a simple side, cook the mushrooms in olive oil and butter, and season with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to taste.
On Toast or With Eggs
Try cooked mushrooms on toast, or scrambled into eggs for a tasty breakfast or brunch option. For extra flavour, add some herbs and a little miso paste to the eggs.
With Meat or Fish
Mushrooms are a great accompaniment to meat and fish. Try them with grilled haloumi and asparagus, or serve alongside steak or salmon. For a heartier option, toss them on the grill and serve on a bed of root vegetables.
In a Sauce or Soup
Mushrooms can add depth of flavour to a sauce or soup. Try them in a French cream sauce, a Chinese-inspired soup, or a beefy broth. For a creamy option, blend some cooked mushrooms into a soup with cream and spices.
In a Salad or Sandwich
Cooked mushrooms can also be added to salads or sandwiches. For a light lunch, toss them with mixed greens, or layer them with cheese, herbs, and garlic for a savoury sandwich.
As a Topping
Mushrooms are versatile and can be used as a topping for burgers, pizzas, or even mashed potatoes. Simply cook them as desired and add them to your favourite dish for an extra savoury element.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are versatile vegetables with an earthy flavour and meaty texture. They can be cooked in many ways, including sautéing, stir-frying, and pan-frying. When cooking mushrooms, it is important to not overcrowd the pan, as this will cause them to steam instead of fry. It is also recommended to add salt at the end of cooking, as salt draws out moisture and can make mushrooms mushy.
Common types of mushrooms include button, shiitake, oyster, chanterelle, and beech mushrooms. Button mushrooms are the most common type found in grocery stores and are mild in flavour. Shiitake mushrooms are identified by their umbrella-shaped brown caps and are commonly used in Japanese dishes. Oyster mushrooms can be added to tacos, while chanterelles are prized for their apricot-like scent. Beech mushrooms have a sweet nuttiness when cooked and are commonly added to soy and ginger steamed fish.
Cooked mushrooms are versatile and can be used in various dishes. They can be added to pasta, curry, burgers, tacos, pizzas, soups, and salads. They can also be stuffed, sautéed, or used as a side dish. A specific recipe for cooked mushrooms includes sautéing them with garlic, teriyaki sauce, and a splash of red wine, which can be served with steaks, pork chops, or baked potatoes.
