John Miller
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are neither a plant nor an animal food but are a type of fungus with the substance ergosterol. Mushrooms can be paired with a wide variety of foods, herbs, spices, and drinks. Some common foods that pair well with mushrooms include eggs, wild rice, steak, lamb, avocado, and peppers. Mushrooms also go well with herbs such as thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, and parsley. Additionally, mushrooms can be paired with spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, chilli, and cinnamon. When it comes to drinks, mushrooms pair well with wines such as Bordeaux, Chianti, and Pinot Noir, as well as beers like lager and stout.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | Asparagus, bell peppers, onion, zucchini, peas, scallions, avocado, tomato, cabbage, poblano, potatoes, green beans, carrots, cauliflower, leeks, limes, lemons, shallots, fennel, apricot, Brussels sprouts, spinach, sweet potato, lettuce, kale, radish, broccoli, arugula |
| Fruits | Coconut, cucumber |
| Nuts | Pistachios |
| Herbs | Cilantro, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, chives, thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, mint, kefir lime leaves, lemongrass, bay leaf, chervil, coriander |
| Spices | Salt, chilli, cinnamon, garam masala, Kadai masala, curry powder, ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, clove, black pepper, marjoram, dill, tarragon, aniseed, Chinese 5 spice |
| Protein | Eggs, wild rice, steak, lamb, bacon, chicken, beef, ham, fish, seafood, cod, oyster, prawn, salmon, pork, prosciutto, crab, veal |
| Dairy | Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, goat cheese, paneer, blue cheese, mascarpone, ricotta, burrata, curds, butter |
| Drinks | Bourbon, red wine, white wine, dry rosé wine, vodka, whisky, sherry, gin, beer, cider, lager, stout, porter, ale, trappist beer, lager |
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What You'll Learn
Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, and parsley
Thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, and parsley are all herbs that pair well with mushrooms. Each herb has a unique taste and can add a different flavour profile to your dish. Thyme, for example, has a slightly minty flavour with notes of lemon and oregano. It pairs well with oyster mushrooms and is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. Rosemary has a woody, evergreen flavour with hints of lemon and sage. It is often used in Mediterranean-style dishes such as pasta with olive oil and garlic.
Sage is a herb with a slightly peppery taste. It pairs well with rich ingredients such as mushrooms, butter, and cheese and is commonly used in dishes such as stuffing, risotto, and gnocchi. Oregano is a pungent herb with a strong flavour. It is commonly used in Italian and Greek dishes such as pizza and pasta sauce and pairs well with bold flavours such as garlic, olives, and tomatoes.
Parsley is a mild-flavoured herb often used as a garnish. It has a fresh, grassy flavour that pairs well with mushrooms and other ingredients. Parsley is often used in salads, soups, and potato dishes. It can also be used to brighten a dish with savoury flavours and add balance.
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Meats: Steak, lamb, bacon, chicken, beef, and more
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of meats, including steak, lamb, bacon, chicken, beef, and more. Here are some specific combinations and preparation methods to consider:
Steak and Mushrooms
Steak and mushrooms are a classic combination, with the earthy and umami flavours of mushrooms complementing the rich, savoury notes of steak. Cremini mushrooms, also known as "baby bellas", are a particularly good choice due to their rich flavour and smaller size. When cooking, you can sauté cremini mushrooms with butter and herbs as a side dish, or cook them directly in the pan alongside your steak. Other mushroom varieties that go well with steak include portobellos, white button, oyster, and shiitake.
Lamb and Mushrooms
Lamb and mushrooms blend seamlessly together, especially in one-pot dishes like a lamb ragout. Mushrooms add flavour and nutrition to ground lamb dishes, creating a hearty and flavourful meal. Lamb and mushroom soup is another option, where the mushrooms enhance the savoury and earthy flavours of the dish.
Chicken and Mushrooms
Chicken and mushrooms is a popular combination, especially in soup form. Grilled or roasted chicken breast adds a savoury flavour to mushroom soup, while chicken thighs or drumsticks can provide a more intense flavour. Chicken and mushrooms can also be used in stir-fries, frittatas, or stuffed dishes.
Bacon, Beef, and Other Meats
Bacon, beef, and other meats like pork, turkey, and ham also pair well with mushrooms. Bacon and pancetta can add a savoury, indulgent touch to mushroom soup, while beef is a popular choice for adding a rich, hearty flavour. Pork, turkey, and ham can be cooked in a variety of ways to complement the versatility of mushrooms, whether in soups, stews, or other dishes.
These are just a few examples of meat and mushroom combinations, but the versatility of mushrooms means there are endless possibilities to explore and enjoy.
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Vegetables: Avocado, bell peppers, asparagus, onion, zucchini, and more
Mushrooms are versatile and can be paired with a variety of vegetables, including avocado, bell peppers, asparagus, onion, zucchini, and many more. Here are some ideas and combinations to try:
Avocado
Avocado has a creamy texture and mild flavour, which can balance the earthiness of mushrooms. Try a fresh salad with sliced avocado, mushrooms, and a tangy vinaigrette, or a heartier dish like a mushroom and avocado toast with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers, also known as capsicums, come in various colours and offer a crisp, slightly sweet flavour. They pair well with mushrooms in stir-fries, pasta dishes, or roasted vegetable medleys. The sweetness of the peppers complements the savoury, umami flavour of mushrooms.
Asparagus
Asparagus and mushrooms make an excellent combination, especially in spring and autumn. Try sauteing asparagus and mushrooms with a touch of garlic for a simple, yet elegant side dish. This pairing also works well in omelettes, quiches, or as a topping for polenta or rice bowls.
Onion
Onions are a versatile vegetable that can enhance the flavour of mushrooms in countless dishes. They can be sauteed, roasted, or caramelised alongside mushrooms and added to pizzas, pastas, soups, or sandwiches. Onions provide a savoury, slightly sweet flavour that balances the earthiness of mushrooms.
Zucchini
Zucchini, also known as courgette, has a mild flavour and can be paired with mushrooms in numerous ways. Try grilling or roasting zucchini and mushroom skewers, adding them to ratatouille or vegetable lasagne, or spiralizing them for a low-carb zucchini and mushroom noodle dish.
Other Vegetable Pairings
In addition to the vegetables mentioned above, mushrooms also go well with broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cabbage, and many other vegetables. Roasted vegetable dishes are a simple and delicious way to enjoy the combination of mushrooms with a variety of vegetables. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings!
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Dairy: Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, goat cheese, and more
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of dairy products, including cheeses such as Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, goat cheese, and more.
Parmesan
Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese that has a strong, nutty flavour. It can be grated or shaved over mushroom dishes to add a salty, savoury note. Parmesan pairs particularly well with button mushrooms. Try frying your mushrooms in butter with some diced garlic and fresh thyme, then placing them on a slice of crunchy sourdough bread and sprinkling with Parmesan for a delicious, flavourful bite.
Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a popular, versatile variety of cheese that ranges from mild to sharp in flavour. It melts well, making it a good choice for grilled mushroom sandwiches or stuffed mushrooms. Cheddar also adds a nice tang to creamy mushroom soups or sauces.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a soft, mild-flavoured cheese that is known for its stretchy, melty texture when heated. It is often used in Italian dishes such as pizza, calzones, or lasagna, and pairs well with mushrooms in these contexts. Try a classic pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and sliced mushrooms, or stuff mushrooms with a mixture of mozzarella, herbs, and spices for a tasty appetiser.
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, also known as chevre, has a tangy, creamy flavour and a crumbly texture. It pairs well with mushrooms in salads, omelettes, or frittatas. Goat cheese also works beautifully in a Dutch baby pancake recipe, where it is combined with garlic mushrooms for a savoury take on this puffy, sweet treat.
Other Dairy Options
In addition to the cheeses mentioned above, mushrooms also pair well with other dairy products. For example, creamy avocados provide a satisfying contrast to meaty sautéed mushrooms, especially when served on toasted bread with sun-dried tomatoes. Sour cream or crème fraîche can be stirred into mushroom sauces or soups for added richness and tang. Butter is also a key ingredient when cooking mushrooms, as it enhances their savoury flavour and adds richness.
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Drinks: Red, white, and rosé wines, as well as beer
When it comes to drinks, there are several types of wines and beers that pair well with mushrooms. The type of mushroom and the way it is prepared play a role in the pairing. For instance, delicate mushroom varieties like lobster, lion's mane, cauliflower, and oyster go well with lighter drinks. On the other hand, earthy and hearty mushrooms such as king bolete, portabella, and porcini are better suited for fuller-bodied beverages.
If you're serving mushrooms in a creamy sauce, you can mirror the creaminess with a like-meets-like pairing of a fine white Burgundy or another oaked Chardonnay. You can also lift the dish while echoing its umami flavours with vintage Champagne. To highlight the earthiness of the mushrooms, opt for a red Burgundy or other Pinot Noir. For a more affordable option, a simple unoaked Chardonnay will also work well.
When it comes to specific mushroom varieties, Chanterelles complement the earthy, savory flavours of some Pinot Noirs and Syrah-based wines. If you're looking for a more unusual pairing, try a porcini dish with Pike Cranberry Ale. For an off-dry option with woodsy, dried fruit, and citrus-peel flavours, Verdelho Madeira is an excellent choice that can also be used in mushroom-dominant recipes.
For those who prefer beer, there are several options to consider. The most common beer styles include India Pale Ale (IPA), German lagers, pilsners, Scottish ales, stouts, and wheat beers. However, if you want to explore something different, try a Kolsch, Gueuze, or English bitter.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of vegetarian options. Some ideas include wild rice, eggs, avocado, bell peppers, onions, garlic, asparagus, and various vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes.
Mushrooms complement a wide range of meats, including steak, lamb, bacon, chicken, beef, ham, and seafood.
Absolutely! Some delicious recipes that highlight mushroom pairings include mushroom risotto, mushroom lasagna, mushroom quiche, and stuffed acorn squash with sautéed mushrooms and quinoa.
Mushrooms go well with a variety of herbs and spices, such as cilantro, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, and thyme. When it comes to drinks, mushrooms pair nicely with red wine, white wine, and dry rosé.
