Fitness / May 30, 2024

How To Cook Mushrooms

Finally, a simple recipe How To Cook Mushrooms which are flavorful and have the perfect texture.

Ok, if you have ever tried to cook mushrooms, you know that they often come out soggy and flavorless. Not cool. You were hoping they would have a nice texture and that yummy, kind of earthy, umami taste, right? Well, here is a quick How To Cook Mushrooms recipe/tutorial that will change your relationship with these fungi (fun guy).

Before we get down to How To Cook Mushrooms let me quickly explain why they often come out wrong and more importantly why it is not your fault! I hate when my dishes come out less than delicious or look sorry when served. Like, I take it personally that my cooking skills are off or, worse, that I am not as great a “chef” as I claim to be. Come to find out, the mushrooms were to blame! Mushrooms contain about 90% water. That’s a lot of liquid. Also, they need to be cleaned properly, so we’re likely using more water. No wonder they come out MUSHY.

The best part about this recipe is that you won’t be using a new fancy kitchen gadget (even though we can never have enough) and you do not need exotic ingredients. Nope, you will learn the secret about How To Cook Mushrooms with just mushrooms, a pan, and a pat of butter. This is a basic mushroom recipe, but you may habitually return to this method when you prepare any dish with mushrooms. You may find it handy when making a yummy Mushroom Frittata, Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Mushrooms, or one of my all-time fave dishes Steak With Garlic Butter Mushrooms.

Are Mushrooms Healthy?

Yup! Mushrooms not only add depth and flavor to any dish, but they have wonderful health benefits as well. For one, mushrooms contain antioxidants and amino acids. Mushrooms are low in fat and calories, making them ideal for maintaining a healthy weight. Finally, they check all the boxes for special diets and dietary restrictions. This fungus is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and Whole30 compliant.

Note: This recipe for How To Cook Mushrooms does include butter, but to make it vegan and Whole30 compliant use oil instead.

How To Clean Mushrooms

If we are going to learn how to cook mushrooms properly we should just become Mushroom-Prep-Experts and talk about how to clean them as well.

DON’T SKIP THIS SECTION. I know you’re like “I know how to clean a veggie” but how to clean mushrooms is quite different. First of all, mushrooms are not vegetables, even though they are in the produce section. They are a fungus. Many chefs say not to wash or soak mushrooms in water because of their sponge-like properties. However, using water is ok since we use a method of cooking that will extract the moisture anyway.

For all store-bought mushrooms, you need to wash them, with water. Destem the mushrooms and dunk them in a bowl filled with water. Swish it around a couple of times and then immediately drain. Place your mushrooms on paper towels to drain and pat them dry. For more fragile fungus like Hen of the Woods, you will soak them in the water for about 5 minutes, then carefully drain and pat dry.

If you have a mushroom brush you can use that to remove any debris, but honestly, using water is the fastest and best way to wash your shrooms.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 pound sliced mushrooms (cremini or any variety)
1 tablespoon butter (salted or unsalted)
Salt to taste (if using unsalted butter)
Fresh thyme or similar aromatics

INSTRUCTIONS

Clean

Prepare mushrooms for cooking.

Cook

Sauté mushrooms until water evaporates.

Flavor

Finish with butter and herbs.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Generally, you do not want to make mushrooms ahead of time and they should only be stored in the fridge for 24 hours once they are cooked. You can reheat them in a pan on the stove for a couple of minutes or in the microwave for a minute or two. You also do not want to wash your mushrooms until you are ready to cook them.

What Type of mushrooms should I use?

You really can use any mushroom you have! I usually use cremini, button, or portabella mushrooms. They are all pretty much the same thing, just different colors and sizes.

Can I use oil instead of butter to cook mushrooms?

Yes, you can certainly substitute oil for butter in this recipe. This is great for vegans and those sticking to a whole30-compliant diet. The mushrooms will likely cook faster with oil and you can turn the heat up. I love the flavor butter gives, but that is a preference. Also, don’t skip the salt if using oil or unsalted butter.

Serving Suggestions

Once you have mastered How To Cook Mushrooms, you will find they are great for a quick, healthy side dish or to add flavor and meatiness to soups or pasta dishes.

I make chicken, like, twice a week. I know, so basic. But, with the right recipes it does not have to be boring! I love serving mushrooms with Pistachio Chicken or Curry Cashew Chicken. I like how these textures work together. Pour the mushrooms over classic Brown Rice or something more flavorful like Roasted Cauliflower Rice or Spanish Rice and you have a complete meal!

You can also add mushrooms to any pasta dish, like this delish Angel Hair Pasta , or go a bit healthier with this vegan, gluten-free Pasta Salad With Artichokes.

How To Cook Mushrooms (Fail-Proof)

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 75kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

1/2 pound sliced mushrooms cremini or any variety
1 tablespoon butter salted or unsalted
Salt to taste if using unsalted butter
Fresh thyme or similar aromatics

Instructions

Ensure mushrooms are clean by rinsing in a bowl of water, then slice if not pre-sliced.
Place mushrooms in a large pan over medium-high heat without overcrowding, and cook until they release and then evaporate their water.
Once dry, allow mushrooms to brown to your preference, then reduce heat to low and add butter, thyme, and optional salt.