Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to pizza and pasta. However, many people need to be more confident cooking mushrooms, as they can be delicate and easily overcooked. In this article, we'll show you how to cook mushrooms using various methods and provide tips for selecting and preparing them.
Table of content
Types of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a good source of nutrients. They are low in calories and high in antioxidants, fibre, and vitamin D. They are also a good source of B vitamins, such as riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid.
Before we dive into the cooking methods, let's take a look at the different types of mushrooms you might encounter:
Button Mushrooms
Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms or champignon mushrooms, are one of the most common types of mushrooms available in grocery stores. They are small, white or light brown in colour, and have a mild, earthy flavour.
Button mushrooms are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, salads, and stir-fries. They can also be sliced and sautéed as a side dish or used as a pizza topping.
Crimini Mushrooms
Crimini mushrooms, also known as baby portobello mushrooms, are similar in appearance to white button mushrooms but are slightly larger and have a darker colour. They have a firmer texture and a slightly deeper, more robust flavour than button mushrooms.
Crimini mushrooms can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, pasta dishes, and as a pizza topping. They can also be sliced and sautéed or grilled as a side dish.
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms, also known as portobella or portabella mushrooms, are a type of mushroom that is widely used in vegetarian and vegan cuisine as a meat substitute. They are often used in place of beef in recipes such as burgers and sandwiches due to their meaty texture and rich flavor.
Portobello mushrooms are larger and denser than other common types of mushrooms, such as button and cremini mushrooms. They have a dark brown color and a wide, flat cap that is often used as a vessel for stuffing.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are a type of mushroom that is commonly used in East Asian cuisine. They have a brown, umbrella-shaped cap and a meaty texture. Shiitake mushrooms have a rich, earthy flavour and are often used in soups, stir-fries, and other dishes.
In addition to their delicious taste, shiitake mushrooms are also a good source of nutrients. They are low in calories and high in protein, fibre, and antioxidants. They are also a good source of B vitamins, such as riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, as well as minerals such as copper, zinc, and manganese.
Shiitake mushrooms are also known for their potential health benefits. They have been shown to boost the immune system, lower cholesterol levels, and have anti-cancer properties. They also contain compounds that have been linked to improved brain function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are a type of edible mushroom that are commonly used in Asian cuisine. They have a unique, oyster-like shape and a delicate texture. They come in various shades of grey, brown, and pink, and have a mild, sweet flavour.
Oyster mushrooms are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stir-fries and salads.
Preparing Mushrooms
Before you start cooking your mushrooms, there are a few things you need to do to prepare them:Cleaning Mushrooms
It's essential to clean your mushrooms properly before cooking them. You can either:
- Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
or - Use a mushroom brush to gently remove any dirt or debris.
Slicing Mushrooms
Depending on the recipe, you may need to slice your mushrooms. To do this:- Use a sharp knife to cut off the stems.
- Slice the caps into thin pieces.
Marinating Mushrooms
Marinating mushrooms can add extra flavour and help tenderize them. To marinate mushrooms:- Combine your marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Add your sliced mushrooms, tossing to coat them evenly.
Methods for Cooking Mushrooms
Now that you've prepared your mushrooms, it's time to cook them! Here are a few methods you can use:Sautéing Mushrooms
Sautéing is a quick and easy way to cook mushrooms. Simply:- Heat some butter or oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add your sliced mushrooms.
- Cook them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're tender and golden brown.
Grilling Mushrooms
Grilling mushrooms gives them a smoky flavour and a crispy texture. To grill mushrooms:- Brush them with oil and season them with salt and pepper.
- Place them on a preheated grill.
- Cook them for 5-7 minutes on each side.
Roasting Mushrooms
Roasting mushrooms is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness. To roast mushrooms:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Place your sliced mushrooms on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
- Roast them for 10-15 minutes.
Baking Mushrooms
Baking mushrooms is similar to roasting, but instead of placing them on a baking sheet, you can stuff them with various ingredients for a delicious appetizer or side dish. To bake mushrooms:
- Remove the stems.
- Fill the caps with your desired stuffing, such as cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs.
- Bake them at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Stir-Frying Mushrooms
Stir-frying is a popular cooking method in Asian cuisine, and mushrooms are often used in stir-fries. To stir-fry mushrooms:
- Heat some oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add your sliced mushrooms.
- Cook them for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they're tender and lightly browned.
FAQ
Q: Can you eat raw mushrooms?
A: While it's technically safe to eat raw mushrooms, they can be difficult to digest and may contain harmful bacteria. It's best to cook them before eating.
Q: Do you need to remove the stems from mushrooms?
A: It depends on the recipe. In some recipes, such as stuffed mushrooms, the stems are removed and the caps are filled with stuffing. In other recipes, such as soups and stews, the entire mushroom is used.
Q: How do you store mushrooms?
A: Mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag or a container with a lid in the refrigerator. They'll last for 3-5 days.
