Steaming Mushrooms: Pressure Cooker Timing And Techniques

Pressure cookers are a great way to prepare mushrooms, whether as a side dish or as part of a more complex recipe. The preparation time is minimal, and the cooking time is short, with most recipes requiring high pressure for only 4-5 minutes. The exact timing will depend on the type of mushroom and your desired texture. For example, baby bella mushrooms are firmer and can withstand high pressure for longer, whereas white button mushrooms are softer and will become mushy if cooked for too long.

Before cooking, mushrooms should be cleaned gently with a dry or slightly damp cloth to brush off any dirt. They must never be rinsed under water, as their spongy characteristics will cause them to soak up the water, making your dish watery.

Once cooked, mushrooms can be served in a variety of ways, such as on their own, over farro and brown rice, or chopped up and cooked into a creamy fettuccine.

How to steam mushrooms in an Instant Pot

Steaming mushrooms in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get perfect results every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Start by choosing your favourite type of mushrooms. Baby bella mushrooms are a great option as they have a firmer texture and hold up well under high pressure. White button mushrooms are also a good choice and are usually more affordable.

Once you've selected your mushrooms, give them a gentle clean. You can do this by using a damp paper towel or running them under slowly pouring cold water to remove any dirt. Then, dry them with a paper towel.

Step 2: Prepare the Instant Pot

Take your Instant Pot and pour in one cup of liquid. You can use water, but for enhanced flavour, try using vegetable stock. Place the steamer shelf/trivet inside the pot, and you're ready to add the mushrooms.

Step 3: Steam the Mushrooms

Place the mushrooms on the steamer shelf/trivet. You don't need to slice or chop them; whole mushrooms will cook perfectly. Close the lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 2-5 minutes, depending on how soft you like your mushrooms.

Step 4: Quick Release and Season

Once the cooking time is up, manually release the pressure (QPR). Open the lid and drain any remaining liquid from the pot. Return the mushrooms to the pot, and add a drizzle of olive oil, some minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give everything a good mix.

Step 5: Sauté (Optional)

For an extra flavour boost, you can sauté the mushrooms for a few minutes. Simply press the "Sauté" button on the Instant Pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are fragrant.

And that's it! You now have delicious, healthy steamed mushrooms that can be served as a side dish or used in a variety of recipes, such as sautéed mushrooms, stuffed mushrooms, mushroom soup, or mushroom risotto. Enjoy!

How long to cook mushrooms in an Instant Pot

Cooking mushrooms in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy process. The length of time it takes to cook mushrooms in an Instant Pot will depend on the type of mushrooms being cooked, the size of the mushrooms, and the desired texture.

Cooking Whole Mushrooms

For whole mushrooms, it is recommended to cook them for around 5 minutes under high pressure. This will ensure that the mushrooms are cooked but still retain their shape and texture.

Cooking Sliced Mushrooms

When cooking sliced mushrooms, the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the slices. For thinner slices, 3 to 4 minutes under high pressure is usually sufficient. For thicker slices, it may take up to 6 minutes.

Sauteing Mushrooms

In addition to pressure cooking, the saute function on the Instant Pot can also be used to cook mushrooms. Sauteing mushrooms for 3 to 5 minutes is usually enough to cook them through while still retaining their shape and texture.

Tips for Cooking Mushrooms in an Instant Pot

• It is important to clean mushrooms gently before cooking, using a damp paper towel or slowly running cold water to remove any dirt.
• Baby bella mushrooms are a good variety to use in the Instant Pot as they have a firmer texture and a more earthy, savory flavor.
• It is recommended to use wooden utensils when cooking with an Instant Pot, as they are gentle on the non-stick surface.
• For extra flavor, try adding butter, garlic, and onions to the mushrooms while cooking.
• If you want to reduce the cooking time, you can cut the mushrooms into smaller pieces before cooking.

How to clean mushrooms before steaming

Steaming mushrooms in a pressure cooker is a great way to ensure they are free from contaminants and ready for a tasty dish. But before you get cooking, it's important to clean your mushrooms thoroughly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean mushrooms before steaming them in a pressure cooker:

• Identify the type of mushroom: Start by determining whether your mushrooms are cultivated or wild. Cultivated mushrooms are typically found in grocery stores, while wild mushrooms are foraged or bought from local farmers. This distinction is important because it will influence the cleaning method.
• Brush off dirt: For cultivated mushrooms, use a dry towel or a mushroom brush to gently wipe off any visible dirt or debris from the surface of the mushrooms. You can also cut off any dirty parts, such as the end of the stem.
• Wash in water (optional): If your cultivated mushrooms seem especially dirty, you can wash them in water. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a few mushrooms at a time. Swirl them around for a few seconds to loosen any remaining dirt, then immediately remove and pat them dry with a clean towel. Lay the mushrooms out to finish air-drying before cooking.
• Soaking wild mushrooms: Wild mushrooms tend to have more dirt and debris in their crevices. For these, you may need to soak them in water for a few minutes to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. After soaking, gently rub or brush the mushrooms to dislodge any remaining dirt.
• Dry thoroughly: Whether you washed or brushed your mushrooms, it's important to ensure they are completely dry before steaming. Use a clean towel to pat them dry and lay them out to air-dry. Moisture can lead to mold, so make sure your mushrooms are dry before storing or cooking.
• Timing: It's best to clean your mushrooms right before you plan to cook or use them. Cleaning them too far in advance can introduce moisture and increase the risk of spoilage.

By following these steps, you'll have clean and ready-to-use mushrooms that can be steamed to perfection in your pressure cooker!

How to steam mushrooms with garlic and herbs

Ingredients

• Mushrooms (e.g., chestnut, shitake, oyster, chanterelle, cremini, trumpet, or wild mushrooms)
• Garlic
• Herbs (e.g., parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, or basil)
• Olive oil
• Butter (optional)
• Onion (optional)
• Wine (optional)
• Chicken/vegetable stock (optional)

Instructions

• Preparation: Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel or a brush to remove dirt and debris. Rinse the mushrooms under cold water and pat them dry. You can also use a damp sponge, but avoid running the mushrooms under water as they will absorb too much liquid and become soggy.
• Slicing: Depending on the type of mushroom and your preference, you may want to slice or halve them. If using larger mushrooms, slice them into halves or quarters to ensure even cooking.
• Sauté: Heat some olive oil and butter in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. You can also add a chopped onion at this stage for extra flavor. Sauté until the onion is softened, about 3 minutes.
• Cook Mushrooms: Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and crispy at the edges. If you are not using butter, you may want to add a splash of wine or stock to the pan to add some extra flavor and moisture.
• Add Flavorings: Pour in some wine, stock, or water if the pan is looking dry. Cook for a couple of minutes to reduce the liquid slightly. Then, add the garlic and herbs. Cook for a further 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
• Seasoning: Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Serve: Sprinkle the mushrooms with some freshly chopped herbs and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Use a large pan to prevent the mushrooms from steaming or boiling instead of sautéing.
• If you want to steam the mushrooms, you can use a pressure cooker. Place the mushrooms, onions, garlic, and other ingredients in the cooker with some liquid and cook for about 4-5 minutes at high pressure.
• For a vegan option, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock.

How to steam mushrooms with onions

Ingredients:

• 16 oz baby bella mushrooms
• 1 package (14.4 oz) frozen pearl onions
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1/4 cup dry red wine
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Method:

• Place the mushrooms, onions, and garlic in a 6-qt electric pressure cooker.
• In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients; pour this mixture over the mushrooms.
• Lock the lid and close the pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook on high for 4 minutes.
• Quick-release the pressure.

Your mushrooms and onions are now ready to be served!

Frequently asked questions