Steaming Mushrooms: How Long Does It Take To Cook?

Steaming is a great way to cook mushrooms, allowing them to retain their texture and flavour. The process is simple and can be done on the stove or in the microwave. It is important to ensure that the mushrooms are all of a similar size to avoid overcooking or undercooking. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the mushrooms, but it generally takes around 10 to 15 minutes to steam them.

Steaming mushrooms in a microwave

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Start by choosing the type of mushroom you want to steam. Common varieties include button, cremini, shiitake, oyster, portobello, and field mushrooms. Remove any hard stems and cut or tear the mushrooms into similar-sized pieces. You can slice them, chop them into cubes, or leave them whole, depending on your preference and the recipe you are following.

Step 2: Place the Mushrooms in a Microwave-Safe Container

Place the prepared mushrooms in a microwave-safe bowl or container. Make sure the container is large enough so that the mushrooms are in a single layer and not crowded. This helps ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Add Seasonings (Optional)

At this point, you can add flavourings to the mushrooms if desired. You can smear them with garlic butter, coat them in olive oil (perhaps with a sprig of thyme), or add a few drops of soy sauce. You can also add a liquid base, such as beef or vegetable broth, dry sherry, or red wine.

Step 4: Cover and Microwave

Cover the container securely and place it in the microwave. Microwave on high power for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring the mushrooms once during this initial cooking period.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Adjust Timing

After the initial 2 to 3 minutes, check the mushrooms to see if they are tender enough for your liking. If they need more time, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until they reach your desired level of doneness. Keep in mind that thinner slices will cook faster, while thicker slices or whole mushrooms may require additional time.

Tips and Variations:

• Microwaving is a healthy way to cook mushrooms as it retains more of their vitamins and nutrients compared to other cooking methods.
• Different types of mushrooms may respond differently to microwaving, so adjust your cooking time and technique accordingly. For example, chanterelle mushrooms taste better when fried, and oyster mushrooms can become leathery if cooked too long.
• If you are using whole button mushrooms, place them ribbed-side up in the microwave for more even cooking.
• If you are microwaving portobello or field mushrooms for a burger, you can grill them in the microwave by placing them rib-side up in a shallow bowl, covering, and microwaving for 2 minutes. Then remove the cover and continue microwaving for another 2 to 3 minutes or until tender.
• Remember that mushrooms will absorb the flavours of whatever you cook them with, so choose your seasonings wisely!

How to season steamed mushrooms

Steaming mushrooms is a simple and effective way to cook them, and there are many ways to season them.

Firstly, it is important to note that mushrooms will absorb the flavours of whatever you cook them with, so be mindful of this when seasoning.

A simple way to season steamed mushrooms is to melt some butter in a pan and sauté some garlic until fragrant. Then, toss the steamed mushrooms in the garlic butter and season with salt and pepper. Finish with some fresh parsley.

You could also try adding some balsamic vinegar glaze, or sprinkling parmesan or feta cheese over the mushrooms. For an umami kick, add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the garlic butter.

If you want to create a mushroom pâté, blitz the steamed mushrooms with cream cheese, salt, pepper, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon juice.

For a different cooking method, you could sauté the mushrooms in a skillet with olive oil, salt, and pepper. For extra flavour, add butter, thyme, and lemon. Start by heating the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms in one layer and cook without moving until browned on one side (3-5 minutes). Then, stir and cook for another 3-5 minutes until golden brown on all sides.

Another option is to cook the mushrooms in a pan with water, butter or oil, and salt. Bring the water to a boil and then turn the heat down, allowing the water to continue boiling (not simmering). Once all the water has evaporated, the mushrooms will begin to sizzle and brown in the remaining oil or butter. At this point, you can season the mushrooms as desired.

Happy cooking!

The best mushrooms for steaming

Steaming is a great way to cook mushrooms, and there are several varieties that work well with this cooking method. Here is a guide to help you choose the best mushrooms for steaming:

Button Mushrooms

Button mushrooms are a popular and versatile option. They are mild in taste, readily available, and affordable. They work well in a variety of dishes, making them a great choice for steaming.

Cremini Mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby portabellas, offer a slightly more robust flavour than button mushrooms. They are a good choice if you want a heartier mushroom taste in your steamed dish.

Portobello Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms are the mature version of cremini mushrooms. They have a more intense flavour and a meatier texture, making them a satisfying option for steaming.

Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms have a delicate texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavour. They are a good choice for steaming, especially if you want to showcase their unique flavour and texture.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms have a distinct umami flavour and a meaty texture. They are commonly used in Asian cuisine and are a great choice for adding depth of flavour to your steamed dishes.

Wild Mushrooms

Wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles or porcinis, can also be steamed. They tend to have more complex flavours and varied textures, adding a gourmet touch to your dish.

When steaming mushrooms, it's important to ensure they are all roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the steamer basket to allow for proper circulation of steam.

How to steam mushrooms without a steamer

Steaming is a great way to cook mushrooms, allowing them to retain their texture and not shrink. They become plump, juicy, and moist, and the process is simple and quick. Here is a guide on how to steam mushrooms without a steamer:

Preparing the Mushrooms

Firstly, ensure you have around 500g of fresh mushrooms. It is important to try and get mushrooms that are all roughly the same size, especially if you plan to use a mix of different varieties. You can use button mushrooms, cremini, shiitake, oyster, portobello, or wild mushrooms. Remove any hard stems and cut or tear the mushrooms into similar-sized pieces.

Choosing a Cooking Liquid

Mushrooms will absorb the flavours of the steaming liquid, so choose a liquid that will complement them. You can use water, but this will not impart any additional flavours. Try using stock, wine, or herbs to add subtle flavours without butter or oil. You could also add a few splashes of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar to the water for a tangy twist.

Setting Up Your Steamer

Fill a large pot with at least half an inch of your chosen cooking liquid. Place a metal colander or strainer inside the pot, ensuring that the base of the colander does not touch the water. If you don't have a colander, you can use three balled-up pieces of aluminium foil as a base for a plate to sit on instead.

Steaming the Mushrooms

Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer on the colander or plate. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or a piece of aluminium foil to trap the steam. Cooking time will depend on the size of the mushrooms, but it should take around 8 to 15 minutes for them to become tender.

Seasoning and Serving

Once the mushrooms are cooked, you can season them with salt and pepper, parsley, chives, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. Steamed mushrooms can be served as a side dish, added to salads, or included in rice or pasta dishes.

Tips for Steaming Mushrooms

• Dry the mushrooms thoroughly after washing, as they will absorb water.
• Ensure uniformity in the size of the mushrooms to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the steamer to allow for even cooking.
• Be careful when removing the lid, as the steam will be hot.

You can also steam mushrooms in the microwave by placing them in a microwave-safe dish with 2 tablespoons of water, covering, and microwaving on high for around 3 minutes. Check for doneness, and give them another 30-second blast if needed.

How long to steam mushrooms for

Steaming is a great way to cook mushrooms, as they retain a lot more texture and don't shrink up. They also become plump, juicy, and moist, and retain their fresh, earthy flavor.

Steaming mushrooms is a simple process and it doesn't take long. The amount of time will depend on the size of the mushrooms, but it should take around 10 to 15 minutes. For large whole mushrooms, steam for 5 minutes, for smaller button mushrooms, steam for 3.5 minutes, and for slices, steam for 3 minutes. If you're using a microwave, place the mushrooms in a microwave-safe dish with 2 tablespoons of water, cover, and microwave on high for around 3 minutes. Check if they need longer and give them another 30-second blast if needed.

When steaming, it's important to ensure that the mushrooms are all roughly the same size to avoid overcooking or undercooking. They should be arranged in a single layer in the steamer so that the steam can circulate and cook them evenly.

How to steam mushrooms:

You can steam mushrooms on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you're using a stovetop, fill a pot with at least a half-inch of water or another steaming liquid, such as stock or wine. Place a steamer basket, colander, or strainer inside the pot, making sure the base doesn't touch the water. If you don't have any of these, you can use balled-up pieces of aluminum foil instead. Arrange the mushrooms in the steamer and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and steam for 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender.

Seasoning and serving:

After steaming, mushrooms can be seasoned with salt and pepper, parsley, chives, balsamic vinegar, or lemon juice. They can be served as a side dish, added to salads or pasta dishes, or paired with an entrée such as fish.

Freezing steamed mushrooms:

If you plan on freezing mushrooms, it's recommended to steam them first to help preserve their flavor. Before steaming, briefly soak them in an anti-browning solution of 1 spoonful of lemon juice per 2 cups of water. After steaming, quickly cool them by blanching in ice-cold water, then drain and seal tightly in storage bags before freezing.

Frequently asked questions