Cooking Mushrooms: Steamer-Free Techniques For Delicious Results

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways. While steaming is a popular method that preserves their flavour and nutrients, it is not the only way to cook them. If you don't have a steamer, there are several alternative cooking methods you can use to prepare delicious and nutritious mushrooms. Here are some options to consider:

Sautéing with vegetable broth

To start, heat your pan over medium-high heat. You can use a non-stick pan for this, and there's no need to add any oil or butter. Once the pan is hot, add a splash of vegetable broth. You can use any type of vegetable broth you like, and this will add depth and richness to your mushrooms without the need for oil.

Next, gently toss in your mushrooms. You can use any variety of mushrooms for this recipe, such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello. Try to cut or tear your mushrooms into similar-sized pieces so that they cook evenly. Make sure not to crowd the pan, as this will cause the mushrooms to steam instead of sauté. Spread them out in a single layer, if possible, to ensure even cooking.

Cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until they reach your desired texture and become tender and golden brown. This should take around 3 to 5 minutes per side. Continue adding small amounts of vegetable broth as needed to prevent sticking.

Once the mushrooms are cooked to your liking, season them with salt and pepper, and you're done! This method is a simple and healthy way to cook mushrooms that brings out their natural flavour and adds a beautiful golden colour.

Roasting with balsamic vinegar

Ingredients

• 1 lb. of mushrooms (white button or baby bella mushrooms)
• 1 Tbsp of olive oil
• 3 Tbsp of balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 Tbsp of brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp of soy sauce
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/4 tsp of dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp of freshly cracked black pepper

Optional

Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Clean any dirt or debris from the mushrooms, then slice any large mushrooms in half (leave them whole if they are small).
• Mince the garlic. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, thyme, and pepper.
• Place the mushrooms in a ceramic or glass baking dish (choose a size that keeps the mushrooms close together, mostly in a single layer). Pour the marinade over the top and stir to coat the mushrooms.
• Roast the mushrooms for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. The mushrooms should release liquid as they roast, leaving liquid in the bottom of the dish until the last 15 minutes or so. If the dish dries up before the final 15 minutes, cover the dish with foil to prevent further evaporation or burning.
• After 45 minutes of roasting, give them a final stir and then serve.

Tips

• Wipe mushrooms with a damp paper towel and trim any long stems. If mushrooms are large, cut in half, or quarter if they're huge.
• If you want to add some heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the spices.
• Rosemary is another fabulous herb/seasoning to use with mushrooms. If you’d like, try using a 1/4 tsp of each thyme and rosemary!

Grilling with citrus marinade

Grilling Mushrooms with a Citrus Marinade

Ingredients

• Mushrooms (any variety)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Citrus fruit of your choice (e.g., lemon)
• Garlic
• Butter
• Thyme
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g., rosemary, cayenne, balsamic vinegar)

Steps to Prepare:

• Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to brush off any dirt. Avoid soaking or rinsing them, as mushrooms act like sponges and will absorb water, leading to a soggy texture.
• Remove and discard the stems.
• For portobello mushrooms, use a small spoon to gently scrape around the underside of the caps to remove the gills. The gills are edible but can turn your dish an unappetizing colour.
• Cut the mushrooms into similar-sized pieces.
• Prepare the marinade by whisking together your chosen citrus juice, soy sauce or tamari, garlic, butter, and seasonings in a large bowl.
• Add the mushrooms to the marinade and let them sit for about 5 minutes on each side, or up to 30 minutes if you prefer a stronger flavour.
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• Thread the mushrooms onto skewers, grouping similar-sized mushrooms together and spacing them about 1/2 inch apart. If using wooden skewers, remember to presoak them in water for 20-30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• Place the skewered mushrooms on the grill in a single layer over direct heat.
• Grill for 2-3 minutes per side for smaller mushrooms, and 5-7 minutes per side for larger mushrooms like portobellos.
• Brush the mushrooms with the remaining marinade as they cook.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.

Tips:

• If you don't have a grill, you can use a preheated oven or a large skillet over medium heat.
• For a more intense flavour, let the mushrooms marinate for up to 30 minutes, but avoid exceeding this time to prevent the mushrooms from becoming too salty.
• If you want to add a spicy kick, include some crushed red peppers, cayenne, or your favourite hot sauce.

Stir-frying with coconut aminos

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of sliced mushrooms (portobellos or any Asian mushroom are best, but any will do)
• 1/4 cup of coconut aminos
• 1/4 tsp of granulated garlic
• Enough coconut oil to cover the pan

Method:

• Heat up enough coconut oil to cover the pan.
• Add the sliced mushrooms to the hot pan.
• Sauté for 7-10 minutes until fully cooked and starting to brown.
• Turn off the heat and add the coconut aminos and garlic.
• Stir well until the liquid is absorbed.

Portobello mushrooms are high in copper, selenium, potassium, and some B vitamins. They also sometimes contain vitamin D and have a great meaty texture. This recipe is excellent as a side dish or added to salads and other dishes for a boost of flavor and texture.

Tips:

• Keep the mushrooms dry. Use a slightly damp paper towel to brush off any dirt, and unless your mushrooms are very dirty, avoid submerging them in water or rinsing them. Mushrooms act like sponges and will absorb water, making them squeaky instead of flavorful and browned.
• Don't crowd the mushrooms in the pan. If you spread them out, they will brown and crisp around the edges.
• Salt your mushrooms at the end. Salt brings out moisture, which, in the case of mushrooms, prevents them from browning in the pan.

Cooking with a non-stick pan

Cooking Mushrooms with a Non-Stick Pan

A non-stick pan is a great option for cooking mushrooms without oil or steamer. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve delicious results:

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Start by choosing your favourite variety of mushrooms. You can use cremini, shiitake, oyster, portobello, or wild mushrooms. Remove any hard stems and cut or tear the mushrooms into similar-sized pieces. Keep in mind that mushrooms will shrink a bit during cooking, so you want them to be fairly uniform in size.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place your non-stick pan on the stove and heat it over medium heat. A wide, heavy-bottomed pan is ideal as it gives the mushrooms more room to spread out and prevents them from steaming instead of sautéing.

Step 3: Add Mushrooms to the Pan

Once the pan is heated, add the mushrooms to the pan in a single layer, or close to it. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of browning. Cook the mushrooms without moving them for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they start to brown on one side.

Step 4: Stir and Cook

After the first side is browned, stir the mushrooms and spread them back into a single layer. Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are mostly golden brown on all sides. Stirring helps to ensure even cooking and browning.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Once the mushrooms are golden brown, it's time to season them. You can simply add salt and pepper to taste, or get creative with additional seasonings. Try adding garlic, lemon zest, thyme, or a touch of butter for extra flavour. Stir everything together and cook for another minute or two to let the flavours meld.

And that's it! Your delicious, healthy mushrooms are now ready to be served as a side dish or added to your favourite recipes. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions