Mushrooms are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be added to many dishes. However, knowing how long to cook mushrooms is key to ensuring they come out perfectly cooked. Overcooking mushrooms can lead to a rubbery, mushy texture while undercooking them may leave them tough and chewy. The cooking time can vary based on the type and size of mushroom, the cooking method, and personal preference regarding texture. Typically, mushrooms need between 5-15 minutes of cooking depending on these factors.
Factors That Affect Mushroom Cooking Time
There are a few key factors that impact how long it takes to cook mushrooms:
Type of Mushroom
The variety of mushroom makes a difference in required cook time. Smaller, more delicate mushrooms like oyster, beech, and maitake mushrooms require less time than meatier, firmer mushrooms like portobello, cremini, and shiitake. More moisture-rich mushrooms like white button and crimini need a shorter cooking time than drier porcini mushrooms.
Here is a table showing approximate cooking times for common mushroom varieties:
Mushroom Variety | Cook Time |
---|---|
Oyster | 3-5 minutes |
Beech | 3-5 minutes |
Maitake | 3-5 minutes |
White Button | 5-10 minutes |
Cremini | 5-10 minutes |
Portobello | 6-12 minutes |
Shiitake | 6-12 minutes |
Porcini | 10-15 minutes |
As shown, delicate mushrooms need less time over heat while heartier or drier mushrooms require longer cooking.
Size of Mushrooms
In addition to variety, the size of the mushrooms impacts cooking time. Small mushrooms and mushroom slices will cook faster than large, whole mushrooms. Sliced mushrooms will cook through in 3-5 minutes generally while whole, large portobello caps may need upwards of 15 minutes to fully cook.
When keeping mushrooms whole, make sure to slice them to relatively equal sizes so they cook evenly. Cutting mushrooms into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices is common. The thinner the slices, the faster they will cook.
Cooking Method
The cooking method chosen also affects how quickly mushrooms will be ready. Gentler cooking methods like steaming, simmering, or sautéing in a little oil will cook mushrooms through in a shorter time versus intense heat from grilling or broiling.
Here is a comparison of approximate cook times for the same 1/2 inch sliced white button mushrooms using different cooking techniques:
Cooking Method | Approximate Cook Time |
---|---|
Steaming | 2-3 minutes |
Simmering | 3-4 minutes |
Sautéing | 4-6 minutes |
Grilling | 6-10 minutes |
Broiling | 8-12 minutes |
Faster, gentler cooking methods like steaming require less time compared to dry cooking techniques like broiling. Keep this in mind when selecting a cooking method.
Precooking
Precooking mushrooms by blanching, microwaving, or roasting them first can significantly decrease the subsequent cooking time needed to finish them off. Partially cooked mushrooms absorb flavors more readily as well.
Blanching mushrooms for 1-2 minutes followed by shocking them in ice water before sautéing can cut the sauté time in half. Microwaving or roasting at a high temperature for 3-5 minutes before adding to a dish also reduces the final cooking time.
How to Tell When Mushrooms Are Cooked
Determining doneness for mushrooms requires paying attention to visual and textural signs:
Shrunken Size
Cooked mushrooms will shrink up and decrease in size slightly. The gills on whole mushrooms may tighten and start separating from the cap. Portobellos and creminis will appear shriveled when fully cooked.
Softened Texture
Mushrooms are done cooking when fork-tender. They should feel spongy yet softened all the way through when pressed, not firm or crunchy.
Browned Outside
The outside surface of sautéed or grilled mushrooms will appear browned and caramelized when finished cooking.
Released Liquid
As they cook, mushrooms will exude some of their internal moisture. This liquid will evaporate or can be allowed to cook off towards the end.
Use these visual and textural clues in combination to determine when your mushrooms are ready. Begin testing them at the lower end of the estimated cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Tips for Cooking Mushrooms
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked mushrooms every time:
Use High Heat
Mushrooms benefit from high heat, whether sautéing, grilling, broiling, or roasting. High heat helps drive off moisture, brown and caramelize the mushrooms, and intensify their meaty umami flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd
Avoid overcrowding mushrooms in the pan or they will steam instead of sautéing properly. Cook them in a single layer with space between pieces. Cook mushrooms in batches if needed.
Wait to Salt
Hold off on salting mushrooms until after cooking if possible. Salting too early can draw out excess moisture and lead to soggy mushrooms.
Use Oil and Butter
A combination of oil and butter is ideal for sautéing mushrooms. The oil helps prevent burning while the butter lends richness.
Dry Thoroughly
Ensure mushrooms are dried thoroughly with paper towels before cooking. Excess moisture can prevent proper browning.
Precook if Adding Late
If adding mushrooms late in a recipe like risotto, blanch or microwave them first so they don’t end up undercooked and tough in the finished dish.
Cooking Times for Common Mushroom Dishes and Recipes
The cooking time required for mushrooms varies based on the specifics of the recipe. Here are estimated cooking times for mushrooms used in some classic dishes:
Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéing sliced mushrooms alone in oil or butter on the stovetop takes 5-10 minutes over medium-high heat. Cook 5-6 minutes for white buttons and cremini and up to 10 minutes for portobellos and shiitakes.
Mushroom Soups and Stews
Mushrooms added to broth or cream-based soups and stews cook more gently and require 25-35 minutes of simmering to become tender.
Roasted Mushrooms
Roasting whole cap mushrooms or slices at 425°F takes 15-20 minutes for full caramelization and flavor. Toss first in oil or butter.
Grilled Mushrooms
Grilling portobello caps over direct high heat takes about 5-7 minutes per side. Brush with oil and season beforehand.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Baked stuffed mushroom caps require 15-20 minutes in a 375°F oven to heat through fillings and cook the mushrooms fully.
Mushroom Risotto
In mushroom risotto, the mushrooms are often cooked before adding to the rice. Sauté them for 4-6 minutes first.
Conclusion
Cooking times for mushrooms can range quite a bit from 5 minutes for quick sautéing to up to 35 minutes for simmering in soups and stews. The variety of mushroom, size, chosen cooking method, and doneness preference all impact the timing. In general, start checking mushrooms after 3-5 minutes for delicate varieties and 6-12 minutes for meatier types. Look for visual cues like shrinking, browning, and released moisture as signs they are ready. High heat and not overcrowding the mushrooms will provide the best caramelized flavor and texture. With the proper technique and tracking cooking times, you can enjoy perfectly done mushrooms every time.