4 Mistakes We All Make When Cooking Mushrooms
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
Love mushrooms but can't quite cook them to perfection? Learn what mistakes to avoid when cooking mushrooms to get the most out of your flavorful fungi.
Mushrooms are a fantastic way to add a savory nuance to your favorite chicken dinners. They’re quick and easy to cook and bring so much flavor to a dish. But you may be surprised to find out there’s a knack to cooking mushrooms. Thankfully, learning the ins and outs of cooking these humble fungi couldn’t be simpler.
1. Washing them
Whether you’ve picked up an assortment of wild mushrooms from your local farmers market or grabbed a container from the supermarket, odds are your fresh fungi will have bits of dirt clinging to their caps. Of course, you’ll want to remove the dirt, but don’t wash them. Mushrooms are mini sponges that soak up every bit of liquid they come into contact with.
What to do instead? Brush the dirt off with a damp paper towel. You can also pick up a mushroom brush, which is specially designed to remove dirt without damaging the cap.
2. Cooking over low heat
If you’ve ever sautéed mushrooms, you’ll know that they give off a lot of water in the pan. To avoid sad, wet mushrooms, crank up the heat to allow this water to evaporate. It may take a few minutes, but be patient—the results are worth it.
3. Skimping on cooking oils
We’ve covered mushrooms’ sponge-like qualities, so you won’t be surprised to learn that they’ll quickly soak up oil or butter as well. Don’t be afraid to give your mushrooms a generous dose of cooking fats and add more as needed. This gives them a lovely brown color no one can resist and infuses them with extra flavor—ideal if you’re whipping up a mushroom-based sauce.
4. Overcrowding the pan
Too many mushrooms in your pan means they’ll steam, not sauté. Be sure you’re using a large enough pan and don’t pack them in. For instance, if I’m adding mushrooms to a bolognese, I always cook my ‘shrooms separately from my other veggies to allow all that water to evaporate. These fabulous fungi need space to breathe.
Ready to master the mushroom? Try one of our top recipes for mushroom lovers.
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Quick Cream of Mushroom Soup
My daughter-in-law, a gourmet cook, served this cream of mushroom soup recipe as the first course for a holiday dinner. She received the recipe from her mom and graciously shared it with me. Now I'm happy to share it with my own friends and family. —Anne Kulick, Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Slow-Cooker Marinated Mushrooms
Here's a healthy and delicious addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic vinegar and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California
Portobello Bruschetta with Rosemary Aioli
Caramelizing onions, broiling peppers and whipping up a homemade aioli with fresh herbs adds dimensions of flavor you won't find in a store-bough bruschetta. —Stephanie Kalina-Metzger, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Grilled Mushroom Kabobs
Earthy grilled mushrooms taste like flame-kissed goodness. The balsamic vinegar adds just enough tanginess to the savory side. —Melissa Hoddinott, Sherwood Park, Alberta
Mushroom Marsala with Barley
This vegetarian recipe is a tasty mashup of chicken Marsala and mushroom barley soup. It's terrific as a main dish, but it can also be served, with or without the barley, as a side. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Pancetta and Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast
I was inspired by a stuffed chicken Marsala dish I had at a restaurant and wanted to come up with my own version using a different flavor profile. —Ashley Laymon, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Chili-Lime Mushroom Tacos
I used to make this dish with beef, but substituting with portobella mushrooms turned it into my family's vegetarian favorite. It's quick, nutritious, low fat and tasty. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Mushroom and Brown Rice Hash with Poached Eggs
I made my mother's famous roast beef hash healthier by using cremini mushrooms instead of beef and brown rice instead of potatoes. It's ideal for a light main dish. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Portobello Mushroom and Cream Cheese Taquitos
This party appetizer was inspired by a dish I saw on an episode of Top Chef. I simplified it a little and tweaked the flavors a bit. These can be made ahead and reheated in a 250° oven for 10 minutes. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Swiss Mushroom Loaf
I'm always prepared for recipe requests when I serve this outstanding stuffed loaf. It's excellent not only as an appetizer but also as a side for pasta or chili. —Heidi Mellon, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Lemon Garlic Mushrooms
I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Portobello Fajitas
I serve portobello fajitas family-style so guests can build their own. Just pass the tortillas and garnishes like salsa, cheese, guacamole and sour cream. —Carolyn Butterfield, Lake Stevens, Washington
Porcini Mac & Cheese
This recipe was inspired by a mushroom mac and cheese I had at a local restaurant. I incorporated the fall flavor of a pumpkin ale, and it turned out better than the original. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Mushroom Wild Rice
This is one of my favorite recipes from my mother. With only seven ingredients, it's quick to assemble in the morning before I leave for work. By the time I get home, mouthwatering aromas have filled the house. —Bob Malchow, Monon, Indiana
Butternut & Portobello Lasagna
Lasagna gets fresh flavor and color when you make it with roasted butternut squash, portobello mushrooms, basil and spinach. We feast on this. —Edward and Danielle Walker, Traverse City, Michigan
Mushroom Bacon Bites
This is the perfect appetizer for most any occasion. The tasty bites are easy to assemble and brush with prepared barbecue sauce. When we have a big cookout, they're always a hit...but they make a nice little "extra" for a family dinner, too. —Gina Roesner, Ashland, Missouri
Vegetable-Stuffed Grilled Portobellos
Mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini, onions? The garden-fresh gang’s all here! A luscious cheese spread, garlic and balsamic vinegar beautifully complement the grilled flavor in this totally delish dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cheese & Mushroom Skillet Pizza
This Italian skillet toss is an awesome way to use up extra spaghetti sauce at the end of the week. It fits right in on Friday pizza night. —Clare Butler, Little Elm, Texas
Baked Chicken and Mushrooms
I made up this dish years ago, and it still remains the family's favorite healthy baked chicken recipes. It's a fast weeknight meal, but the fresh mushrooms and sherry make it special enough for a weekend dinner party. —Lise Prestine of South Bend, Indiana
Mushroom Beef Stew
Top this hearty stew with crumbled blue cheese just before serving to add a burst of flavor. Serve some now and store the rest in the freezer for another meal. —Nancy Latulippe, Simcoe, Ontario
Mushroom Asparagus Quiche
Loads of asparagus pieces add color and flavor to this hearty, creamy quiche. And its easy crescent roll crust means you'll have dinner ready in a snap! —Sharon A. Fujita, Fontana, California
Turkey Portobello Bolognese
This sauce tastes better the longer it simmers, which allows the flavors to fully develop. In fact, it tastes best the second day after a night in the refrigerator. Mangia! —Darrell Kau, Eugene, Oregon
Chicken, Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup
I'm originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken and wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. —Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California
Creamy Eggs & Mushrooms Au Gratin
When I want a brunch recipe that has the crowd appeal of scrambled eggs but is a little more special, I turn to this dish. The Parmesan sauce is simple but rich and delicious.—Deb Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Creamy Eggplant & Mushroom Monte Cristo
As a child, I wouldn’t eat veggies. As a parent, I try to include them in creative ways. I'm proud to say this eggplant sandwich is a hit with my son. —Macey Allen, Green Forest, Arkansas
Moroccan Stuffed Mushrooms
Coriander and cumin are zesty updates to the familiar stuffed mushrooms. The addition of couscous makes them very filling and delicious. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
Caramelized Mushroom and Onion Frittata
When I was young, my grandmother used to make me buttery sauteed mushrooms. Now I enjoy them in a hearty breakfast frittata. — Melissa D'Antonio, Poughkeepsie, New York
Bacon and Fontina Stuffed Mushrooms
What's better than lots of bacon and cheese in a mushroom cap? Yum! They'll be a hit with your guests, too. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Mushroom Palmiers
I found this recipe while working at a small-town museum in West Texas. It was the appetizer for a fundraiser a long, long time ago, and it’s still a huge hit at parties. Frozen puff pastry helps make it easy and impressive. The palmiers also freeze well. —Judy Lock, Panhandle, Texas
Portobello Pasta Bake
I always plan to use this recipe right after Thanksgiving Day. Leftover turkey never tasted so good. — Preci D'Silva, Dubai
Ham Steaks with Gruyere, Bacon & Mushrooms
This meat-lover’s breakfast has a big "wow" factor. It’s one of my favorites because the Gruyere, bacon and fresh mushrooms in the topping are a great combination.—Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Broccoli-Mushroom Bubble Bake
I got bored with the same old breakfast casseroles I'd see at our monthly moms' meetings, so I decided to create something new. Judging by the reactions of the other moms, I think I have a winner. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia
Ricotta-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
These mushrooms are rich and creamy and bright at the same time because of the fresh herbs and tomato. I especially like to serve them with grilled asparagus. —Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California
Savory Roasted Carrots with Mushrooms
You’ll need only 10 minutes to get these savory veggies ready for the oven. Then just stir them a few times during roasting, and you’re done. It’s a busy cook’s dream!—Pam Corder, Monroe, LouisianaCreamy Eggs & Mushrooms Au Gratin
When I want a brunch recipe that has the crowd appeal of scrambled eggs but is a little more special, I turn to this dish. The Parmesan sauce is simple but rich and delicious.—Deb Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Hearty Portobello Linguine
If you love Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll love this entree! It turns any night into a special occasion. I like to serve it with fresh bread and a crisp white wine. —Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California
Chicken Loaf with Mushroom Gravy
Try a twist on traditional meat loaf with this chicken loaf that begins in the food processor. Here, ketchup is replaced with an easy mushroom sauce for a more upscale topping. —Keri Schofield Lawson, Brea, California
Pickled Mushrooms for a Crowd
Serve tangy pickled mushrooms alongside a steak, as an appetizer with toothpicks, in a salad or as part of an antipasto platter. However you present them, you can’t go wrong! —John Levezow, Eagan, Minnesota
Portobello Mushrooms Florentine
A fun and surprisingly hearty breakfast dish packed with flavor and richness. —Sara Morris, Laguna Beach, California
Artichoke Mushroom Lasagna
Artichokes and baby portobellos add delightful flavor and depth to this impressive dish. —Bonnie Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Sausage & Mushroom Stuffed Squash
Familiar ingredients make this dish comforting for me. The cheddar cheese is the same kind my family has used for years to make grilled cheese sandwiches. And the croutons remind me of Thanksgiving dinners. —Eliane Oneyear, River Forest, Illinois
Fried Mushrooms Marinara
Deep-fried breaded mushrooms served on a bed of spaghetti sauce are a sure winner for any party. Get ready to hand out the recipe! —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania
Goat Cheese Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are superstars in the hot appetizer category. I use baby portobello mushrooms and load them with creamy goat cheese and sweet red peppers. —Mike Bass, Alvin, Texas
Zucchini Mushroom Bake
Just a 10-minute prep dresses up my garden-fresh zucchini, adding mushrooms, onion, cheddar and a sprinkle of basil. —Jacquelyn Smith, Carmel, Maine
Parmesan Mushroom Tartlets
My easy tartlets loaded with a cheesy mushroom filling take advantage of refrigerated crescent roll dough. I think they’re best warm from the oven with a sprinkling of green onion.—Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Mushroom-Gruyere Scalloped Potatoes
When I started cooking, the only mushrooms I used were the button variety. Now I love experimenting with different types. This recipe is so filling, it can be served as a meatless entree. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
Fines Herbes & Mushroom Omelets Deluxe
The subtle blend of fine herbs doesn’t overtake other flavors in these omelets—it enhances them. Garnish with extra herbs or shredded Asiago cheese for a special breakfast, lunch or dinner.—Lee Lockwood, Maybrook, New York
Portobello Beef Burgundy
Rely on the convenience of your slow cooker for a meal that boasts all the hearty, stick-to-your-ribs goodness your family craves. These tender cubes of beef—loaded with a fantastic mushroom flavor and draped in a rich, burgundy sauce—are sure to have your guests asking for seconds of this potluck pleaser! —Melissa Galinat, Lakeland, Florida
Pickled Mushrooms with Garlic
I'm always asked to bring these tempting tidbits to holiday gatherings. Easy to make ahead and transport, they're something to celebrate on a festive relish tray. —Joyce Anderson, Chico, California
Grilled Steak and Portobello Stacks
You don't need a special panini maker for these bistro-style sandwiches. They make take some time to prepare, but it's well worth it! —Judy Murphy, Coeur d' Alene, IdahoNote: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Originally Published: February 20, 2019
