Get those mushrooms ready to cook! Here’s how to wash and cut them—plus a few hacks for even quicker prep.
It’s 5:30 after a long day at work; you’re starving, and you just want to throw dinner together and sit down to eat a decent meal. But there are mushrooms to deal with.
Great news: Prepping mushrooms is not as finicky as you might expect. You don’t need to painstakingly clean every speck from every mushroom with a special brush. And they’re easy to chop, especially with a few tips.
In general, do not prep mushrooms in advance of food prep as oxidation can occur and impact the appearance and quality of the product (this is where the pre-sliced options really help!). A best practice is to use the mushrooms the same day you process them.
How to Clean Mushrooms
In the wild, mushrooms grow in rotting organic material. Cultivated mushrooms grow in pasteurized organic material. So, don’t freak out about eating horse poop, even though some commercial growers use chicken and cow manure in their compost mix. By the time the mushrooms grow in it, it’s become a whole other thing.
Still, residue of that whole other thing can still be on the mushrooms when they are harvested. No one wants to eat dirty or gritty mushrooms. Here’s how to clean them:
- If the mushrooms look super clean, you don’t need to clean them off.
- If they are a little slimy but not dirty, wipe them off with a paper towel.
- If they are a little dirty and/or slimy, wipe them off with a paper towel.
- If they are really dirty, rinse them off.
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Chop Them!
Can I blow your mind? I’ve been into chopping mushrooms lately instead of slicing them. You get nice, meaty pieces that are texturally interesting—chewy instead of floppy.
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FAQ
Can I cut up mushrooms ahead of time?
Can I wash and prep mushrooms ahead of time?
Can I prepare mushrooms in advance?
How long are pre-sliced mushrooms good for in the fridge?
Can you cook mushrooms ahead of time?
Serve warm over steak, in pasta, or as a side. To Make Ahead: Mushrooms can be sauteed ahead of time and stored covered in the fridge for 3-4 day. Reheat in a skillet until warm.
Is it beneficial to take a blend of mushrooms or just one at a time?
It is perfectly safe and healthy to combine mushrooms. There are no known reasons to avoid mixing any of the popular varieties of typical or medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail or Tremella.
Do mushrooms need a lot of prep work?
Whether you’re foraging for a wild variety or just came back from the store, mushrooms need a little extra prep work before they can add their signature earthy flavor to your dish. Since many mushroom varieties grow low to the ground, likely have some excess dirt remaining on their stems and caps by the time they reach your kitchen.
Why are mushrooms a good choice for make ahead Mondays?
Since they’re so easy to prepare at the last minute, you might wonder why they’d be a good candidate for Make Ahead Mondays. The reason is twofold: When they go on sale, you can stock up, roast your mushrooms and freeze them for times they’re more expensive.