If you're a mushroom lover like Ree Drummond, then you probably want to keep them on hand all year round. "I am hopelessly devoted to mushrooms," she says. And as any mushroom fanatic would tell, there's nothing worse than a carton of mushrooms that's grown slimy, wrinkly, or even smelly. Before you know it, there's nothing left to do but throw them out. Of course, there is another way! All you need to do is know how to freeze mushrooms and you’ll be making your favorite mushroom recipes.
Like so many other foods, the trick to storing mushrooms for longer periods of time is to stash them in your freezer... as long as you freeze them the right way! Keep reading for everything you need to know. Whether you grow your own mushrooms or are looking to use them as a topping for pizza or in a creamy mushroom pasta sauce, let this be your guide to keeping them delicious for longer. Then, try turning mushrooms into veggie burgers, mushroom gravy, or bite-sized appetizers stuffed with cheese!
How to Freeze Mushrooms
Start with mushrooms that are nice and fresh; it's best to avoid freezing any shriveled, slimy mushrooms. You'll need to clean them to remove any dirt—wipe them with a damp paper towel, brush them with a pastry brush, or give them a quick rinse with water, but be sure to dry them thoroughly. Mushrooms are like tiny sponges when it comes to absorbing moisture! Trim any woody parts from the stem and then cut larger mushrooms into uniform pieces; smaller mushrooms can be kept whole! The next step is to cook the mushrooms by either sautéing or steaming them.
Sautéed
To sauté the mushrooms, use a small amount of neutral oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook until the mushrooms are fork-tender and the pan is mostly dry. The mushrooms will release moisture into the pan before the liquid evaporates. Allow to cool.
Steamed
To steam the mushrooms, start by soaking them in a bowl with a couple of cups of water and a teaspoon of lemon juice. This will help prevent them from turning too brown. Then, bring a pot of water to a bowl, add mushrooms to a steamer basket, and steam for 3 to 5 minutes until cooked. Strain and allow to cool.
Flash Freeze
Once the mushrooms have cooled completely, it's time to freeze them! Flash freezing—a way of freezing individual pieces of food—is the way to go. This method makes it especially easy to use the frozen mushrooms a few at a time if you choose. Just spread the cooled mushrooms onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and pop it into the freezer for about an hour, or until the mushrooms feel hard and frozen. Then pile all of the mushrooms into a freezer-safe bags or containers, force as much air out as possible, and store in the freezer for up to nine months.
Should You Cook Mushrooms Before Freezing?
You can certainly freeze mushrooms fresh, but cook them beforehand for the best texture and flavor. Mushrooms are full of water and when they're frozen from fresh, they can end up soggy, mushy and all around unpleasant. Cooking them beforehand, though, removes some of that moisture and results in better mushrooms. Sautéing them in a skillet with just a tiny bit of oil or butter is an easy way to quickly dehydrate mushrooms—it only takes about five minutes (depending on how many mushrooms you're working with, of course) and it's so worth it in the long run.
How to Thaw Frozen Mushrooms
Here's a tip to make your life easier: don't thaw them! Simply take the mushrooms straight from frozen and add them to any dish you plan to cook. You can always thaw them in the fridge overnight if you prefer, but adding them frozen is easier and works just as well.
