The BEST! Fried Mushrooms - Easy Pan or Deep Fried Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to crispy mushrooms? ›

So when you season the mushrooms immediately after tossing them in the pan, the mushrooms begin to release moisture, causing them to steam in the excess liquid in the pan. Waiting to salt them gives them a chance, instead, to sear and become crisp. That's it!

The myth that mushrooms will soak up all the water has been busted by other chefs and food scientists. Boiling mushrooms before sautéing works because mushrooms are neither plant nor animal. This comes down to the mushroom itself -- its internal structure is such that you literally cannot overcook a mushroom.

I like using a wide, heavy-bottomed pan for the best results. The wide pan allows me to add more mushrooms without layering them on top of each other too much (which causes them to steam instead of saute).

The best type of oil for frying mushrooms is one with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. These oils can withstand high temperatures without breaking down and imparting unwanted flavors to the mushrooms.

Instead of tossing the mushrooms straight in the pot, cook them in a little skillet alongside before you add them. This will help release their moisture, concentrate their natural sugars right in the pot, and lend big flavor to the whole dish.

They work well with simple seasonings like salt and pepper but can take on a whole new dimension when you add ingredients like garlic, butter, and fresh herbs. Basic cooking techniques, flavorful ingredients, and a few tips and tricks can help add more flavor to mushrooms without a lot of fuss or stress.

Heat the pan on the stove over medium high heat. To get a nice sear on these mushrooms, it's important to start with an oil which has a somewhat higher smoke point. If you use butter at a high heat like this, it would burn. Olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil work beautifully.

For the Best Mushrooms, Give Them a Good Sear

Cooking mushrooms concentrates their flavor and brings out notes of sweet earthiness from the Maillard reaction taking place. The best way to do this is to sear the mushrooms first in a dry pan. The high heat browns the mushrooms while instantly driving off excess moisture.

The Best Way to Wash Mushrooms

Yes, folks, you can indeed wash your mushrooms. The critical step is to wait to wash them until right before you cook with them so they don't get bogged down with water. After giving the mushrooms a rinse, dry them off, and you're ready to cook.

Sautéing on High or Low Heat

Don't go too low or high on heat, which can make mushrooms over or under-cooked. Think right in the middle. "Medium-high heat is the way to go with mushrooms.

Why do mushrooms get watery when frying? ›

The reasoning is that mushrooms act like tiny sponges and soak up water if you get them wet. Since mushrooms contain so much water, if you crowd them in the sauté pan, or don't cook them quickly, they'll steam instead of browning.

Do You Sauté the Onions First? To keep the onions from cooking in the mushroom juices, wait to add the onions until the mushrooms have released their excess liquid and almost all of that liquid has evaporated. Once you get there, add the onions and let them sauté and brown in the fat alongside the mushrooms.

Once you begin to see golden edges and no more liquid, give the mushrooms a quick stir. The mushrooms will begin to turn a dark reddish-brown with golden spots. Add your seasoning at this stage. This can include salt, pepper, garlic, fresh herbs, or even a little more butter if you're feeling indulgent.

Heat olive oil and butter in skillet over medium high heat until butter melts. Add mushrooms, toss to coat in fat, then increase heat to high. Saute undisturbed for 5 minutes, then toss again. Repeat every 5 minutes until mushrooms release water content and liquid evaporates.

"Adding salt before throwing mushrooms in the pan or immediately after will draw out the water from them, making them simmer in their own liquids," says Sofia Norton, RD.