How to keep mushrooms bright and flavorful when frying
Mushrooms are a popular ingredient in many dishes, but frying them can be tricky. Learn how to prepare mushrooms so they are flavourful and do not darken during cooking.
While frying mushrooms, they often darken. This is due to oxidative enzymes reacting with oxygen, causing a colour change in the mushrooms. This process is natural, but it can be minimised by using appropriate techniques.
Another reason mushrooms darken is their high water content. During frying, water is released from the mushrooms, and if the pan isn’t hot enough, they begin to boil instead of fry, which also leads to darkening.
What to do to prevent mushrooms from darkening?
To keep mushrooms bright, it's a good idea to dry them thoroughly after washing. The kitchen roll removes excess water. Next, slice the mushrooms into thicker pieces, which helps them maintain their structure during frying.
Use a fat that can withstand high temperatures, such as vegetable oil. Heat the fat in a pan over high heat, then add the mushrooms in small batches.
To ensure mushrooms retain their light colour during frying, add lemon juice to the peeled mushrooms before frying. You can also add the juice during frying.
It's also important to fry the mushrooms briefly. As they fry, they release juice, and prolonged frying will cause them to boil and darken.
It's also crucial to salt them only after frying. The mushrooms will soften and release more juice if you do this during frying. Other spices are also best added after all the water has evaporated.
What mistakes cause mushrooms to darken during frying?
One of the most common mistakes is putting mushrooms in a cold pan. In such conditions, the mushrooms initially release a lot of water, causing them to stew. To prevent this, always heat the pan with fat to a high temperature before adding the mushrooms.
Another common mistake is adding too many mushrooms at once. In such a situation, the temperature of the pan drops quickly, making it harder for the water to evaporate. Mushrooms should be fried in small batches to allow them to brown quickly and retain their crispness.
What spices work well with mushrooms?
Mushrooms can be enhanced with a variety of spices that accentuate their flavour. Lemon juice not only prevents darkening but also adds a refreshing touch. Garlic and onion will give the mushrooms a more intense aroma.
Other spices like thyme, rosemary, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper will make the mushrooms taste delicious.
