Get ready to shroom all year long! I am going to show you how to freeze mushrooms so you can enjoy them any time you want. Plus, can you wash mushrooms? Find out!
Mushrooms are mostly water and if you freeze them raw, they tend to become mushy. This consistency works okay in soups, casseroles, and stews, but it’s not the best result you can achieve. If you prepare the mushrooms first, either using traditional steam blanching or sautรฉing, you’ll be able to use those mushrooms in more ways in the kitchen.
No matter which method you choose, you’ll need to clean mushrooms first. Make a mixture of 1:4 white vinegar to water, added the mushrooms and rinse them around for a few minutes.
Trim stem ends. To freeze raw mushrooms, individually quick freeze them first on a parchment-lined tray. Once mushrooms are frozen, place them into freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.
Another option is to sautรฉ mushrooms before freezing. Sautรฉ mushrooms in a small amount of hot oil or butter. Feel free to add salt, pepper, onions, or other favorite seasonings. Sautรฉ mushrooms about 5-10 minutesโuntil they’re almost fully cooked. Feel free to add more oil or butter if needed to make sure the mushrooms do not stick to the pan.
Allow the mushrooms to cool completely. Then spread them out on a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper and flash-freeze them. Make sure the mushrooms are not touching, otherwise they will stick together. Once they’re completely frozen, use a spatula to lift the mushrooms from the cookie sheet. Then pack the mushrooms in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a half-inch of headspace for expansion, and return them to the freezer.
Frozen mushrooms should be used within a year, though sooner is better.
