How to Soften Mushrooms

Cook mushrooms on the stove top to soften them.

Softening mushrooms without losing flavor requires sautéing them with a liquid sauce. Mushrooms absorb the liquid ingredients and soften throughout the cooking process. Soft mushrooms top dishes such as steaks, chicken Marsala and pasta primavera, providing a tender consistency. Add softened mushrooms to soups, stews, sauces, gravies and stuffing mixtures to thicken the texture and to add a savory taste.

Things You'll Need

• Mushroom Brush
• Paper towels
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Butter
• Saute pan
• Wine or stock
• Salt
• Pepper
• Bowl
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Clean the mushrooms with a mushroom brush or damp paper towel. Remove any dirt and place the mushrooms on a paper towel to dry.

2. Put the mushrooms on a cutting board. Cut the mushrooms with a knife into 1-inch thick slices.

3. Add 1 tbsp. of butter to a sauté pan. Heat the butter on a stove top burner set to medium heat.

4. Add the mushrooms in the sauté pan. Toss the mushrooms in the melted butter for five minutes until they reach a golden brown color.

5. Add stock or Marsala wine to infuse the mushrooms with more flavor and moisture. Add salt, pepper and desired herbs to taste. Simmer the mushrooms and mixture for five minutes.

6. Place the mushrooms in a bowl and pour the broth or wine sauce over them to further soften while they cool. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap to lock in the moisture until serving your meal.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not clean the mushrooms by soaking them. Mushrooms absorb water and become water-logged. When you cook them the water will release from the mushrooms and decrease the flavor.

References

• Food Network: Paula Dean's Steak and Mushroom Topping
• Epicurious: Anthony Bourdain's Mushroom Soup