When it comes to versatile plant foods, you can’t go wrong with mushrooms. Not only are mushrooms packed with myriad nutrients, but they boast a meaty texture, too, which makes them great for recipes like vegan bacon, tacos, and stews.
But what if you have more mushrooms than you know what to do with? The answer is to freeze them! Keep reading to find out how.
Table of Contents
Step By Step Freezing Process
Fresh mushrooms soak up moisture, so freezing them will increase their water content even further. This can make the mushrooms exceptionally mushy once thawed.
Therefore, for optimal flavor and texture, it’s recommended to cook mushrooms before freezing them. There are two main ways to do this:
Sautéing Method
To maintain the mushrooms’ firm texture and earthy flavor, sauté them before freezing. This cooking method will help reduce the water content of the mushrooms.
Here’s how to sauté mushrooms for freezing:
1. Cut the mushrooms into slices. You can also cut them into quarters or small cubes.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the mushrooms in a single layer and sauté until brown, about 3 minutes. Work in batches, adding more oil if needed.
3. Line a plate or cookie sheet with a paper towel. Add the cooked mushrooms.
4. Let the mushrooms cool, then transfer them to freezer bags. Remove the excess air and seal the bags properly to prevent freezer burn. Write the date on the bags.
5. Place the mushrooms in the freezer until frozen.
Steam Blanching Method
Another option is to steam blanch mushrooms before freezing. Blanching is traditionally used to preserve the flavor and nutritional content of vegetables before freezing them.
Here’s what the blanching process involves:
1. Cut the mushrooms into slices, quarters, or small cubes. You can also leave them whole.
2. Fill a bowl with 2 cups cold water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Soak the mushrooms for 5 minutes. You can add a small dish on top to keep the mushrooms underwater.
3. Using a steamer basket, steam sliced mushrooms for 3 to 5 minutes and whole mushrooms for 5 minutes. Dunk the mushrooms in a cold water bath for 3 to 5 minutes, then drain.
4. Pat the mushrooms dry with a clean towel. Place in a freezer-safe bag, remove the excess air, then date and seal.
5. Place the mushrooms in the freezer until frozen.
Expert Tip: Prepare Your Mushrooms First
To get the best results from your frozen mushrooms, I highly recommend following these steps first. Mushrooms that are prepared the right way for freezing will taste better and be easier to use once they’re thawed.
Make Sure Your Mushrooms Are Fresh
Before you start prepping them to freeze, you want to make sure your mushrooms haven’t gone bad. When fresh mushrooms have gone bad, they will be slimy and mushy. They will also darken in color. Only use mushrooms when they are firm and free of blemishes.
Don’t Wait Too Long to Freeze Them
In the refrigerator, whole fresh mushrooms last for 7 to 10 days in an air-tight container. Sliced mushrooms will last for about 4 to 7 days in the refrigerator in an air-tight container. Be sure to freeze mushrooms within this time frame, while they’re still fresh.
Clean the Mushrooms
It’s best to avoid washing mushrooms in water. Yes, really! Raw mushrooms are like sponges, so they’ll absorb moisture and become mushy — even after they’re cooked. Instead, use a paper towel or mushroom cleaning brush to remove any dirt and debris.
FAQ
Can You Freeze Raw Mushrooms?
Although you can freeze uncooked mushrooms, it’s usually not recommended. Raw mushrooms become very mushy when frozen then cooked, which is why freezing cooked mushrooms is ideal. However, if you absolutely must freeze mushrooms raw, simply slice them up and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can You Freeze Mushrooms Without Plastic Bags?
Definitely. Plastic bags are not necessary to freeze mushrooms, or any vegetable, for that matter. Feel free to use your favorite reusable bag or container, as long as it’s freezer-safe and airtight. This is key for preventing freezer burn. We’re big fans of Stasher bags and Souper Cubes, a silicone freezer-safe container.
How Do You Flash Freeze Mushrooms?
Some people prefer to flash freeze mushrooms before adding them to bags or containers. To do this, spread the mushrooms on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Place in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the mushrooms are completely frozen. Use a spatula to transfer the frozen mushrooms into freezer bags, then seal and date. This is very similar to our process for freezing blackberries.
How Long Can You Keep Mushrooms In the Freezer?
In general, mushrooms last in the freezer for 10 to 12 months. Try to use them as soon as possible for best results.
How Do You Thaw Frozen Mushrooms?
The process of thawing frozen mushrooms depends on the type of dish you’re making. You can add frozen mushrooms directly to recipes that will be completely heated through, like casseroles or soups. Avoid adding them to dishes that involve brief cooking or reheating, as it might not be long enough to fully defrost the mushrooms. You can also simply thaw the mushrooms first by placing them in the refrigerator until they’re fully defrosted.
How to Use Frozen Mushrooms
Depending on the recipe, you can use frozen mushrooms straight from the freezer or thaw them first. The best option depends on how much time you have and how you are using them.
Not sure how to use mushrooms in recipes? Here are some of our favorite recipes featuring mushrooms (or ingredients that work well with mushrooms):
- Vegan Pumpkin Chili — For a meaty texture, add mushrooms to this chili before simmering.
- Vegan Risotto with Asparagus & Mushrooms — This creamy dish is perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup — Add thawed sautéed mushrooms to this seasonal soup.
- Cheesy Broccoli Soup — If you’re craving a cheesy dish, make this dairy-free soup.
- Vegan Sweet Potato Enchiladas — Once thawed, add diced mushrooms to the filling of this enchilada recipe.
- Vegan Vodka Sauce — Craving a chunky sauce? Before simmering this sauce, add frozen mushrooms.
The Last Word on Freezing Mushrooms
Freezing mushrooms is a great way to keep your extra fungi from going to waste. But to get the best results, you need to prepare your mushrooms the right way and cook them to lower the moisture content.
Following one of our two methods above will help ensure your mushrooms retain their pleasing texture and yummy flavor once thawed.
Have you ever frozen mushrooms before? What is your favorite way to use them once they’re thawed? Let us know in the comments below.
How to Freeze Mushrooms
Instructions
Sautéing Method
- Cut the mushrooms into slices. You can also cut them into quarters or small cubes.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the mushrooms in a single layer and sauté until brown, about 3 minutes. Work in batches, adding more oil if needed.
- Line a plate or cookie sheet with a paper towel. Add the cooked mushrooms.
- Let the mushrooms cool, then transfer them to freezer bags. Remove the excess air and seal the bags properly to prevent freezer burn. Write the date on the bags.
- Place the mushrooms in the freezer until frozen.
Steam Blanching Method
- Cut the mushrooms into slices, quarters, or small cubes. You can also leave them whole.
- Fill a bowl with 2 cups cold water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Soak the mushrooms for 5 minutes. You can add a small dish on top to keep the mushrooms underwater.
- Using a steamer basket, steam sliced mushrooms for 3 to 5 minutes and whole mushrooms for 5 minutes. Dunk the mushrooms in a cold water bath for 3 to 5 minutes, then drain.
- Pat the mushrooms dry with a clean towel. Place in a freezer-safe bag, remove the excess air, then date and seal.
- Place the mushrooms in the freezer until frozen.
Notes
- Mushrooms last in the freezer for 10 to 12 months.
- You can add frozen mushrooms directly to recipes that will be completely heated through, like casseroles or soups.
- Avoid adding them to dishes that involve brief cooking or reheating, as it might not be long enough to fully defrost the mushrooms.
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