Secrets of elevating everyday mushrooms with umami magic
Mushrooms have a universal appeal, although they possess a mild flavour. Some people believe they lag far behind wild mushrooms, which are rich in aroma. However, fried mushrooms can also become a real treat for the palate if prepared correctly. All you need is one unique addition to give them distinctness and vigour. They will taste as if they came straight from the forest.
To intensify the flavour of mushrooms, it's crucial to preheat the pan to a relatively high temperature. If the pan is not properly heated, the mushrooms will begin to steam instead of fry. Fresh and firm mushrooms contain plenty of water. Therefore, it's important not to place too many mushrooms in the pan at once, as they may release water. A small addition of real butter is a good idea, which will help them quickly turn golden. However, there is another ingredient that will enhance their aroma even further.
How to enhance the flavour of fried mushrooms?
In addition to classic spices like freshly ground pepper or fresh thyme, adding one or two tablespoons of light soy sauce to the mushrooms is worthwhile. You can mix it with chilli pepper and garlic to create an aromatic composition that will heighten the flavour of the mushrooms. Such mushrooms with soy sauce are perfect as an addition to many dishes. You can serve them with meat, fish, pasta, or rice.
Frying and seasoning mushrooms
An important aspect of frying mushrooms is refraining from adding salt. This spice significantly accelerates the extraction of juices, and the mushrooms will quickly lose their firmness. Leave the salt for the very end of frying. And if you decide to add soy sauce, you can omit it altogether.
To enhance the umami flavour, add fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the mushrooms. Finally, sprinkle them with parsley or fresh coriander, preferably from a home-grown windowsill garden.
