The secret to perfectly crisp mushrooms every time

Mushrooms are one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen – they complement sauces, soups, savoury pastries, and many other dishes. However, frying mushrooms often ends in disappointment when, instead of crispy and golden pieces, we find soggy mushrooms in a pool of water in the pan. Why does this happen, and how can we fix it? Here is a simple trick that will change your approach to frying mushrooms forever.

Mushrooms are more than 90% water. During thermal processing, especially when a few basic mistakes are made, this water is released, causing the mushrooms to simmer in their own juice instead of frying. The most common causes of this problem are:

• premature salting: Salt causes mushroom cells to break down faster, releasing water.
• insufficient drying: Wet mushrooms steam during frying, which leads to the formation of steam and the mushrooms simmering.
• too low pan temperature: If the pan is not sufficiently heated, the mushrooms will not fry but simmer.
• too many mushrooms in the pan: An overloaded pan causes the mushrooms to release more water, which does not have a chance to evaporate.

To enjoy perfectly fried mushrooms, it's worth using a few simple tricks:

1. Thorough drying: After washing the mushrooms, dry them thoroughly with a paper towel. Every drop of water on the surface of the mushrooms will contribute to their simmering.
2. Preheated pan: Heat the pan well before adding the mushrooms. It's best to use a combination of butter and oil to achieve both crispiness and aroma.
3. Small batches: Fry the mushrooms in small batches to ensure they brown evenly.
4. Late salting: Season the mushrooms with salt only at the end of frying to prevent them from releasing excess water.
5. Proper temperature: Fry the mushrooms over a moderate heat to allow them to brown evenly. Too high a temperature can cause them to burn.

Frying mushrooms is an art worth mastering to fully utilise their culinary potential. By following these simple rules and one trick, you will avoid a watery texture and achieve crispy, aromatic mushrooms. Remember to dry the mushrooms thoroughly, fry them in well-heated fats, and avoid salting at the beginning.

Now that you know the secret to perfect mushrooms, you can enjoy their taste in your favourite dishes. Try this method, and frying mushrooms will no longer be a challenge!