Quick Answers
Canned mushrooms can be prepared in many delicious ways. Here are some quick answers to common questions about cooking canned mushrooms:
- Sauteeing or frying canned mushrooms in a pan with olive oil or butter is a quick and easy cooking method.
- Canned mushrooms can be added directly to soups, casseroles, pasta dishes, and more without pre-cooking.
- Roasting canned mushrooms in the oven helps bring out their rich, earthy flavors.
- Grilling canned mushrooms over high heat caramelizes their natural sugars.
- Canned mushrooms need only 5-10 minutes of cooking time since they are pre-cooked.
With simple preparation methods like sauteeing, roasting, grilling and adding them to recipes, canned mushrooms can be elevated into delicious dishes.
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient loaded with umami flavor. When fresh mushrooms are not readily available, canned mushrooms can make a quick and convenient substitution in recipes. Canned mushrooms have already been cleaned, sliced and pre-cooked, making them easy to incorporate into weeknight meals or use for cooking. But to bring out the best texture and flavor of canned mushrooms, proper cooking techniques are important.
This article will provide tips and techniques for preparing canned mushrooms to enhance their taste and texture in your cooking. We will cover:
- Common ways to cook canned mushrooms and their benefits
- Helpful guidelines for sauteeing, roasting, grilling canned mushrooms
- How to use canned mushrooms in soups, pasta, casseroles and more
- Serving suggestions and recipe ideas
Follow these best practices for cooking canned mushrooms, and you’ll enjoy their satisfying umami flavor in simple sides, delicious mains and flavorful soups and sauces.
Common Cooking Methods for Canned Mushrooms
Canned button, portobello or shiitake mushrooms can be substituted in place of fresh mushrooms in most recipes. They tend to be softer in texture, since the canning process partly cooks them. Canned mushrooms also contain a bit more moisture. With the right cooking technique, you can achieve great flavor and texture from canned mushrooms. Here are some of the most common and effective ways to cook them:
Sauteeing or Pan Frying
Sauteeing canned mushrooms in a skillet on the stovetop is one of the quickest and tastiest ways to prepare them. The high heat helps drive off some excess moisture and concentrates their flavor. Sauteeing also caramelizes the mushrooms for rich umami depth. They can be sauteed in butter or olive oil, with garlic, herbs and seasonings. Sauteed canned mushrooms make a fast weeknight side or topping for chicken, steak and more.
Roasting
Roasting canned mushrooms in the oven concentrates their earthy flavors and gives them a meatier, chewier texture. Toss or arrange them on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season and roast at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. Their flavor becomes more pronounced and any excess moisture is evaporated in the dry heat of the oven. Roasted canned mushrooms are great over pasta, pizza, salads and more.
Grilling
The high heat of the grill caramelizes the natural sugars in mushrooms, giving them a rich umami taste. Thread canned mushrooms onto skewers, brush with oil and seasonings, then grill for just 2-3 minutes per side. The grill marks and char flavor makes them an ideal topping for steaks or chicken. Grilled mushrooms can also be chopped up for pasta sauce or used in risottos.
Adding to Soups, Stews and Sauces
The pre-cooked canned mushrooms need no preparation before adding them straight to soups, stews, pasta sauces and more. Their softened texture and moisture makes them well suited for mixing into creamy or brothy dishes. Simply drain and rinse the mushrooms then add them to the pot for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking time to heat them through and infuse their umami flavor.
Baking in Casseroles
Since canned mushrooms hold their shape well when baked, they work beautifully in comforting casseroles and bakes. Mix them into stuffing, layer them into lasagnas, or top casseroles with them. The surrounding ingredients will season and complement the mushrooms’ flavor. Just add them to the baking dish or casserole without pre-cooking.
| Cooking Method | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Sauteeing or Pan Frying | Quick cooking, concentrates umami flavor, caramelizes mushrooms |
| Roasting | Intensifies earthy flavor, evaporates moisture, chewy texture |
| Grilling | Adds smoky char flavor, caramelizes natural sugars |
| Adding to Soups, Stews and Sauces | Soft texture good for mixing into creamy or brothy dishes |
| Baking in Casseroles | Holds shape well, takes on flavors of other ingredients |
Tips for Sauteeing Canned Mushrooms
Sauteeing canned mushrooms is one of the quickest and tastiest ways to prepare them. Here are some tips and guidelines for sauteeing canned mushrooms:
- Pat the drained mushrooms dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before adding to the pan.
- Use olive oil or butter for sauteeing. Mushrooms have a high water content so oil helps them brown better than butter.
- Use medium-high heat to get mushrooms nicely browned and build flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan, sauté in a single layer so mushrooms brown evenly.
- Season mushrooms while sauteeing. Good flavors include garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper.
- Saute for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned. Canned mushrooms have a shorter cook time.
- To make mushroom sauce, you can deglaze the pan with wine or broth after sautéing.
With these simple tips, canned mushrooms become richly flavorful and achieve the perfect texture when sautéed. They make easy and tasty additions to pastas, rice bowls, omelets, sandwiches and more.
How to Roast Canned Mushrooms
Roasting canned mushrooms deepens their savory umami flavor and gives them a hearty, chewy texture. Follow these tips for roasting success:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Drain and pat dry the mushrooms before roasting.
- Toss mushrooms in olive oil, salt, pepper and other dried herbs or spices.
- Arrange mushrooms in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Mushrooms are done when lightly browned and shrunken in size.
- Pull mushrooms from oven once before desired doneness to avoid overcooking.
Roasting concentrates the flavor of canned mushrooms and gives them a slightly chewy, meaty texture. Enjoy roasted canned mushrooms as a side dish, in pasta, over pizza, mixed into risottos or grain bowls.
Grilling Tips for Canned Mushrooms
The intense dry heat of the grill caramelizes and intensifies the savory taste of mushrooms. Follow these tips for grilling canned mushrooms:
- Pat mushrooms very dry before grilling to prevent steaming.
- Toss in olive oil, salt, pepper and spices like cumin or chili powder to add flavor.
- Thread mushrooms onto skewers for easy turning on the grill.
- Grill over direct high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Watch closely to prevent burning. Mushrooms can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- Remove mushrooms once grill marks appear and before mushrooms look shrivelled.
- Brush with glazes or dressings in the last minute of grilling if desired.
The charred grill flavor pairs especially well with steaks, chicken, seafood and summertime meals. Grilled canned mushrooms also work nicely chopped up in pastas, pizzas, salads and more.
Incorporating Canned Mushrooms into Recipes
Canned mushrooms are simple to mix into a wide variety of recipes, thanks to their pre-cooked, ready-to-use state. Here are some easy ways to use them:
Soups and Stews
Add canned mushrooms directly to simmering soups and stews in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. Their softened texture works well in brothy dishes. Use them in vegetable soup, beef stew, chicken noodle soup, miso soup and more.
Pasta Dishes
Mix sliced canned mushrooms into pasta sauces to add meaty texture and savory flavor. They pair well with creamy mushroom or tomato-based sauces. Top baked pastas like lasagna or ziti with them too.
Casseroles and Bakes
Layer canned mushrooms into casseroles like lasagna or mix into stuffing to add flavor. Top egg bakes, enchiladas, mac and cheese or pot pies with them before baking for an easy addition.
Grains and Veggie Sides
Add bite-sized canned mushrooms to roasted veggies, sautéed greens, risottos and grains like farro or quinoa. They provide extra texture and umami flavor to plant-based sides.
Sandwiches and Pizzas
Pile sautéed canned mushrooms onto pizza, bruschetta and sandwiches for a quick flavor boost. They are especially tasty in meatball subs, burgers and omelets.
Salads
Toss canned mushrooms into hearty grain and green salads. They work with pasta salad, farro salad, spinach salad and more. The pre-cooked mushrooms absorb the dressing and add hearty bite.
Serving Ideas and Recipe Inspiration
Here are some easy and creative ways to use up a can of mushrooms in delicious meals:
- Pizza Topping: Dress up a store-bought pizza with sliced canned mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach and cheese.
- Omelets or Frittatas: Sautee mushrooms with onions, peppers and spinach. Add egg mixture and bake for a veggie omelet.
- Quesadillas: Sauté mushrooms with onions and garlic. Add to a tortilla with cheese and cilantro for quick mushroom quesadillas.
- Buddha Bowl: Serve roasted mushrooms over rice with sautéed veggies, fried egg and sesame seeds for a nourishing bowl.
- Pasta Salad: Toss canned mushrooms with basil pesto, mixed vegetables and cooked pasta for a hearty salad.
- Soups: Simmer canned mushrooms in vegetable or miso soup broths with tofu, veggies and noodles.
- Risotto: Sauté chopped canned mushrooms and mix into creamy risotto with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
- Sandwiches: Pile grilled portobello caps with sautéed mushrooms, mozzarella and basil on focaccia for a hot sandwich.
- Tacos: Fill tortillas with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, corn, avocado and lime crema for easy vegetarian tacos.
- Salad Topper: Toss whole roasted mushrooms over mixed greens, beets, chickpeas and balsamic dressing for added flavor and crunch.
With a few minutes of cooking, canned mushrooms truly shine and make weekday meals more satisfying. Explore sauteeing, roasting and grilling canned mushrooms to enhance their rich, earthy flavor even further.
Conclusion
Canned mushrooms offer convenience, but cooking them properly maximizes their texture and deep umami taste. Sauteeing concentrates their flavor and caramelizes them beautifully. Roasting canned mushrooms intensifies their earthiness and chewy bite. Grilling adds smoky char flavor and texture. Simply adding canned mushrooms to soups, pastas and bakes allows their cozy, savory qualities to come through.
Follow the tips in this article to cook canned mushrooms to their full potential. Pay attention to reducing excess moisture, amplifying umami richness and boosting texture through quick sauteeing, roasting or grilling. Incorporate sautéed or roasted canned mushrooms into grain bowls, sandwiches, pizzas and salads. Or simply mix them into simmering pastas, stews and casseroles for extra savoriness. With the proper techniques, canned mushrooms can be elevated into deeply satisfying meals, any night of the week.