Portobello mushrooms are one of my favourite types of mushrooms I use in my cooking. Because I use the a lot I sometimes find myself buying a little too much than what I need. This is why I’ve been looking into how to freeze portobello mushrooms, so that I don’t have any wastage.
Whether you have a surplus of mushrooms from the garden or want to stock up on them while they’re in season, freezing can help you enjoy them for months to come. I found that freezing mushrooms can be tricky, and if not done properly, it can cause changes in texture and flavor.
In this blog post, I wanted to share with you my guide with step by step instructions to freeze portobello mushrooms, from preparation to storage, and provide tips on how to use them in your favorite recipes.
Can you freeze portobello mushroom? The quick answer
Yes, you can freeze portobello mushrooms. Portobello mushrooms can be frozen raw or cooked, whole or chopped. However, they need to be prepped properly to minimize texture or flavor changes. Prepping involves cleaning the mushrooms to remove deep-seated dirt, and blanching or cooking them before freezing is also an option.
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Does portobello mushroom freeze well?
Yes, portobello mushrooms freeze well. However, it is important to prep them properly before freezing to minimize texture or flavor changes. Prepping the mushrooms for freezing involves cleaning them to remove deep-seated dirt, slicing them if desired, and flash freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Once the mushrooms are frozen, they can be transferred to airtight containers or heavy-duty resealable plastic bags and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When using frozen mushrooms, it is important to remember that they will release more liquid than fresh mushrooms, so adjust the cooking time and liquid levels accordingly.
To freeze portobello mushrooms, you can use one of the following methods:
- Raw: Clean the mushrooms to remove dirt, slice them if desired, and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for an hour or two, then transfer the mushrooms to a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, label the bag with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Cooked: Clean the mushrooms, slice them, and sauté them in butter or oil until they are tender. Let them cool, then pack them in airtight containers or heavy-duty resealable plastic bags, label the container or bag with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Blanching: Clean the mushrooms, slice them, and blanch them in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and let them cool, then pack them in airtight containers or heavy-duty resealable plastic bags, label the container or bag with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can you freeze portobello mushrooms without blanching or cooking them first?
Yes, you can freeze portobello mushrooms without blanching or cooking them first. However, it is important to note that freezing raw mushrooms can cause them to become softer and more watery when they are thawed, which can affect their texture and flavor. To freeze raw portobello mushrooms, clean them to remove dirt, slice them if desired, and flash freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once the mushrooms are frozen, they can be transferred to airtight containers or heavy-duty resealable plastic bags and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When using frozen mushrooms, it is recommended to use them in cooked dishes rather than raw dishes, as they may have a softer texture after freezing.
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How to flash freeze portobello mushrooms before freezing them
To flash freeze portobello mushrooms, clean the mushrooms to remove dirt, slice them if desired, and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure that the pieces do not overlap. Then, put the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for at least two hours or until the mushrooms are frozen solid. Once the mushrooms are frozen, transfer them to a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, label the bag with the date, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to steam portobello mushrooms before freezing them
To steam portobello mushrooms before freezing them, follow these steps:
- Clean the mushrooms to remove dirt and slice them into desired sizes.
- Prepare a solution of one teaspoon lemon juice or 1 1/2 teaspoons of citric acid to one pint of water.
- Soak the mushrooms in the solution for five minutes to minimize the darkening effect of steaming.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and place a steam basket on top of the pot.
- Place the mushrooms in the steam basket and steam them for approximately three to five minutes, depending on their size.
- Remove the mushrooms from the steam basket and plunge them into a bowl of iced water for the same amount of time spent on steaming.
- Drain the water completely and put the steamed mushrooms into freezer-safe or airtight bags.
- Label the bag with the date and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to saute portobello mushrooms before freezing them
To sauté portobello mushrooms before freezing them, follow these steps:
- Clean the mushrooms to remove dirt and slice them into desired sizes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter or oil.
- Once the butter or oil is hot, add the mushrooms to the skillet and sauté them for 5-7 minutes or until they are tender and browned.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the mushrooms cool completely.
- Pack the cooled mushrooms in an airtight container or heavy-duty resealable plastic bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can you freeze stuffed mushrooms?
Yes, you can freeze stuffed mushrooms. Stuffed mushrooms can be frozen after they are stuffed and baked or before they are baked. However, it is important to freeze them carefully to avoid any texture or flavor changes. It is recommended to freeze the mushrooms as soon as possible after stuffing them and to use airtight containers or freezer bags for storage.
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What cointainers are best for freezing portobello mushrooms?
The best containers for freezing portobello mushrooms are airtight containers or heavy-duty resealable plastic bags. These containers help to prevent freezer burn and keep the mushrooms fresh for longer. When using plastic bags, it is important to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Glass containers can also be used, but they are more prone to breakage and may not be as space-efficient in the freezer.
How long can you freeze portobello mushrooms for?
Portobello mushrooms can be frozen for up to 3-6 months. It is recommended to label the container or bag with the date of freezing to keep track of the storage time.
Can you re-freeze portobello mushrooms?
It is not recommended to re-freeze portobello mushrooms once they have been thawed. Freezing and thawing can cause changes in the texture and flavor of the mushrooms, and refreezing can further degrade their quality. It is best to use the mushrooms immediately after thawing, or to freeze them in portions that can be used at once to avoid the need for refreezing.
Does texture of portobello mushrooms changes when you freeze them?
Yes, the texture of portobello mushrooms can change when they are frozen. Freezing can cause the mushrooms to become softer and more watery when they are thawed, which can affect their texture and flavor. However, proper preparation and packaging can help to minimize these changes and preserve the quality of the mushrooms. For example, blanching or sautéing the mushrooms before freezing can help to preserve their texture, and using airtight containers or heavy-duty resealable plastic bags can help to prevent freezer burn and keep the mushrooms fresh.
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How to defrost portobello mushrooms?
There are three common methods to defrost portobello mushrooms:
- Refrigerator: Place the frozen mushrooms in a bowl or on a plate and put them in the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This method is the slowest but it helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the mushrooms.
- Cold water: Put the frozen mushrooms in a resealable plastic bag and submerge the bag in cold water. Change the water every 15-20 minutes until the mushrooms are thawed. This method is faster than the refrigerator method but it can cause the mushrooms to become waterlogged.
- Microwave: Place the frozen mushrooms in a microwave-safe dish and defrost them using the defrost setting or at 50% power for 1-2 minutes at a time until they are thawed. This method is the fastest but it can cause the mushrooms to become rubbery or overcooked if not monitored carefully.
After defrosting, it is recommended to use the mushrooms immediately or cook them as soon as possible.
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What to use frozen portobello mushrooms for?
Frozen portobello mushrooms can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, casseroles, and pasta dishes. They can also be used as a pizza topping, in stir-fries, or as a meat substitute in vegetarian or vegan dishes. Here are a few recipe ideas:
- Portobello Mushroom Stroganoff
- Creamy Mushroom Soup
- Portobello Mushroom Pizza
- Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna
- Mushroom Risotto
- Portobello Mushroom and Black Bean Enchiladas
- Mushroom and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
- Mushroom and Wild Rice Pilaf
- Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tart
- Mushroom and Spinach Quiche
I also find that when I’m using frozen mushrooms, they seem to release more liquid than fresh mushrooms, so I always need to slightly increase the cooking time and sometimes don’t need as much stock or other liquid that’s in the recipe.
RECIPE IDEAS
This blog post was originally written on 24 July 2023 and last updated on 24 July 2023
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