This guide is going to show you everything you need to know about how to freeze mushrooms. If you follow these easy-to-follow directions and prep tips, you'll be freezing mushrooms like a professional chef in no time.
Let's learn how it's done...
Can You Freeze Mushrooms?
Quick Answer: Yes, you can freeze mushrooms. There are actually several different ways to do it, but we're going to show you one that we think is super easy. Best of all, it will preserve the flavor and texture of the mushrooms beautifully.
See also: What Do Oyster Mushrooms Taste Like?
Directions for Freezing Mushrooms
Step 1 - Clean and Slice the Mushrooms
The very first step is to clean the mushrooms. Just rinse them under running water and gently remove any remaining dirt. When they're clean, pat them dry with a paper towel.
Then slice the mushrooms any way you would if you were going to use them right away.
Step 2 - Heat a Frying Pan with Oil
Now we're going to get ready to saute the mushrooms. Cooking them first is the secret to making sure that they hold up in the freezer over time.
Take a frying pan that's big enough to fit all the mushrooms you've sliced (if you don't have a large one, just work in batches with the pan you've got).
Add a tablespoon or two of oil and set it to medium-high heat on the stove. If you want to saute with garlic and herbs, you can get these items prepped now.
Step 3 - Saute the Mushrooms
When the oil has reached temperature, put the mushrooms (and any other ingredients) in the pan. Saute until most of the moisture from the mushrooms has been exuded and evaporated.
This should only take about five minutes, less if the mushrooms are cut into smaller pieces. You want them to be cooked through, but not cooked until super soft.
Step 4 - Cool and Flash Freeze the Mushrooms
When the mushrooms are done cooking, transfer them to a plate to cool off. While you're waiting for them to cool, line a tray that will fit in the freezer with parchment or wax paper.
Spread the cooled mushrooms out on the tray so that they're not piled up on top of each other. Then just put the whole thing in the freezer for an hour or two.
Step 5 - Package the Mushrooms and Freeze Them
The mushrooms should now be frozen. Time to pack them up in freezer-safe containers or in Ziploc freezer bags.
While you don't want there to be a lot of air in the containers, you want just a tiny bit to allow the mushrooms space to expand (this does tend to happen).
Pack a freezer tub almost all the way to the top, saving a half-inch or so of space. Then you're ready to freeze it!
For tons of fabulous mushroom recipes, check out this article organized into soups, entrees and gravies.
Bonus Tips
Another way to precook mushrooms for the freezer is to steam them. You can do this with whole or sliced mushrooms if you have a steam basket, as you'll see in this video.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
