Is It Better to Freeze Mushrooms Raw or Cooked? The Complete Guide
Mushrooms are delicious but a bit "fragile" - they tend to become soft, release water, and even spoil if stored for too long. Many people wonder: Can mushrooms be frozen at all? Is it better to freeze them raw or cooked?
Can mushrooms be frozen?
Absolutely!
Fresh mushrooms can only last 3 - 5 days in the refrigerator, but freezing can extend their shelf life by 3 - 6 months!
However, mushrooms have a high water content. Freezing them directly will cause the cell walls to rupture, resulting in a mushy texture after thawing. The key is to master the right method.
Key points:
✅Mushrooms must be "dehydrated" (blanched or stir-fried) before freezing.
✅Variety selection: Thicker-fleshed varieties such as oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and white mushrooms are more suitable for freezing. Delicate varieties like enoki mushrooms require a shorter freezing time.
Is it better to freeze raw or cooked mushrooms?
Conclusion from personal testing: Cooked mushrooms are the clear winner!
To find the answer, I conducted 3 sets of comparative experiments:
Experiment 1: Freezing raw mushrooms
Directly slice fresh mushrooms and freeze them. Then, stir-fry them after thawing... Result: They became as mushy as mud. After stir-frying, it was like a pot of "mush," and the taste was a disaster!
Experiment 2: Freezing after blanching
Blanch the mushrooms for 1 minute, then freeze them and use them for soup. The texture retained its chewiness, and the umami of the soup doubled!
Experiment 3: Freezing after stir-frying
Fry the mushrooms in butter until golden brown and then freeze them. Use them directly for fried rice or pizza. They have a strong aroma and you can't even tell they were frozen!
Summary:
Freezing raw mushrooms: Unless you're making fried dishes (such as tempura), don't try it easily!
Freezing cooked mushrooms: Safe, worry-free, and with a stronger flavor. Even novice cooks can do it without hesitation!
What is the best way to freeze fresh mushrooms?
Step 1: Clean the mushrooms (Don't soak them!)
Gently wipe off the dirt with a damp cloth or a soft brush. Rinse the crevices under running water and avoid soaking!
Step 2: Blanching
Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar (to prevent browning) after the water boils. Blanch the mushrooms for 1 minute, then remove them and rinse with ice water. Blot dry the moisture with kitchen paper!
Step 3: Pack and freeze
Spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour (to prevent clumping), then transfer to a sealed bag, label with the date, and store in the freezer.
How long can you freeze cooked mushrooms?
The shelf life of frozen cooked mushrooms is about 3 - 6 months.
Key points:
✅Use sealed bags or storage containers to avoid oxidation and freezer burn.
✅If vacuum-sealed during freezing, the shelf life can be extended by 1 - 2 months.
✅Label the freezing date and use the ingredients stored earlier first.
✅If there are signs of spoilage such as discoloration, strange odors, or the appearance of slime, discard them immediately.
Note: The shelf life of mushrooms with added oil (such as stir-fried mushrooms) is shortened to 3 months due to accelerated oxidation.
How to defrost frozen mushrooms?
Don't defrost at room temperature!
Defrosting frozen mushrooms will cause water loss and make the texture softer! My secret is to use them directly without defrosting!
The correct way:
For making soup or cooking noodles: Just throw them into the pot and simmer over low heat! The mushrooms will slowly absorb the soup, making the umami stronger!
For stir-frying: Take them out of the freezer and directly put them into the pan to stir-fry (the high temperature will evaporate the water). The texture is no different from that of fresh mushrooms!
For pizza or pasta: No need to defrost. Just spread them on and bake! Frozen mushrooms have their own "concentrated umami," and they will smell delicious after baking!
How long do mushrooms last in the fridge?
Untreated mushrooms: They can be stored in the refrigerator for about 5 - 7 days. It is recommended to wrap them in a paper bag (not a plastic bag) to absorb moisture and prevent mildew.
Cut mushrooms: Try to use them up within 2 - 3 days, as the cut surface is prone to oxidation and discoloration.
Tips:
Don't store mushrooms with apples or bananas together (ethylene will accelerate spoilage!)
Notice that the surface of the mushrooms is sticky? Throw them away immediately! (Warning of excessive bacteria!)
If you can't use them up within a week, it is better to choose freezing for storage to avoid waste.
Does the texture of frozen mushrooms change?
Real experience report:
Frozen after blanching: The texture is slightly soft, but when used in soup, they absorb the soup fully and the umami doubles! Suitable for making soup bases and pasta sauces!
Frozen after stir-frying: About 80% of the chewiness is retained. It's completely okay to use them directly as a side dish! They can be used in fried rice, pizza, and sandwiches!
Frozen raw mushrooms: They become as mushy as mud. Don't try it! (Don't ask me how I know. I've cried...)
Small tips to improve the texture:
Stir-fry frozen mushrooms with cream or butter: It will give a full sense of smoothness!
Mix fresh mushrooms and frozen mushrooms: It balances the texture and saves time and effort!
