Introducing how to freeze mushrooms and recipes [Explanation with photos! ]

Did you know that mushrooms are perfect for freezing?

Mushrooms can usually only be stored for about 3 to 4 days.

However, by freezing it, it can be preserved for many times longer than that period.

Not only that, but once frozen, the cells of the mushrooms are broken down, allowing even more flavor and rich aroma to be extracted.

So, this time, I will tell you how to freeze mushrooms and the story related to it.

How to freeze mushrooms

There are two ways to store mushrooms. You can either freeze it as is or stir-fry it and then freeze it.

If you want to freeze it as is, there is one thing to be careful about. That is, don't wash it with water.

Mushrooms are made up of hyphae, and washing them with water can cause water to get in between the hyphae, damaging the flavor and texture.

Therefore, if there is any dirt on it, instead of washing it with water, wipe it gently with a paper towel.

When freezing as is

1. Cut off the stones and remove mud and dirt with a paper towel.

If there are any stones, carefully cut them off to prevent the mud from scattering.

Even if there are no stones, cut the cut end thinly.

2. Cover a metal tray with plastic wrap, arrange the mushrooms on top, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze. Once completely frozen, transfer to freezer bags.

When frying and freezing

1. Cut off the stones and remove mud and dirt with a paper towel.

If there are any stones, carefully cut them off to prevent the mud from scattering.

Even if there are no stones, cut the cut end thinly.

2. Slice into sizes that are easy to use for cooking.

3. Fry slowly in salad oil until the whole thing turns golden brown.

4. Sprinkle lightly with salt, wait for it to cool, then place on a metal tray lined with plastic wrap and freeze. Once frozen, put it in a freezer bag.

How to thaw frozen mushrooms and how long to keep them frozen

How to thaw frozen mushrooms

There are two ways to thaw frozen mushrooms.

You can let it thaw naturally at room temperature or use it for cooking while frozen.

If you freeze them whole, you can add them to stews, soups, curries, etc., and the chunky mushrooms will create a luxurious atmosphere.

Even if you stir-fry it and freeze it, you can use it to make pilaf or pasta sauce, which is also delicious.

Storage period of frozen mushrooms

Whether you freeze it raw or fry it and freeze it, the approximate period of time is 3 to 4 weeks.

However, frying and then freezing the food will keep it longer and retain its flavor for longer than freezing it raw.

Therefore, it depends on what kind of food you are making, but as a general rule, we recommend that you stir-fry the food and then freeze it.

>> Click here for other methods of freezing mushrooms

5 easy recipes using frozen mushrooms

Cream stew with lots of ingredients

☑材料（2人分）
・玉ねぎ １／２個
・じゃがいも　１個
・にんじん　１／４個
・マッシュルーム ４個
・カリフラワー　１／８個
・さやいんげん　２５ｇ
・豚もも角切り肉 １５０ｇ
・バター 大さじ　１／２
・スープ １＋３／４カップ（※）
・ローリエ　１／２枚
・タイム 少々
・塩コショウ　各少々
・ホワイトソース １カップ

<How to make>
1) Cut onions and potatoes into wedges, and cut carrots into 1cm-thick rounds. Cut the mushrooms in half or slice them into 5mm pieces.

Divide the cauliflower into florets, and boil the green beans until firm and cut into 3cm lengths. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the pork.

2) Melt the butter in a pot and fry the pork. When the color starts to change, add the onions, carrots, and potatoes in that order.

3) Once the ingredients are coated with butter, add the soup, bay leaf, thyme, and salt and pepper. Once it boils, lower the heat and remove the scum. Once the carrots are soft, add the cauliflower.

4) Once the cauliflower is cooked, add the white sauce. Once it boils, add salt and pepper to taste, add the green beans and mix.

Pot-au-feu with rich mushroom aroma

☑材料（4人分）
・じゃがいも　大３個
・キャベツ　１／３個
・玉ねぎ １個
・にんじん　１本
・ウィンナー　４本
・ベーコン　４枚
・マッシュルーム ６～７個
・大豆水煮缶　小１缶
・固形コンソメ　１かけ
・塩こしょう　少々

<How to make>
1) Cut the potatoes, cabbage, onions, and carrots into large pieces. Cut the sausages and bacon into bite-sized pieces. Mushrooms can be sliced or diced.

2) Put 1. Add the soybeans, water and solid consommé, and turn on the heat.

3) Once it boils, remove the scum and simmer over low heat until the ingredients are soft. Finally, season with salt and pepper to complete the dish.

Easy with a rice cooker! Easy pilaf using frozen mushrooms

☑材料（2人分）
・米　２合
・玉ねぎ １／２個
・マッシュルーム ６～７個
・ブイヨン　１個
・白ワイン　大さじ１
・塩　小さじ１／３
・バター　大さじ１
・パセリ　大さじ３

<How to make>
1) Finely chop the onion and parsley. Use thinly sliced mushrooms.

2) Put 2 cups of rice in a rice cooker and pour water to 5mm below the 2 cups line. Crumble the bouillon, add the white wine, mushrooms, and onions, and turn on the rice cooker.

3) Once cooked, mix in the butter and parsley, season with salt, and it's done.

Traditional classic hayashi rice

☑材料（2人分）
・牛肉切り落とし ２５０ｇ
・玉ねぎ １個
・マッシュルーム ６~７個
・バター １０ｇ
・デミグラスソース缶 １缶
・ケチャップ 少々
・中濃ソース 少々

<How to make>
1) Thinly slice the onion, cut the beef scraps into bite-sized pieces, and sprinkle with salt. Use thinly sliced mushrooms.

2) Melt the butter in a pot and fry the onions.

3) When the onions become translucent, add the beef. When the beef changes color, add the mushrooms and stir-fry.

4) When the whole thing is cooked, add the demi-glace sauce and bring to a boil (if you like it loose, add an appropriate amount of water).

5) Finally, add ketchup and thick sauce to taste and it's done.

Rich pasta sauce with a hint of mushroom flavor

☑材料（2人分）
・パスタ ２００ｇ
・玉ねぎ １／４個
・ロースハム ５０ｇ
・マッシュルーム ３～４個
・白ワイン ５０ｇ
・コンソメスープ ５０ｍｌ
・生クリーム １００ｍｌ
・バター ２０ｇ
・塩こしょう 少々

<How to make>
1) Use finely chopped onions, thinly sliced ham, and sliced mushrooms.

2) Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, fry the onions, roast ham, and mushrooms in that order.

3) When the fire goes through, add white wine and simmer until it reduces by about half. Then add the consommé soup and simmer until reduced by half.

4) Add the fresh cream, bring to a boil, and season with salt and pepper.

Conclusion

Mushrooms are a great food to freeze.

By freezing, you can bring out even more flavor and aroma. (Of course, the texture is inferior to eating it raw.)

The key to preserving raw food in the freezer is to avoid getting it wet. It would be a shame if the flavor and texture were lost.

Mushrooms often appear in Western dishes, so please use this technique to store them wisely in the freezer.