7 Steps To Cutting Mushrooms The Right Way

By Ujjainee Roy

January 22, 2024

There are many kinds of mushrooms. However, most households tend to use button mushrooms for daily cooking, since they're the easiest to clean, cut and cook. These small mushrooms are delicious and nutritious as well! Here's how to cut mushrooms at home.

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Step 1: Clean The Mushrooms

Begin by cleaning the mushrooms to remove any dirt or debris. You can do this by wiping them with a damp paper towel or a clean kitchen cloth. Avoid soaking mushrooms in water, as they tend to absorb moisture and may become soggy.

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Step 2: Remove The Stem

Hold a mushroom cap in one hand and gently twist or wiggle the stem with the other hand. The stem should come off easily. If it doesn't, you can use a small knife to trim it

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Step 3: Check For Marks

Check the mushroom caps for any blemishes, or dark spots. If you find any, use the tip of your knife to carefully cut away the affected areas to make sure you have fresh and clean mushroom slices.

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Step 4: Slice The Mushrooms

Place the mushroom caps, rounded side down, on the cutting board. With a sharp chef's knife, slice the mushrooms into even slices. The thickness of the slices should ideally be around 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

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Step 5: Make Sure You Have Even Slices

For even cooking, try to make the slices as uniform as possible. This ensures that all the mushroom pieces cook at the same rate, resulting in a consistent texture in your dishes.

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Step 6: Adjust Thickness

Depending on the recipe, you may need thicker or thinner mushroom slices. Adjust the thickness of your slices accordingly. For example, if you're making a stir-fry, you might prefer thinner slices that cook quickly.

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Step 7: Re-Use The Stems (Optional)

While the stems are often removed, you can choose to use them in certain recipes. Finely chop the stems and incorporate them into soups, stews, or sauces for added flavour. You can also make a broth with them

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