How to Freeze Mushrooms and Enjoy Fresh Flavor Anytime

If you're a mushroom fan, you know how quickly they can spoil. Once you store them in the fridge, it feels like the clock is ticking on their freshness, especially in the crisper drawer.

But don’t worry—just because mushrooms have a short shelf life doesn’t mean you have to toss them out after buying in bulk or overestimating how many you need for a recipe. If you’ve been avoiding mushrooms due to spoilage concerns, rest easy—the freezer is here to help.

Why Should You Freeze Mushrooms?

Since grocery store packaging often includes only a "packed on" date, and not a "best by" or expiration date, the shelf life of your mushrooms is uncertain—often just a matter of days.

Freezing mushrooms not only extends their shelf life but also helps reduce food waste. This method is especially useful if you've bought too many or have leftovers. With the rising costs of produce, adding this skill to your cooking repertoire is a smart move.

Choosing Mushrooms for Freezing

To freeze mushrooms successfully, catch them before they begin to spoil. Mushrooms that are shriveled, slimy, or moldy won’t work. If you’re unsure when you’ll use them, go ahead and freeze them as soon as you get home.

How to Freeze Mushrooms

There are two methods for freezing mushrooms: cooked or steamed. Steaming mushrooms helps them last longer in the freezer, but cooking is often more practical for meal prep. Cooking mushrooms also removes moisture, improving their texture and preserving their flavor once thawed.

Cooked

1. Rinse the mushrooms thoroughly and remove any tough stems or unwanted bits.
2. Pat the mushrooms dry with a clean towel.
3. Slice or quarter the mushrooms into uniform pieces, or leave them whole if they’re small (less than an inch in diameter).
4. Heat a small amount of neutral oil in a pan and sauté the mushrooms until they release their moisture and become tender. The pan may appear to get wetter before it dries up, as the mushrooms release their internal moisture. Allow the mushrooms to cool.

5. Arrange the sautéed mushrooms in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze.

6. Once frozen, transfer the mushrooms to a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible, seal, and label the container.

Find the recipe: Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

Steamed

1. Cut the mushrooms into uniform pieces, such as quarters or slices. If the mushrooms are small enough (less than an inch in diameter), you can leave them whole.
2. Submerge the mushrooms in a bowl of 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for 10 minutes to prevent discoloration.
3. Bring a pot of water to a boil and set a steamer basket on top. Add the mushrooms to the basket and steam for 3-5 minutes.
4. Immediately transfer the mushrooms to an ice water bath for a couple of minutes. Drain the water, spread the mushrooms on a towel, and pat them dry as thoroughly as possible.
5. Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze.
6. Once frozen, transfer the mushrooms to a zip-top bag or airtight container, squeezing out any excess air before sealing and labeling.

Tips for Freezing Mushrooms

• Know how to recognize fresh mushrooms. The higher the quality before entering the freezer, the better they'll be.
  
  
• Before freezing, wash mushrooms to get rid of any dirt and debris, trim the woody parts and stems, and cut them into equal-sized pieces, so they cook or steam evenly.
  
• If freezing an exact amount for a recipe, like the mushrooms for beef stroganoff, there's no need for step 5 in the cooking method. Simply skip from step 4 to step 6, since you'll be tossing the whole lot in during the mushroom step in the recipe.

How to Defrost and Use Frozen Mushrooms

You can thaw frozen mushrooms by leaving them in the fridge overnight, or for a quicker option, toss them straight into the pan from frozen.

Frozen mushrooms should only be used in cooked dishes. Whether they were steamed or frozen raw, the freezing process alters their texture, making them unsuitable for raw consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Mushrooms

How long can you keep frozen mushrooms?

Up to 9-12 months

Do I need to cook mushrooms before freezing them?

Cooking your mushrooms before freezing isn't required, but it improves both the flavor and texture. Mushrooms contain a lot of water, and if frozen raw, they can become soggy and mushy. You can still use them in cooked dishes, but pre-cooking them helps preserve their quality and saves you time later on.

How much oil should I use when cooking mushrooms?

A little goes a long way. Mushrooms are quite absorbent, so you may feel like you need a lot of oil, but they'll release their moisture as they cook. Start with about ¼ teaspoon and add more if needed.