Can You Microwave Mushrooms?

By /

The microwave is a genius kitchen tool that can help you prepare a wide range of foods in a shorter amount of time than on the stove or in the oven.

You’ve probably used your microwave to bake potatoes, heat up pizza and zap a bowl of soup when you’re hungry.

But can you cook mushrooms in the microwave?

There’s no reason to think you can’t.

The microwave is versatile and easy to use.

Cooking Mushrooms in the Microwave

The most important thing to consider when cooking in the microwave is the wattage of your device.

The higher the wattage, the more quickly it will prepare the food inside.

If you’re anything like me, you want your mushrooms to be firm, not mushy.

Cooking them for too long at a high wattage will result in overcooked, rubbery mushrooms that won’t have much flavour.

Preparing Raw Mushrooms

Cooking raw mushrooms in the microwave differs a bit from reheating those that are already cooked.

One of the benefits of preparing them in the microwave is that you won’t need a lot of oil or butter, which makes them a healthier side dish than when they’re sauteed or fried.

Use the following steps to cook your mushrooms in the microwave:

  1. Slice the mushrooms into evenly-sized pieces
  2. Place the mushrooms in a microwave safe bowl or dish
  3. Cook on high power for one minute
  4. Stir the mushrooms
  5. Cook for an additional 1 – 2 minutes, stirring each minute, until cooked through

Seasoning Mushrooms

While you don’t need butter or oil to prepare mushrooms in the microwave, you don’t have to eat them plain either.

There are loads of easy ways to add flavour during the cooking process.

Try sprinkling the mushrooms with salt and pepper, garlic salt, parsley or any of your favourite seasoning blends.

You might also try adding a bit of flavour and moisture with soy sauce, marsala sauce, cooking wine or steak sauce before you microwave your mushrooms.

I love to experiment in the kitchen, and I encourage you to mix and match flavour options to find the one you like best.

There are lots of types of mushrooms available so try something different.

Maybe swap to chestnut mushrooms or some of those that are widely used in Asian cuisines such as oyster and shitake.

Preparing Cooked Mushrooms

Maybe you have leftover cooked mushrooms or canned mushrooms that you want to microwave as part of your meal.

The technique is the same as cooking raw mushrooms, but likely won’t require as much time.

The goal is to heat the mushrooms, but since they’re already cooked, you’ll need to use caution to prevent overcooking and ending up with rubbery mushrooms.

Use the following steps:

  1. If the mushrooms aren’t already sliced, do so
  2. Place the mushrooms in a microwave safe dish
  3. Heat on high power for 30 seconds
  4. Stir and heat for an additional 30 seconds

Can You Microwave Mushrooms?

Yes, you can definitely microwave mushrooms.

It’s an easy way to add dimension and flavour to your vegetables and offer a side dish that everyone will love. Serve your cooked mushrooms as a side dish with grilled steak, salmon (btw, you can microwave it) or tofu.

Or fold them into an omelette, breakfast burrito or pan of risotto.

You can’t go wrong with mushrooms cooked in the microwave.