Mushrooms are fungi and that's what I knew in my childhood and hated this even in my adulthood until my husband made me try this. And it's been 3 years since I am in love with this delicious fungi vegetable. If you love to know what pairs well with mushrooms then do read further and find some delicious recipes as a bonus.
In this post, I share which food flavors taste great when paired with them. What flavors go well with mushrooms in terms of vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs, spices, and protein.
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What Do Mushrooms Taste Like
You will be amazed to know that mushrooms are neither a plant nor an animal food rather they are a type of fungi with the substance ergosterol, but not all fungi are mushrooms. There are many varieties of mushrooms out there but not all are edible. The most commonly used varieties are the button, chanterelles, cremini, shiitake, enoki, oyster, portabello, porcini, and morel mushrooms.
Mushrooms taste earthy and bring umami flavors. They have a soft spongy texture and after cooking they taste like meat, the reason why they are commonly used as a meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans. All edible mushrooms are low in calories and fat with some protein and other nutrients. Check the health benefits.
They tend to lose moisture while cooking as well as absorb it while in contact with water. That is why it is not recommended to wash them before use instead wipe them with a clean towel. Always look for clean, and firm mushrooms.
What Pairs Well With Mushrooms
Make a stir fry, frittata, stuff them with cheese, pasta, or pizza, mushrooms taste great in every way once you love them.
Here is the list of food pairing that goes well with them.
Fruits and Vegetables
Asparagus, garlic, bell peppers, onion, zucchini, peas, scallions, avocado, tomato, cabbage, poblano, potatoes, green beans, carrots, cauliflower, leeks, limes, lemons, shallots, fennel, apricot, Brussel sprouts, spinach, coconut, sweet potato, lettuce, kale, radish, broccoli, kohlrabi, arugula
Nuts
Chestnut, walnut, pecan, cashews, peanut, hazelnut, almond
Herbs and Spices
Cilantro, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, chili, basil, chives, cinnamon, garam masala, Kadai masala, curry powder, ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, clove, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, dill, tarragon, oregano, aniseed, mint, kefir lime leaves, lemongrass, bay leaf, Chinese 5 spice, chervil
Protein and Dairy
Eggs, egg white, steak, parmesan cheese, beans, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, lamb, butter, milk, cream, bacon, goat cheese, tofu, paneer, chicken, blue cheese, beef, ham, fish, seafood, cod, mascarpone, oyster, prawn, salmon, chickpeas, pork, yogurt, ricotta, burrata, prosciutto, crab, veal
Other
Wile rice, rice, quinoa, sun-dried tomato, pasta, balsamic vinegar, barley, soy sauce, broad & fava beans, butter beans, lima beans, polenta, lentils, farro, bourbon, red, white, and dry rosé wines, vodka, whisky, sherry, gin
Frequently Asked Questions
Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, goat cheese, paneer, blue cheese, mascarpone, ricotta, burrata are a few varieties of cheese that pair well with mushroom.
Steak, lamb, bacon, chicken, beef, ham, fish, seafood, cod, oyster, prawn, salmon, pork, prosciutto, crab, veal are the varieties of meats that go well with them.
Mushrooms are very versatile and really taste great with many spices and herbs, for example, Cilantro, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, chili, basil, chives, cinnamon, garam masala, Kadai masala, curry powder, ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, clove, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, dill, tarragon, oregano, aniseed, mint, kefir lime leaves, lemongrass, bay leaf, Chinese 5 spice, chervil.
Bourbon, red, white, and dry rosé wines, vodka, whisky, sherry, gin are a few liquors that combine pretty well with these fungi.
What To Do With Mushrooms
Here are some recipes that show you how you can enjoy them when the vegetable is in season.
Garlic Sauteed Mushrooms And Asparagus
Garlic sauteed mushrooms with asparagus is a flavorful, vegan side dish to enjoy in spring as well as in the fall season.
Other Food Pairing
Check these more food pairing posts.
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Christine says
Hi!
I cooked a bunch of white capped mushrooms yesterday, they are in the fridge. What would mix well with them in a vegan dish to add flavor?
Thanks, Chrissy