Boiled mushrooms on the stove are an easy side dish, or ingredient in gravy. We will share how long to boil white button mushrooms or baby bellas (small portobellos) to tender and delicious. Like our Instant Pot Mushrooms in water or broth but in a pot on the stovetop this time.
Wondering why would you boil mushrooms? Well if you are making the rest of your dinner in a pot you might want to cook your side dish that way too. Also it is a great addition to sauces you may want to pour over pork chops or mashed potatoes during the holidays. (affiliate links present)
How Long to Boil Mushrooms on Stove
You are looking at 10-15 minutes depending on which variety you choose, what you are making with them and how tender you want them to become. Key is you don’t want to add them until your boiling liquid reaches a continuous rolling boil and doesn’t stop.
Just like when we showed you how to make Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions, you need it to be preheated first. Reason for this is that shooms will soak up the water if you add them too early and the cook time won’t be accurate either.
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How Long to Boil Baby Bella Mushrooms
You are looking at 10-15 minutes once the water is boiling. You do not want to add them before the liquid you are using is rapidly boiling at a steady rate or the timing won’t be right and results won’t be pleasurable. Check often by scooping one up with a slotted spoon to see if they are soft enough for you. If making Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy I would do a few less since it will be heated with the meat too.
Let’s say you were going to throw these into the last few minutes of your Dairy Free Beef Stroganoff, you would want them more tender than if you were serving as a side dish. For that you would immediately transfer to a pan with butter to saute in order to add flavor.
Are baby bella mushrooms the same as portobellos?
Yes! Cremini mushrooms, often referred to as baby bella mushrooms, are actually a younger version of the mature portobellos. Harvested earlier in their growth cycle, which accounts for their smaller size and slightly firmer texture compared to portobellos.
Cremini have a light to dark brown color and a more pronounced flavor than white button. Portobellos are just fully mature creminis. Both are great if making Cream of Mushroom Gravy with them.
How Long to Boil White Button Mushrooms
For these you are looking at 5-10 minutes, longer if you really wanted them “wilted” to make gravy or toss with butter as an easy side dish. Keep in mind that the longer they cook the floppier they will get with a little bit of slimy texture. You can help this a bit by removing with a slotted spoon and on to a plate with a few paper towels on it.
If you wanted a duo of veggies with your meal you can even Boil Brussel Sprouts with them too! Taking a bit less time, it is still a great way to go. Just keep in mind that the flavors will permeate one another, especially these will take on some of the stronger brussels taste.
Yes, mushrooms release water when they are boiled or cooked in other ways. They are made up of a high percentage of water, typically around 80-90%, so when they are exposed to high heat, the water inside begins to evaporate and is released into the cooking liquid or air. That is why they shrink.
Yes, boiling mushrooms can lead to some loss of nutrients, as some vitamins and minerals are can leach out into the cooking water. However, the extent of nutrient loss depends on a variety of things, including the cooking time, temperature, and method used.
I mean broth will add a lot more flavor but it is more expensive. You can use half and half for that reason and use beef broth or chicken depending on what you may be adding these to or your flavor profile preferences.
Do you need to boil mushrooms before frying them?
It is not a necessity. Typically I won’t bother when making our Portobello Tempura Mushrooms because with the extreme heat of the oil the insides will soften in the process. If you wanted them really soft though then yes you could. Once done you’d want to stop the cooking process though by quickly submerging in ice water, then laying on paper towels.
Can you boil mushrooms and chicken together?
Yes, you can totally Boil Chicken Tenders and these in the same pot!! Keep in mind the cook time and plan accordingly. Meat is going to take longer of course so start that first once the water is hot enough, and then figure out when to add the vegetables so everything is done at the same time!!
How long to boil mushrooms in shrimp boil?
This is great to add into our Instant Pot Shrimp Boil. For that, under high pressure you wouldn’t want long. Just add in the second step for 4 minutes to get just right. When boiling on stovetop in a shrimp boil, the cooking time will depend on the size and type you’re using, as well as your preference for their texture. However, it’s relatively quick and about the same timing as the meat.
Can you over boil mushrooms?
Just like How to Boil Broccoli, for sure you can and it isn’t pretty. These are delicate and can become mushy or waterlogged if they are boiled for an extended period. Overboiling or leaving Simple Crockpot Mushrooms in too long can also cause them to lose flavor and nutrients, as some of the vitamins and minerals may leach out into the cooking liquid. Just keep at a gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil to help preserve their texture and flavor.
If you wanted to initially soften larger versions to make Portobello Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms, you’d essentially want to blanch them for a quick minute since they’ll be heated longer with the next step once stuffed.
Boiled Mushrooms
Equipment
- 1 pot
Ingredients
- 8 oz mushrooms, white or baby portabella
- salt and pepper, to taste when done, can toss with butter too
Instructions
- How to boil button mushrooms – Rinse mushrooms with water or wipe with paper towels. Cut off the dry portion off the stems. Add water to a large saucepan and heat to a rapid boil over high heat. Carefully add mushrooms and continue to boil for 5-10 minutes. That means once you add the mushrooms, start your timer. Mushrooms will change in color to grey and water will also turn color. Carefully remove from pan and serve immediately.
- How to boil baby bella mushrooms – Rinse mushrooms with water or wipe with paper towels. Cut off the dry portion off the stems. Add water to a large saucepan and add mushrooms. Over medium high heat, bring to a boil and continue to boil for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Start yoru timer once you add the mushrooms. Mushrooms will foam (but dissipate) and water will turn dark. Carefully remove from water and serve. —
- Tip: Keep water or broth at a gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil to help preserve their texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
