How To Cook Mushrooms For Warmer Weather

Mushrooms are a perfect example of a vegetable that lends itself well to the change of flavour profiles. In Ontario, we have access to locally grown mushrooms year round, so they’re an ingredient that’s used in every season and they’re suitable for both heavier winter flavours, and brighter summer recipes.

Mushrooms are incredibly versatile, pairing well with different seasonings, ingredients, and can be prepared in many different ways. Due to their meaty texture, and umami flavour, mushrooms are often used in rich, creamy dishes that are perfect for fall and winter. But don’t overlook mushrooms as a delicious ingredient for lighter, fresher recipes that you’ll want to enjoy this summer. 

When it’s hot outside, the last thing any of us want to do is turn on our stove or oven. Luckily, mushrooms are great for grilling, specifically button, brown and shiitake. Remove the tough ends, toss in some oil, as well as herbs and spices of your choice, and grill for about 10 minutes. These Mediterranean Mushroom and Chicken Skewers and Ontario Mushroom Sliders are great hot weather approved recipes to try.

Sauteeing is another great way to enjoy mushrooms during warmer months. No oven required, and once the mushrooms are cooked you can use them in so many different ways. Add a little bit of olive to a hot pan, toss in your favourite mushrooms (but don’t overcrowd them), and cook until their juices have cooked off. 

These are some hot-weather approved recipes to try that involve a quick saute:

You can also skip the cooking altogether and eat mushrooms raw. Once they’ve been washed you can slice, grate or leave them whole and add them to salads, sandwiches, or pair with a dip for an easy snack.

Mushrooms can easily transform from a hearty winter meal into a fresh summer one by switching up the ingredients you pair it with. Instead of cooking them in cream or a rich broth, try marinating them in a bright vinegar, like in this Burrata with Spicy Marinated Button Mushrooms dish. Or pair them with seasonal ingredients like asparagus in May, and make these Grilled Ontario Mushrooms on Charred Baguette with Ricotta and Asparagus. Or incorporate other fresh ingredients like kale, bright herbs, and a colourful sauce, just like these Cremini Mushroom Tacos with Kale Slaw. 

And if you’re looking for even more mushroom recipes that are perfect for summer, be sure to check out:

Thanks to how mushrooms are grown, in Ontario we have access to local mushrooms all year long, making them a great ingredient to use in every season. They’re versatile enough to be the star of your creamy, cozy winter soups, and also the veggie you add to your favourite bright, refreshing salad. Simply switch up how you cook them, and what you pair them with and you’ll completely transform them into the unsung hero of summer.