Morel mushrooms are a delicious and luxurious ingredient that can elevate any dish. Their rich, earthy flavor pairs wonderfully with steaks, pasta, rice and more. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook morel mushrooms in 2 different ways
1. How To Sautee Morel Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh morel mushrooms, cleaned and sliced in half lengthwise
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 shallots, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1⁄4 cup dry white wine or dry sherry
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Clean the morels by soaking them briefly in salt water, cut in half lengthwise, and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Trim the stems if desired.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook for 1-2 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the morel mushrooms and increase heat to high. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms begin to soften and brown.
Add the white wine and thyme. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the wine is mostly evaporated.
Reduce heat to low and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes more until the morels are tender.
Remove pan from heat. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkling of thyme leaves. Serve immediately.
2. How To Fry Morel Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb fresh morel mushrooms, cleaned and halved lengthwise
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Rinse the morel mushrooms gently and pat dry. Cut in half lengthwise.
Set up a breading station with 3 shallow dishes – flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in the third.
Dredge the morel halves in flour, dip in the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Working in batches, fry the breaded morels for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve the fried morels immediately, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges. Enjoy while hot and crispy!
Sautéing and frying morels are the best ways to cook them and let their flavor shine. The next time you get your hands on fresh morel mushrooms, try this easy sauté or fry recipe. Their deep, nutty flavor pairs well with everything from surf to turf.
