Lucas Sin Explains Why You Should be Braising Your Mushrooms

Video Description

BRAISED MUSHROOMS: In this episode of Why it Works, Lucas Sin teaches a not-so-typical method for cooking all types of mushrooms. You may have learned to make sure your mushrooms are as dry as possible throughout the cooking process for maximum browning and flavor- Lucas is here to flip that notion on its head and show you his method, explaining Why it Works along the way! "The usual way of treating mushrooms—as is taught in most French culinary schools—is to not let them come in contact with a single drop of water. Each mushroom is painstakingly brushed or peeled to clean them while keeping them dry, then piled into a ripping hot pan with oil. The idea is that without added moisture, the mushrooms should caramelize and pick up color. Unfortunately, as the mushrooms cook, they begin to release moisture, which then gets in the way of browning. This recipe takes a different approach that’s been a staple of mushroom cookery in Chinese kitchens of boiling the mushrooms, slowly reducing the liquid, and finally searing them off with added oil. The science has been outlined by Cook’s Illustrated and even made rounds on TikTok via @jimboilsmushrooms. In short, first boiling the mushrooms accelerates the expulsion of moisture from the mushroom so that browning can happen more quickly. In addition, the liquid that the mushrooms cook in quickly become a flavorful broth with proteins and sugars that caramelize at the bottom of the pan, so that towards the end of the cooking process, there’s already a flavorful sauce." ~Lucas Sin CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction 02:26 - Prep the Aromatics 02:51 - Wash the Mushrooms 03:14 - Cooking the Mushrooms 04:40 - Test Kitchen Check In 07:38 - Test Kitchen Taste Test GET THE RECIPES: Braised Shiitake Mushrooms : https://f52.co/45Kf6yu Yuzu Mushroom Martini: https://f52.co/45G7lte PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO: Five Two Carbon Steel Wok: https://f52.co/401TwUZ MORE ABOUT WHY IT WORKS: In this technique-driven series, Food52 Resident Lucas Sin dives into the reasoning behind the culinary methods he uses in the kitchen. We'll learn why certain Chinese cooking techniques work and how they can be applied beyond their traditional recipes. If you're looking to level up in the kitchen, this skill-centered series is a great place to start! MORE FROM FOOD52: Subscribe here to our YouTube Channel! https://f52.co/2HN7Dp8 GET MORE OF FOOD52 BY CONNECTING BELOW: Website: https://food52.com Our Shop: https://food52.com/shop Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/food52 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Food52 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/food52 Twitter: https://twitter.com/Food52 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@food52 Food52 newsletter: https://f52.co/newsletter RELATED VIDEOS: Miso Mushroom Pasta: https://youtu.be/qJVASuotTrY?si=N7aUGTMHLVN5AoJg How to Braise Anything You Want: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp9zjPdksrk&t=577s WATCH MORE VIDEOS WITH LUCAS SIN: How to Stir Fry Greens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8EcbCXv6M0&t=59s Lucas Sin's Method for Perfect Grilled Veggies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDEHKTzBOZQ&t=38s