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 mushroomsas is taught in most French culinary schoolsis 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 thats 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 Cooks 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, theres already a flavorful sauce." ~Lucas SinCHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction02:26 - Prep the Aromatics02:51 - Wash the Mushrooms03:14 - Cooking the Mushrooms04:40 - Test Kitchen Check In07:38 - Test Kitchen Taste TestGET THE RECIPES: Braised Shiitake Mushrooms : https://f52.co/45Kf6yuYuzu Mushroom Martini: https://f52.co/45G7ltePRODUCTS FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO:Five Two Carbon Steel Wok: https://f52.co/401TwUZMORE 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/2HN7Dp8GET MORE OF FOOD52 BY CONNECTING BELOW:Website: https://food52.comOur Shop: https://food52.com/shop Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/food52Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Food52Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/food52Twitter: https://twitter.com/Food52TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@food52Food52 newsletter: https://f52.co/newsletterRELATED VIDEOS:Miso Mushroom Pasta: https://youtu.be/qJVASuotTrY?si=N7aUGTMHLVN5AoJgHow to Braise Anything You Want: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp9zjPdksrk&t=577sWATCH MORE VIDEOS WITH LUCAS SIN:How to Stir Fry Greens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8EcbCXv6M0&t=59sLucas Sin's Method for Perfect Grilled Veggies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDEHKTzBOZQ&t=38s
