Gently rinse mushrooms under cool running water in a colander for a few seconds, or lightly brush off any dirt with a soft brush. Avoid soaking them to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Mushrooms are like sponges, and they readily absorb water. Soaking them will result in a less flavorful and potentially mushy final product. Here's how to clean them quickly and effectively:
Colander Method: Place the mushrooms in a colander.
Rinse Briefly: Turn on the cold water and gently rinse the mushrooms for just a few seconds. The goal is to remove any loose dirt without saturating them.
Shake Off Excess Water: After rinsing, shake the colander gently to remove excess water.
Brush Method: If the mushrooms are only lightly soiled, use a soft brush (like a mushroom brush or a clean toothbrush) to gently brush away any dirt. Hold the mushroom in your hand and brush in a circular motion.
Dry with Paper Towel (Optional): If you're concerned about excess moisture, you can gently pat the mushrooms dry with a clean paper towel.
Clean mushrooms right before you plan to use them. Washing them too far in advance can cause them to become slimy and spoil faster.