Same deal. Dry mushrooms roast better. They caramelize. They get crispy edges. They taste like umami heaven. Waterlogged mushrooms roast like wet socks. Don’t roast wet socks.
Unless you’re making soup or a stew? Then, weirdly, a quick rinse is fine. The water blends in. No one notices. It’s the one time mushrooms forgive you for getting them wet.
So, to Recap (Because We All Need a Cheat Sheet)
Do not wash if you’re sautéing, roasting, or grilling. Just wipe them. Do wash if they’re muddy or going into a soup. But dry them immediately. Do not soak them like a bath sponge.
And whatever you do, don’t overthink it. You’ve been cooking stuff your whole life. A mushroom isn’t going to win. You are the boss of the mushroom.
