There’s no one sure-fire way how to sauté mushrooms, but is there any savory dish that isn’t improved by garlic? I love mushrooms and if you’re here, you probably do too. And these caramelized mushrooms are a delicious alternative to the traditional pan-fry method (aka oil only). And, even better, these sauteed garlic mushrooms can be made with any mushroom type – I’m talking traditional white button mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, mixed wild, cremini, white, oyster, or whatever you’ve got to hand. Mushrooms are super high in protein, so this side dish is easy to use for any meal of the day. Try them with your breakfast toast (additional avocado is very much encouraged!), served with an easy chicken, fish, or vegan-friendly protein, sprinkle over pasta, or enjoy with other veggies for a complete dinner. They’re also easy to add to other meals, like eggs, pizzas, burgers, grains, and more. This sauteed mushroom recipe are so versatile, they can liven up any meal.
How to Clean Mushrooms Before Sautéing Them
Pan-fried mushrooms need to be cleaned thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt and bacteria. I usually use a damp towel to clean them, but if needed, rinse them under running water – but don’t let them soak. Dry completely – you don’t want any extra moisture on your mushrooms.
How to Make Sauteed Mushrooms with Garlic
For this sauteed mushroom recipe, all you’ll need are mushrooms, butter, fresh garlic, fresh thyme (or your favorite herbs), salt, and pepper – all pantry staples! Chef’s Tip: If you want to avoid the chance of burning the butter, you could use ghee (clarified butter) or use a combination of butter and oil, which helps to keep the butter from burning. Once the mushrooms are completely dry, I like to slice them thinly. You can make thicker slices or keep them whole – this will depend on your preference and on the type of mushrooms you’re using, so it’s your call. Then, mince or grate the garlic. You can use a garlic press and press it directly into a pan – it’ll save washing extra dishes! Add the mushrooms to a large, dry pan (no butter or oil) over medium heat for around 8-10 minutes. Flip them midway, but don’t touch them otherwise – this will make your garlic mushrooms deliciously caramelized. As the mushrooms cook, they’ll release a lot of water, which will evaporate before they caramelize. Once the mushrooms have softened and begun to brown, add the butter, garlic, and thyme (or any herbs you enjoy) to the pan. Saute on medium-high heat for a further 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add the salt, pepper, and any other spices you like in the last 30 seconds of cooking.
Tips to Caramelise Sautéed Mushrooms
Slice Evenly: Use a good knife to get even pieces – this ensures your simple sauteed mushrooms cook evenly. It’ll also make the caramelization process easier; small pieces can cook quickly and might burn if you leave them too long. Get The Right Heat: Did you know mushrooms are made of 80-90% water? No matter how you slice them, sauteed mushrooms release a lot of water during cooking. Getting your pan to the right temperature will evaporate the liquid as it’s released, avoiding dreaded soggy garlic mushrooms. Let your pan get to medium-high or high heat before cooking. Don’t Crowd Your Mushrooms! When cooking your sauteed mushrooms with garlic, don’t crowd the pan and keep the pieces in one layer. If you have a lot of mushrooms, work in batches and keep the cooked mushrooms in a covered bowl so they stay warm. Bring On The Caramelization: Take your time when it comes to caramelizing mushrooms. Let the sauteed mushrooms cook for a few minutes without stirring so they can properly brown and start to caramelize. Then, stir occasionally so they cook evenly. So, don’t be tempted to move the mushrooms around a lot – the taste will be so much better.
More Delicious Side Dishes
Fried Mushrooms Bulgur Wheat Salad Air Fryer Asparagus Pineapple Casserole
If you try this best sautéed mushrooms recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
