Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) cremini mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed (you can also use white button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more, depending on your preference)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions:
1. Clean and Prepare the Mushrooms:
Start by cleaning the mushrooms. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to gently wipe the mushrooms clean. Avoid rinsing them under water, as mushrooms absorb moisture and can become soggy. Trim the stems if they are too long, or leave them intact for a fuller look.
Slice the mushrooms into even slices, about 1/4 inch thick. If you’re using larger mushrooms like portobello, you can cut them into thick chunks instead.
2. Cook the Mushrooms:
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil (if using) and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and is bubbling, add the mushrooms in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan—if the pan is too crowded, the mushrooms will steam instead of sear.
Sauté the Mushrooms: Let the mushrooms cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. You want the mushrooms to become golden brown and tender, with the edges starting to crisp up. If the pan gets too dry, add a little more butter or a splash of oil.
Season the Mushrooms: Once the mushrooms are nicely browned, season them with salt and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
3. Add the Garlic and Herbs:
Add Garlic and Thyme: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and fresh thyme to the pan. Stir for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but be careful not to let it burn. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can cook the garlic for a shorter time or add it at the end.
Add Butter: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Stir the mushrooms in the melted butter until it has completely coated them. The butter will create a rich sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
4. Finish and Garnish:
Add Optional Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This will add a subtle spicy kick to the dish that pairs well with the richness of the garlic butter.
Add Lemon Juice (Optional): For a burst of freshness, squeeze in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. This will balance out the richness of the butter and garlic with a tangy note.
Garnish: Remove the pan from the heat and garnish the mushrooms with fresh parsley. This adds color and a fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the buttery mushrooms.
5. Serve:
Serve the garlic butter mushrooms hot, either as a side dish or as a topping for steak, chicken, or even pasta. You can also serve them as an appetizer with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- On Toast: Serve the garlic butter mushrooms on a slice of toasted baguette or sourdough for a simple yet elegant appetizer. The bread will soak up the flavorful butter, creating a delightful bite.
- With Steak: These mushrooms are the perfect side to complement a juicy steak. The richness of the butter enhances the flavors of the meat, and the thyme adds a lovely herbal note.
- Over Pasta: Toss these garlic butter mushrooms over a plate of your favorite pasta for a quick and flavorful meal. Add some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of indulgence.
- With Roasted Chicken: Serve these mushrooms alongside a roasted chicken or grilled chicken breast. They make a wonderful side dish, offering a savory contrast to the tender chicken.
- On Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Spoon these mushrooms over a bed of white rice, wild rice, or creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Mushrooms:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you put too many mushrooms in the pan, they’ll release moisture and steam instead of sautéing. Cook the mushrooms in batches if necessary.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme adds an aromatic depth to the dish, but you can also experiment with rosemary or tarragon. Dried herbs work too, but fresh herbs always give a more vibrant flavor.
- Control the Heat: Keep an eye on the heat while cooking the mushrooms. High heat allows them to caramelize and get crispy, which brings out their natural sweetness. Just be sure not to burn the garlic when you add it to the pan.
- Use Unsalted Butter: Since mushrooms absorb flavors readily, using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level. If you use salted butter, be cautious when adding additional salt.
- Adjust the Garlic Amount: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more cloves. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount or even roast the garlic beforehand for a sweeter, more mellow taste.
- Make It Vegan: For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and olive oil instead of regular butter. The flavors will still be rich and delicious!
Storage and Reheating:
Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Garlic butter mushrooms are best enjoyed fresh, but they still taste great as leftovers.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the mushrooms in a pan over medium heat, adding a small amount of butter or oil to prevent them from drying out. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, though the texture might not be as perfect as when freshly cooked.
Final Thoughts:
These Garlic Butter Mushrooms are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines earthy mushrooms with a luscious garlic butter sauce. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re serving them as a side to your favorite protein or enjoying them as a light meal on their own, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!