Sautéing cremini mushrooms with garlic is one of the best ways to bring out their rich flavor and create a perfect side dish that complements a variety of main courses. Whether you're a mushroom lover or just looking for an easy recipe to enhance your meal, this guide will be your favorite way to achieve perfect sautéed mushrooms every time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of crimini mushrooms and garlic creates an umami-packed dish that's hard to resist.
- Easy Recipe: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is quick and easy to prepare.
- Versatile Side Dish: These mushrooms pair well with everything from vegan steaks to pasta sauces, making them a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. This works with different kinds of mushrooms
- Healthy and Nutritious: Crimini mushrooms are low in calories and high in nutrients, including vitamin B.
Ingredients
- Crimini Mushrooms (16 oz, sliced): Also known as baby bella mushrooms, these have a deeper flavor than white button mushrooms.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing the mushrooms.
- Unsalted Butter (1 tbsp): Adds a rich, creamy taste.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances the flavors of the mushrooms and garlic.
- Black Pepper (to taste): Adds a slight kick to the dish.
- Fresh Herbs (such as parsley or thyme, chopped, for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the finished dish.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Clean the Mushrooms: Gently clean the crimini mushrooms with damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to remove any dirt. Avoid rinsing them under water as they absorb moisture and can become soggy.
- Prepare the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and unsalted butter.
- Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes to allow them to brown.
- Season the Mushrooms: Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then stir the mushrooms to ensure even cooking. Continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Hint: Avoid overcrowding the skillet with mushrooms. Cooking them in batches if necessary ensures they sauté properly and don't steam.
Substitutions & Variation
- Mushroom Types: Substitute crimini mushrooms with portobello mushrooms, white button mushrooms, or shiitake mushrooms for different flavors and textures.
- Seasonings: Add a splash of soy sauce or white wine vinegar for extra flavor, or use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for a different take.
- Herbs: Try fresh thyme leaves, dill, or chives as alternative garnishes.
Top tip
For the best results, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the mushrooms. This helps to achieve a nice golden brown color and prevents them from releasing too much moisture.
FAQ
Q: How do I store sautéed mushrooms? A: Store leftover sautéed mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Q: Can I use dried mushrooms? A: Yes, rehydrate dried mushrooms in warm water before using them in the recipe.
Q: Can I use other types of oil instead of olive oil? A: Yes, you can use other types of oil such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower oil. However, olive oil provides a distinct flavor that pairs well with mushrooms.
Q: How can I prevent mushrooms from becoming soggy? A: Make sure to cook the mushrooms in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cooking them over medium-high heat also helps to evaporate excess moisture quickly.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe? A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can create a more robust side dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How do I know when the mushrooms are done? A: The mushrooms are done when they are golden brown, tender, and have released and reabsorbed their moisture. They should have a rich, umami flavor.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat before serving.
Q: Can I freeze sautéed mushrooms? A: Sautéed mushrooms can be frozen, but they may lose some of their texture upon thawing. If you do freeze them, reheat gently in a skillet to help restore some of their original texture.
Q: What can I do if my mushrooms release a lot of water? A: If your mushrooms release a lot of water, let the water evaporate completely before adding any additional seasonings. This helps to concentrate the flavors and prevent the mushrooms from becoming soggy.
Q: Are there any herbs that pair particularly well with sautéed mushrooms? A: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, and dill pair exceptionally well with sautéed mushrooms. They add a fresh and aromatic touch to the dish.
Q: Can I add a splash of wine for extra flavor? A: Yes, adding a splash of white wine or sherry can enhance the flavor of the mushrooms. Add it after the mushrooms have browned and let it cook off before serving.
Q: What dishes can I serve these sautéed mushrooms with? A: Sautéed mushrooms with garlic are versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes such as steaks, pork chops, chicken breast, pasta, rice, or as a topping for pizza. They also make a great addition to omelets and salads.
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How To Sauté Crimini Mushrooms With Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 3 cups Crimini Mushrooms cleaned and sliced
- 5 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 8 cloves Garlic minced
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Fresh Herbs optional: Parsley, thyme, or rosemary for garnish
- 1 splash soy
Instructions
- Clean the Mushrooms: Gently clean the crimini mushrooms with a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to remove any dirt. Avoid rinsing them under water as they absorb moisture and can become soggy.
- Prepare the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and unsalted butter.
- Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Mushrooms: Add the sliced crimini mushrooms to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes to allow them to brown.
- Season the Mushrooms: Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then stir the mushrooms to ensure even cooking. Continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
