Sautéed Mushrooms for Steak

There’s something magical about pairing a juicy, well-cooked steak with the earthy, umami-rich taste of mushrooms. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy night in, or whipping up a special meal for a holiday, sautéed mushrooms are the ultimate steak side dish. They add a rich depth of flavor, complementing the savory, slightly charred goodness of a perfectly cooked steak.

The beauty of this mushroom side dish lies in its simplicity. All you need are fresh mushrooms, some aromatics like garlic and herbs, a bit of butter or olive oil, and a hot pan. In just minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish that’s bursting with flavor. And the best part? This versatile recipe works with just about any mushroom you like—cremini, button, portobello, shiitake, or even a wild mix if you’re feeling adventurous.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients and steps, you can have this side dish ready in less than 20 minutes.
• Versatile: This recipe works with any kind of mushroom, and it can be adapted to include extra ingredients like herbs, wine, or cheese.
• Flavor-Packed: The mushrooms soak up all the delicious flavors from the butter, garlic, and herbs, making every bite savory and irresistible.
• Pairs Perfectly with Steak: The earthy, meaty taste of mushrooms is a natural complement to the rich, juicy flavor of steak. It’s a match made in culinary heaven.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: Approximately ¾ cup sautéed mushrooms

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 13g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 240mg

(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the type of mushrooms and specific ingredients you use.)

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) fresh mushrooms (cremini, button, portobello, or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• ¼ cup dry white wine or beef broth (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra richness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

1. Clean the Mushrooms: Mushrooms tend to absorb water, so avoid rinsing them under the tap. Instead, use a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to wipe off any dirt. This keeps them from becoming soggy while cooking.
2. Slice the Mushrooms: Once the mushrooms are clean, slice them into even pieces, about ¼-inch thick. For smaller mushrooms like button or cremini, you can slice them in half or quarters if you prefer chunkier pieces.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

1. Warm the Butter and Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. The olive oil helps to prevent the butter from burning while giving the dish a nice, rich flavor.
2. Test the Heat: To test if the pan is hot enough, add a small piece of mushroom to the pan. If it sizzles immediately, your pan is ready.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. Add the Mushrooms: Carefully add the sliced mushrooms to the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan—if necessary, cook the mushrooms in batches to ensure they sauté and don’t steam.
2. Season the Mushrooms: Sprinkle the mushrooms with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt helps to draw out the moisture from the mushrooms, which is crucial for developing that golden-brown color.
3. Sauté Until Golden: Cook the mushrooms for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and have released most of their liquid. If you notice the mushrooms soaking up too much of the fat, you can add a little more butter or olive oil to keep them from sticking.
4. Add the Garlic and Herbs: Once the mushrooms are browned and slightly crispy on the edges, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme or rosemary to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan (Optional)

1. Add the Wine or Broth: To add extra depth of flavor, deglaze the pan by pouring in ¼ cup of dry white wine or beef broth. The liquid will help to lift any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, infusing the mushrooms with even more flavor.
2. Cook Until Reduced: Allow the liquid to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, until it has reduced by half and the mushrooms have absorbed most of the liquid. This step is optional, but it adds a rich, slightly tangy flavor to the mushrooms.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the mushrooms and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For an extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle the mushrooms with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. If you like, you can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
3. Serve Warm: Serve the sautéed mushrooms immediately alongside your steak or other main dishes. Enjoy!

How to Serve Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic side dish not only for steak but for a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for serving them:

• With Steak: These mushrooms are a perfect match for a juicy ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms complement the savory, charred steak beautifully.
• On Top of Grilled Chicken: Add these sautéed mushrooms as a topping for grilled chicken breast or thighs for a simple but flavorful meal.
• With Pasta: Toss the mushrooms with some freshly cooked pasta and a drizzle of olive oil or Parmesan for a quick, satisfying vegetarian meal.
• Over Polenta: For a hearty side, serve the mushrooms over creamy polenta, adding a rich and earthy contrast to the dish.
• On Toast: Serve these mushrooms on top of toasted sourdough or a rustic baguette for an easy appetizer or snack.
• In an Omelette: Fold these mushrooms into a fluffy omelette along with some cheese and fresh herbs for a savory breakfast or brunch option.

Tips for Making the Best Sautéed Mushrooms

1. Don’t Crowd the Pan: If the mushrooms are too close together in the pan, they will steam rather than sauté, which can make them soggy. Cook in batches if necessary to get that perfect golden-brown color.
2. Use High Heat: High heat helps the mushrooms caramelize quickly, which enhances their flavor. If the pan isn’t hot enough, they will release too much moisture and end up steaming.
3. Stir Occasionally: While it’s important to stir the mushrooms so they don’t burn, you also want to let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes at a time to allow them to develop a nice golden crust.
4. Add Garlic at the End: Garlic can burn quickly if added too early, turning bitter. Adding it in the last minute or two ensures it becomes fragrant without burning.
5. Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley will give your mushrooms a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

Recipe Variations

1. Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms

For a tangy twist, add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar during the last minute of cooking. The vinegar will caramelize and create a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms.

2. Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Turn this simple side dish into a rich sauce by adding ½ cup of heavy cream after the mushrooms have been sautéed. Let the cream simmer until it thickens, and serve the creamy mushrooms over steak, chicken, or mashed potatoes.

3. Mushroom and Onion Sauté

Sauté some thinly sliced onions along with the mushrooms for a sweet and savory combo. The caramelized onions add an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with steak.

4. Garlic Butter Mushrooms

For even more garlic flavor, increase the garlic to 4-5 cloves and use garlic-infused butter to sauté the mushrooms. This creates a wonderfully garlicky side dish that’s perfect for garlic lovers.

5. Truffle Mushrooms

For an elevated twist, drizzle the finished mushrooms with a bit of truffle oil. The rich, earthy aroma of truffle oil will take these mushrooms to gourmet status and pair beautifully with a high-quality steak.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sautéed mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes.

Freezing Mushrooms

While fresh mushrooms don’t freeze well due to their high water content, cooked mushrooms freeze much better. To freeze, let the mushrooms cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the mushrooms in the fridge overnight, then warm them up in a skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned mushrooms?

While fresh mushrooms are ideal, you can use canned mushrooms in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before sautéing.

2. What mushrooms work best with steak?

Cremini and portobello mushrooms are excellent choices because they have a meaty texture and deep, rich flavor. Shiitake and oyster mushrooms also work well for a more exotic flavor profile.

3. Can I make these mushrooms ahead of time?

Yes! You can sauté the mushrooms ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave just before serving.

4. How do I prevent mushrooms from getting soggy?

Avoid overcrowding the pan and make sure to cook the mushrooms over medium-high heat. If they release too much liquid, simply allow the liquid to evaporate by increasing the heat slightly.

5. Can I add wine or broth if I don’t have any on hand?

While the wine or broth adds a nice depth of flavor, you can omit it if you don’t have any on hand. The mushrooms will still be delicious!

Conclusion

Sautéed mushrooms are the ultimate side dish for steak, offering a perfect balance of earthy flavors and savory richness. Whether you’re cooking up a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal, these mushrooms are sure to be a hit. Simple, versatile, and packed with flavor, this recipe is a must-try for any mushroom lover. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with this delicious steak companion!

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