Humans have prepared mushrooms for thousands of years.
They have a broad range of nutritional benefits, and they taste delicious.
In particular, sauteed mushrooms are one of the tastiest foods, but that’s providing you know how to saute.
This article takes a look at how to saute mushrooms for the best taste, along with some great recipes.
Which Kind of Mushrooms Are Best?
While most of us often stick with white button mushrooms, there are hundreds of mushroom varieties out there.
Some of these mushrooms are incredibly flavorful and low in moisture.
On the other hand, some mushrooms have a mild flavor and a higher water content.
For the tastiest sauteing, we want mushrooms high in flavor but with the least water.
Cremini Mushrooms
Cremini MushroomsCremini mushrooms are deliciously flavorful and taste great.
While they look similar to white button mushrooms in shape, their taste is much more intense.
Cremini mushrooms are very rich, a little meaty, and also have a mild nutty flavor.
Portobello Mushrooms
Usually thought of as a mushroom for breakfast, or a stuffed mushroom, portobello mushrooms are also ideal for sauteing.
These mushrooms contain low levels of moisture and have a rich taste.
Similar to cremini mushrooms, they also have a somewhat meaty flavor.
Shiitake Mushrooms
These are my absolute favorite mushroom and they have such a deep, intense flavor.
The texture is spongy and chewy, and the taste is meaty, so it’s almost like you’re eating (very soft) meat.
Shiitake mushrooms are also a bit drier than most, which makes them an excellent choice for sauteing.
If you have never tried shiitake mushrooms, then you should give them a go.
Washing and Cleaning the Mushrooms
To saute mushrooms, the first thing to do is give them a clean.
Mushrooms are often dirty and need cleaning and washing.
However, do not soak them; soaking mushrooms allows them to absorb water similar to how a sponge would.
We want the smallest amount of moisture possible, because if the mushrooms release too much water, they won’t be sauteing. Instead, the mushrooms will boil/steam in their own liquid.
Although soaking is not a good idea, there’s no problem with a little rinse. So rinse the mushrooms, clean off any visible dirt, and then pat them dry ready for cooking.
Choosing a Cooking Fat
Knowing how to cook mushrooms is about being aware of the moisture they contain.
If we cook them at a low heat level, the mushrooms will release water into the pan and begin to boil/steam.
In contrast, if we saute them at relatively high heat, we will be left with some golden-brown mushrooms. Slightly crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.
Any cooking oil or fat will work for this, but some tasty options include:
- Butter/ghee
- Extra virgin olive oil
It is also possible to use leftover fat in the pan if a source of meat is part of the meal.
How To Saute Mushrooms
As previously mentioned, we need to cook at high heat, so get the pan hot before adding your fat of choice.
Next, wait until the fat/oil is visibly hot and then add the mushrooms to the pan.
It’s especially important not to add too many mushrooms, as each one should have contact with the bottom of the pan. In other words, don’t crowd the pan.
If the pan is hot enough, the mushrooms should start spitting and sizzling after adding them.
Keep stirring them at regular intervals to make sure they don’t stick, browning them on both sides.
As you are cooking, if the food becomes too hot and begins to smoke, then turn the temperature down a little.
Note: if a small amount of liquid comes into the pan, don’t worry about it. Just keep stirring until it evaporates.
Finally, after about 5 minutes when the mushrooms are almost evenly browned, it’s time to add some seasonings.
Here are some great flavoring choices for mushrooms (select a few rather than all of them!):
- Cooking wine
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Pepper
- Rosemary
- Salt
- Steak seasoning
- Tamari/soy sauce
After seasoning the mushrooms, cook for about one more minute and then remove the pan from the heat.
10 Recipe Ideas
In no particular order, here are ten tasty looking dishes that feature sauteed mushrooms.
If any of them look good to you, then just click the button to see the recipe and instructions.
#1. Marinated Grilled/Sauteed Mushrooms (by Mushroom Info)
A great nutritious recipe featured on The Mushroom Channel; the ingredient profile is both healthy and very tasty.
With garlic, ginger, butter and cheese included in the recipe, these mushrooms are full of flavor.
Ingredients
- Mushrooms of choice
- Butter
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Romano cheese
[button color=”pink” size=”large” type=”3d” target=”” link=”http://blog.mushroominfo.com/2013/05/15/marinated-grilled-mushrooms/”]See the Recipe[/button]
#2. Steakhouse Style Sauteed Mushrooms (by Plain Chicken)
Claiming to be as good as — if not better than — steakhouse mushrooms, this recipe is also full of incredibly tasty ingredients.
With intense flavors coming from the white wine, dried onion, and garlic, these mushrooms are delicious.
Ingredients
- Butter
- Mushrooms of choice
- Dried onion
- White wine
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic
- Worcestershire sauce
[button color=”pink” size=”large” type=”3d” target=”” link=”http://www.plainchicken.com/2011/12/steakhouse-sauteed-mushrooms.html”]More here[/button]
#3. Steakhouse Sauteed Mushrooms (by The Tasty Bite)
Here’s another steakhouse style recipe, but this time with the addition of shallots, olive oil, and thyme.
So, a similar style but completely different (also delicious) taste.
Ingredients
- Mushrooms
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Salt
- Pepper
[button color=”pink” size=”large” type=”3d” target=”” link=”http://www.thetastybiteblog.com/2015/06/29/steakhouse-sauteed-mushrooms/”]Have a look[/button]
#4. Mushrooms in White Wine (by Best Recipe Box)
Here’s another recipe with ingredients that almost guarantee an amazing taste.
Compared to the other recipes, this one needs a little more preparation time, but the extra ingredients all add to the flavor.
Ingredients
- Small button mushrooms
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Onion
- White wine
- Lemon juice
- Chili flakes
- Butter
- Parsley
- Salt
- Black pepper
[button color=”pink” size=”large” type=”3d” target=”” link=”http://bestrecipebox.com/recipes/sauted-mushrooms-white-wine-garlic/#”]Recipe here[/button]
#5. Creamy Parmesan Mushrooms (by The Recipe Critic)
A little different from the previous recipes, these mushrooms come in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce.
You can either eat them with meat or fish, and they also make a great tasting dish just on their own.
Ingredients
- Mushrooms
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parsley
- Italian seasoning
[button color=”pink” size=”large” type=”3d” target=”” link=”http://therecipecritic.com/2016/08/creamy-garlic-parmesan-mushrooms//”]Make it[/button]
#6. Sauteed Mushrooms and Asparagus (by Mirlandra’s Kitchen)
Given the short preparation time (5 min prep, 5 min cook), this recipe is incredibly simple.
While it’s very easy, it’s also full of nutrient-dense tasty food.
As a result, this recipe is a great side dish that is ready in no time.
Ingredients
- Asparagus
- Cremini mushrooms
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
[button color=”pink” size=”large” type=”3d” target=”” link=”http://mirlandraskitchen.com/sauteed-asparagus-and-mushrooms//”]See more[/button]
#7. Garlic and Parmesan Mushrooms (by Jo Cooks)
If you’re like me and love anything with cheese, then this recipe will be perfect for you.
As a result of the combination of Parmesan cheese, butter, olive oil, and garlic, there’s so much flavor in this dish.
Ingredients
- Mushrooms
- Garlic
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
[button color=”pink” size=”large” type=”3d” target=”” link=”http://www.jocooks.com/side-dishes/sauteed-garlic-and-parmesan-mushrooms/”]More details[/button]
#8. Cheesy Polenta With Mushrooms (by She Wears Many Hats)
Not only does this recipe have cheese, but also chicken broth, butter, and balsamic vinegar.
Additionally, there are also some dried herbs to add even more to the taste.
In other words, this recipe is sure to be delicious.
Note: if you want to avoid the grains in store-bought polenta, it’s easy to make your own.
Ingredients
- Mushrooms
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Chicken broth
- Balsamic vinegar
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Milk
- Polenta
- Gouda cheese
[button color=”pink” size=”large” type=”3d” target=”” link=”http://shewearsmanyhats.com/sauteed-mushroom-cheesy-polenta-recipe/”]Get the recipe[/button]
#9. Caramelized Garlic Mushrooms (by Spend With Pennies)
Here is another simple recipe that requires minimal preparation time, but it’s also full of flavorful ingredients.
With a trio of butter, garlic, and olive oil, it’s hard for it to taste anything else but amazing.
Ingredients
- Mushrooms of choice
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
[button color=”pink” size=”large” type=”3d” target=”” link=”http://www.spendwithpennies.com/garli-mushrooms/”]How to Make[/button]
#10. Marinated Grilled/Sauteed Mushrooms (by Natasha’s Kitchen)
Last but not least, here’s a unique recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen that also includes lemon and parsley.
Coupled with other great tasting ingredients like butter and garlic, these are sure to taste great.
Ingredients
- Cremini mushrooms
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Parsley
- Black pepper
- Salt
[button color=”pink” size=”large” type=”3d” target=”” link=”http://natashaskitchen.com/2016/02/09/sauteed-mushrooms/”]Further details[/button]
Final Thoughts
If you didn’t already, then hopefully you know a little more about how to saute mushrooms now.
Cooking mushrooms this way lets you get that delicious steakhouse style, bronzed mushrooms at home – whenever you want.
For more on mushrooms, see this guide to the long and stringy enoki mushrooms.
