Name: Sautéed Mushrooms
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ½ lbs (24 ounces) cremini mushrooms, cut in ¼ inch slices; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

These Sautéed Mushrooms are sure to tickle your taste buds and can add a burst of flavor to many dishes. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side or in your main dish and pair nicely with steak, burgers, chicken and even tossed into pasta.

This dish is prepared with just a few ingredients and takes only about 15 minutes to cook. Prepare your mushrooms like this, and you’re sure to find yourself longing for more!

What Are Mushrooms, Really?

The straightforward answer is that mushrooms belong to the fungi family. While that may seem unappetizing, that’s the truth of what they are.

Mushrooms vary in size, shape, and color. However, it’s crucial to understand that not all mushrooms are safe to eat. While many are edible, some are highly toxic and can pose serious health risks if consumed. So, please be sure to exercise caution and avoid consuming wild mushrooms without proper identification.

When it comes to mushrooms from the grocery store, most are safe for consumption. However, it’s still advisable to clean them thoroughly before use, which I’ll discuss later in this blog. Many grocery stores offer a wide selection of mushrooms, including pre-sliced options for convenience. Just know that you might be spending a bit more money for pre-sliced ones.

Some Mushrooms Commonly Used in Cooking:

Button mushrooms AKA White mushrooms: These are often used in dishes such as tarts, pizza, omelets, soups, sauces, stir-fries and salads.
Cremini mushrooms AKA Bella mushrooms: These mushrooms are the ones we’re using in this recipe. Cremini mushrooms resemble button mushrooms but are deeper in flavor. They are often used in the same way as button mushrooms but can add a richer taste to dishes. They’re perfect for sautéing to pair with your favorite protein.
Portobello mushrooms: These large, meaty mushrooms are larger, more mature versions of Cremini mushrooms. Portobello mushrooms are often grilled or roasted; they serve as a meat replacement in burgers, sandwiches, or as a standalone dish.
Shiitake mushrooms: Often used in Asian dishes, these mushrooms have a robust, earthy flavor.
Oyster mushrooms: These have a more subtle flavor and are commonly used in stir-fries, sauces, soups, and pasta dishes. They go together well with other mushrooms.
Chanterelle mushrooms: These carry a fruity aroma and are often used in upscale cuisine/gourmet dishes such as risottos, sauces, pizzas, soups and salads.

These are just a few examples, but there are many more types of mushrooms used in cooking worldwide, each with its own flavor and uses.

What Makes Sautéed Mushrooms Comforting?

Earthy and Savory Flavors: Cremini mushrooms bring a rich, hearty taste that’s naturally satisfying.
Just Enough Garlic: Garlic adds an inviting aroma and depth to the dish, enhancing the mushrooms’ flavor.
Smoothness from the Olive Oil: Gives the mushrooms a rich, slightly velvety feel.
Nutrient Packed: The ingredients used are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice.
Pairs with a lot: This simple, versatile dish complements almost anything! They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side, or in your main dish. They pair nicely with steak, burgers, chicken and even tossed into pasta.
Quick and Easy to Make: With only a few ingredients, this dish comes together in minutes making it perfect for a cozy, wholesome addition to any meal.

How Can Mushrooms Benefit You?

Mushrooms provide many health benefits, including being low in calories, rich in vitamins D, B, and C, minerals, and antioxidants. They also provide plant-based protein, boost immune function, support heart health, may have anti-inflammatory properties, and promote gut health.

Incorporating a variety of mushrooms to your diet can boost your health. However, it’s important to remember they’re just one part of a balanced diet, so don’t rely solely on them for your source of nutrition.

Ingredients for Sautéed Mushrooms

•Cremini Mushrooms: These are the stars of the dish and give off a rich, earthy and deep flavor.

•Olive Oil: I prefer to cook these in olive oil, since anything I cook to pair with it is also cooked in olive oil. It’s also rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Feel free to substitute with an oil that is best for you.

•Garlic Powder: Provides a concentrated flavor of garlic without needing to use minced or freshly minced garlic. Adds depth and aroma to the dish.

•Salt and Pepper: Both help to enhance the flavor of the dish. Salt helps to bring out the natural flavors of the mushrooms. While subtle, pepper adds kick and depth to the dish. Adjust both measurements to your liking.

How to Prepare Sautéed Mushrooms

Clean the Mushrooms: Either use a damp paper towel to wipe the dirt off of the mushrooms OR quickly rinse them well under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Slice the Mushrooms: Trim off the tough ends of the stems of the cleaned mushrooms. Use a sharp knife to slice the mushrooms into about ¼ inch thick pieces.

How to Make Sautéed Mushrooms

Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the Mushrooms: Add the mushrooms in a single layer and toss to coat them in the oil. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 minutes to allow them to brown, then toss again and cook for an additional 4 minutes, undisturbed.
Season: Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the mushrooms again to coat them evenly. Cook for 4 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Remove from the heat. Serve the mushrooms as desired and enjoy!
Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

I hope you enjoy making and eating these sautéed mushrooms. Sautéed mushrooms are a delicious and easy addition to any meal. Just follow these simple steps to add rich, savory flavors to your dishes. Whether you mix them into pasta, place them on top of a steak, or serve them as a side, they’re sure to impress. Happy cooking!