Sarah Brown
Brazilian mushroom sauce is a rich and creamy sauce that is often served with steak. It typically includes ingredients such as mushrooms, beef broth, red wine, and cream. While some recipes call for heavy cream, others suggest using alternative dairy or even non-dairy options such as soy milk or coconut milk. The sauce is usually thickened with a roux or flour and cooked in a single layer for the best texture. It is a simple yet luxurious sauce that can be customized to suit various dishes, including pasta, chicken, and Brazilian Beef Stroganoff.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dish | Brazilian Beef Stroganoff |
| Main Ingredients | Mushrooms, beef broth, red wine, cream |
| Other Ingredients | Unsalted butter, shallots, garlic, all-purpose flour, beef stock |
| Substitutions | Sour cream, table cream, tomato paste, cognac, chicken |
| Accompaniments | Steak, mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, potato sticks |
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What You'll Learn
Brazilian mushroom sauce ingredients
Brazilian mushroom sauce is a creamy, garlicky sauce packed with umami from mushrooms, red wine, and beef broth. It is usually served with steak, mashed potatoes, or rice topped with potato sticks for a Brazilian beef stroganoff.
The ingredients for a Brazilian mushroom sauce include:
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh mushrooms (white button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or a mix)
- Shallot or small onion
- Brazilian sofrito or freshly minced garlic
- All-purpose flour or cornstarch
- Red wine (dry red with a good balance of acidity and tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir)
- Beef broth or stock (good quality)
- Cream
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
Some variations of the sauce include the addition of dijon mustard, chicken stock, or herbs. In Brazil, a species of Agaricus subrufescens, known locally as cogumelo do sol or "mushroom of the sun," can be incorporated into the sauce. This mushroom is described as having a sweet, almond-like taste and is prized for its supposed medicinal benefits, including alleged anti-cancer properties.
The sauce can also be made vegan by substituting soy milk or coconut milk for cream and thickening it with cornstarch.
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Brazilian mushroom sauce preparation
Brazilian mushroom sauce is a creamy, garlicky sauce packed with umami from mushrooms, red wine, and beef broth. It is usually served with steak, but it also goes well with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh mushrooms (any variety)
- Shallot or small onion
- Brazilian sofrito or freshly minced garlic
- All-purpose flour or cornstarch
- Red wine (dry, with a good balance of acidity and tannins, e.g. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir)
- Beef broth/stock (good quality)
- Cream
- Thyme
- Mustard
- Salt and pepper
Method:
- Melt the butter in a skillet.
- Add the sofrito or minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and shallots or onions.
- Season with salt and pepper and cook until soft.
- Add the mustard and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in the flour or cornstarch and stir until well combined.
- Pour in the wine and whisk gently but quickly. Simmer until reduced.
- Add the broth, cream, and thyme. Simmer until thick, around 10 minutes depending on the type of cream used.
- Taste test and adjust seasoning if needed.
This sauce is best served with steak, but it can also be used with other meats, pasta, potatoes, or rice. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
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Brazilian mushroom sauce substitutes
Brazilian mushroom sauce is a creamy, garlicky sauce made with mushrooms, red wine, and beef broth. It is typically served over steak, mashed potatoes, or pasta. While this sauce is delicious, there are several substitutes that can be used to change up the dish or cater to dietary restrictions.
One substitute for Brazilian mushroom sauce is a basic mushroom sauce without the cream. Simply sauté mushrooms in butter and season with salt and pepper. This sauce can be served over steak or pasta for a lighter, yet still flavorful, option.
Another substitute is a vegan-friendly version of the sauce. Instead of using cream, soy milk or coconut milk can be used as a base, and the sauce can be thickened with cornstarch. This substitute is perfect for those who are dairy-free or vegan.
For those who are not dairy-free, full-fat plain yoghurt can be used in place of cream to make the sauce slightly healthier while still maintaining a creamy texture.
Finally, for a more unique substitute, try a Brazilian vinaigrette, or "molho a campanha," to top your steak or potatoes. This sauce is made with diced tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, parsley, olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper, resulting in a bright and tangy topping that pairs well with meat and starches.
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Brazilian mushroom sauce serving suggestions
Brazilian mushroom sauce is a rich and elegant sauce that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
With Steak
One classic way to serve Brazilian mushroom sauce is over a steak. The sauce pairs well with various cuts of steak, such as filet mignon, sirloin, or any other cut of your choice. Simply sear your steak, sauté the mushrooms in the same skillet, and build the sauce. You can also finish cooking the steak in the oven for a nice sear. Don't forget to pour those delicious pan juices over the steak before serving!
With Mashed Potatoes or Crispy Potatoes
Brazilian mushroom sauce goes well with mashed potatoes, which help to soak up the sauce. For a different texture, try serving the sauce with air-fried crispy potatoes. This combination is a perfect complement to your steak for a hearty and indulgent meal.
With Pasta
If you're looking for a more carb-loaded option, Brazilian mushroom sauce is also delicious served over pasta. You can use any type of pasta you prefer, from linguine to penne or fusilli. Don't forget to add some grated cheese to the pasta before topping it with the creamy mushroom sauce. This combination is a hit with both meat eaters and vegetarians.
With Rice and Potato Sticks
For a Brazilian Beef Stroganoff-inspired dish, serve your Brazilian mushroom sauce with rice topped with batata palha potato sticks. This combination brings a unique texture and flavor profile to your dish, taking you on a culinary journey to Brazil.
With Other Meats
While steak is a classic choice, you can also serve Brazilian mushroom sauce with other meats such as pork chops or chicken. Simply use white wine and chicken stock as your base and spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over your protein of choice. This versatility allows you to create a variety of dishes with a single sauce.
Brazilian mushroom sauce is a versatile and indulgent addition to any meal. With its creamy texture and umami flavors, it elevates steaks, potatoes, pasta, and more. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to discover your favorite way to enjoy this delicious sauce.
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Brazilian mushroom sauce storage
Brazilian mushroom sauce is a creamy, garlicky sauce made with mushrooms, butter, wine, and beef broth. It is typically served with steak, but can also be used as a pasta sauce or with chicken and pork chops. This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It is not recommended to freeze the sauce as it may not retain its original texture and taste, but it can be done for up to 3 months if absolutely necessary. In this case, the sauce should be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To store Brazilian mushroom sauce, follow these steps:
- Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container.
- Store the container in the fridge.
- Consume within 2 days.
If you wish to freeze the sauce, despite the potential change in texture and taste, follow these steps:
- Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container.
- Seal the container tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To consume, thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat the sauce gently on the stove, in the microwave, or in the oven.
It is important to note that the quality of the sauce may vary after freezing and thawing, and it may not retain its original creamy texture and taste.
Additionally, when storing mushrooms separately, they should be kept in a paper bag in the fridge. This helps to absorb any moisture released by the mushrooms and prevents them from becoming slimy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Brazilian mushroom sauce typically includes cream. However, some recipes may substitute it with coconut milk, soy milk, or yogurt.
The sauce typically includes unsalted butter, fresh mushrooms, shallots or onions, Brazilian sofrito or garlic, beef broth or stock, and red wine.
Brazilian mushroom sauce is a versatile condiment that pairs well with steak, chicken, pork chops, roasts, baked potatoes, rice, and pasta.
