John Miller
Crimini mushrooms, also known as white button mushrooms, are a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a savory side dish to complement a variety of main courses. Sautéing crimini mushrooms is a quick and easy way to prepare them, bringing out their rich flavor. This simple recipe with few ingredients can be prepared in just a few steps and is sure to be a hit!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 5 minutes |
| Cook time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total time | 22 minutes |
| Clean mushrooms | Use a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to remove dirt. Avoid rinsing them under water as they absorb moisture and can become soggy. |
| Cookware | Large skillet |
| Heat | Medium-high |
| Oil | Extra-virgin olive oil |
| Butter | Unsalted |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, thyme |
| Deglaze | Wine |
| Garnish | Parsley, herbs, lemon juice |
| Serving size | 6 servings |
| Calories | 52 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Preparation: Rinse and dry the mushrooms, prep other ingredients
To prepare cremini mushrooms, start by rinsing them gently and drying them thoroughly. Mushrooms are like sponges and will absorb water, so it's important to get them completely dry before cooking. You can use a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel to pat them dry.
Once your mushrooms are clean and dry, you can start prepping the other ingredients. Cremini mushrooms are often sliced or chopped before sautéing. You can also leave them whole if you prefer bigger pieces. Remember that mushrooms shrink while cooking due to their high water content, so keep the size of the mushrooms in mind when deciding how to cut them.
For the other ingredients, you'll typically need butter or olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or parsley. Some recipes also call for wine, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar to enhance the savory flavor of the mushrooms. If you want to add some heat, you can include red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers.
Prepare the garlic by mincing or crushing it. Fresh herbs should be rinsed and chopped finely. If using dried herbs, crush them between your fingers to release their aroma and flavor.
Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go near the stovetop is recommended, as the cooking process moves quickly once you start. Now you're all set to begin sautéing!
Mushrooms: Living Biotic Factors in the Ecosystem
You may want to see also
Cooking: Use a heavy pan, high heat, add butter, garlic, herbs
To cook sautéed crimini mushrooms with garlic and herbs, you'll need a heavy pan, preferably a large skillet, and a heat source capable of reaching medium-high heat. You'll also need butter, garlic, herbs, and, of course, crimini mushrooms.
First, heat your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil and two tablespoons of butter. While you're waiting for the butter to melt, you can prepare the mushrooms. Rinse them under water and pat them dry with a clean towel. Slice the mushrooms into pieces about a quarter of an inch thick.
Once the butter has melted, add the garlic to the skillet. Minced or finely chopped garlic should be sautéed for about a minute, until it becomes fragrant. Now, add the mushrooms. Spread them out in the skillet in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for about five minutes, until they start to brown.
Sprinkle some salt and black pepper over the mushrooms, then stir to ensure even cooking. Continue to sauté for another five to seven minutes, until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender. If you're using fresh herbs, such as thyme, sage, or parsley, you can add them to the pan now. Just remember to remove them before serving. Finally, remove the mushrooms from the heat and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Your sautéed crimini mushrooms are now ready to serve. This dish is extremely versatile and can be served as a side or even a main course for vegetarians. Enjoy!
Sauteed Mushrooms: Carb-Free or Carby?
You may want to see also
Timing: Cook 8-10 minutes, stirring often
When sautéing crimini mushrooms, timing is important. You should cook them for 8-10 minutes, stirring often. This will ensure they are cooked through and tender.
Firstly, you will want to get all your ingredients prepped and ready to go near the stovetop. Crimini mushrooms are small and meaty, so they are a great choice for a more substantial dish. You can also use a mix of mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, and trumpet mushrooms for a more elevated dish.
Before you start cooking, make sure your mushrooms are dry. Mushrooms are like little sponges and will absorb water, so get them completely dry before cooking. You can give them a quick rinse and then dry them immediately.
Now, get a heavy pan or skillet nice and hot. You want to use a pan that is the opposite of non-stick. Set it over high heat and don't add anything to the pan until it's hot.
Add your mushrooms to the pan and stir them frequently. If you want crispy mushrooms, don't stir them as much and let them cook a little longer. After 8-10 minutes, your mushrooms should be tender and dark.
At this point, you can add some butter and a splash of wine to create a sauce, or simply sprinkle in some fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or parsley to infuse flavor. Give it all a good stir and your mushrooms are ready to serve!
Mushrooms: Nature's Anti-Inflammatory Superfood?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Serving: Goes well with meat, potatoes, or as a side dish
Sauteed crimini mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. They make an excellent side dish, especially when paired with meat or potatoes.
When serving sauteed crimini mushrooms as a side, consider their earthy and umami flavour profile. They pair well with grilled or roasted meats, such as steak, chicken, or pork. The mushrooms can also add depth to mashed potatoes or a potato gratin. Their savoury flavour enhances the dish without overwhelming the other ingredients.
For a heartier option, try serving the mushrooms on top of a bed of crispy roasted potatoes. The texture and flavour combination is delightful. You can also add some herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to further enhance the dish.
Sauteed crimini mushrooms are also delicious when paired with other vegetables. Try serving them alongside roasted asparagus or Brussel sprouts, or add them to a stir-fry with other seasonal vegetables. Their meaty texture and flavour can also make them a suitable meat replacement in vegetarian dishes.
When serving sauteed crimini mushrooms with meat, consider a simple preparation to let the mushrooms shine. A grilled or pan-seared steak or chicken breast with a sprinkle of herbs and a side of the mushrooms is a delicious option. The natural juices of the meat will enhance the flavour of the mushrooms without needing heavy sauces.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Sauteed crimini mushrooms are versatile and can be used to enhance a variety of dishes. Whether served as a side or incorporated into a main course, they add a depth of flavour that's sure to impress.
Should You Peel Chestnut Mushrooms?
You may want to see also
Customisation: Use wine, soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar for extra flavour
Customisation is a great way to add extra flavour to your sautéed crimini mushrooms. Here are some ideas:
Wine
Cooking wine adds a robust umami flavour to the mushrooms. You can use red or white wine depending on your preference. Add the wine to the pan after the mushrooms are browned and tender, and let it cook down. If you like your mushrooms crispy, avoid stirring them too much and let them cook a little longer after the wine has evaporated. You can also add extra butter and wine at the end for a sauce.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds an unexpected touch of umami to the mushrooms. It pairs well with garlic and butter, enhancing the savoury flavour of the dish. You can also use Worcestershire sauce as an alternative.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar provides a lightly sweet acidity that pairs well with mushrooms, balancing out the butteriness and adding depth of flavour. For this recipe, increase the amount of balsamic vinegar to 2-3 teaspoons.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of these ingredients to find your favourite flavour profile. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or parsley to infuse more flavour into the mushrooms. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
The Ultimate Guide to Flushing Mushroom Cakes
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Rinse the crimini mushrooms and dry them immediately. Do not soak them in water as mushrooms absorb water and won't brown nicely when cooked.
You can use a mix of crimini mushrooms, garlic, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or parsley.
Get a large pan or skillet and set it over high heat. Add butter to the pan and once it is hot, add the garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add the mushrooms and herbs and sauté them, stirring frequently, until they are tender and dark.
Sautéed crimini mushrooms can be cooked in under 15 minutes.
