Michael Davis
Creamy mushroom sauce is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of meals, from steaks to chicken, chops, pasta, and vegetables. The sauce is simple to make and can be customized in a variety of ways. The key to a great mushroom sauce is getting complexity into the sauce using ingredients like wine, parmesan, broth, and soy sauce or tamari. The type of mushroom used can also be varied, with baby bellas or crimini being popular choices due to their ability to hold their texture and flavor when cooked. To thicken the sauce, a slurry of cornstarch and water can be added, or a roux made with flour and olive oil or butter can be used. The sauce can be made vegetarian by using parmesan cheese without rennet, and vegan by substituting almond or coconut milk for dairy milk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, butter, cream, garlic, salt, pepper, wine, broth, parmesan, flour, olive oil, milk, herbs, lemon, nutmeg, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, water, thyme |
| Equipment | Skillet, saucepan, pot |
| Cooking methods | Sauté, simmer, boil, stir, microwave |
| Serving suggestions | Steak, chicken, pork, chops, meatballs, pasta, rice, vegetables, potatoes, bread |
| Storage | Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated as needed |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing mushrooms: Baby bellas or crimini for meatiness
When it comes to choosing mushrooms for your sauce, baby bella and crimini mushrooms are excellent options for adding meatiness to your dish. These mushrooms, also known as Agaricus bisporus, are part of the same species but differ in age, with baby bellas being more mature and larger than white button mushrooms.
Baby bella mushrooms, or portobellas, have a smooth, rich brown cap, a short white stem, and hidden brown gills. They possess a firmer texture and a more robust, earthy, and umami-rich flavour compared to white button mushrooms. Their meaty texture and savoury taste make them an excellent choice for grilling, roasting, and adding a hearty bite to your mushroom sauce.
Crimini mushrooms, also known as baby portobellos, are the immature version of portobello mushrooms. They have a light to dark brown cap, a white stem, and small brown gills. Crimini mushrooms are available year-round and can be used fresh or cooked in a variety of ways, including eating them raw, baking, roasting, or adding them to sauces and soups. They have a mild, earthy flavour with a meaty texture, making them a versatile choice for your mushroom sauce.
When selecting mushrooms, look for those with a smooth, dry surface and avoid any that appear slimy or damaged. Fresh mushrooms will keep for up to a week when stored properly, so plan to use them within a few days of purchase for optimal freshness and flavour.
To prepare your mushrooms, use a mushroom brush or soft, clean paintbrush to gently remove any debris. You can also wipe them with a damp paper towel or briefly rinse them under cold water, ensuring you dry them thoroughly after. When cooking, it's best to use a wide, shallow pan to avoid steaming and encouraging a rubbery texture.
By choosing baby bella or crimini mushrooms for your mushroom sauce, you'll add a savoury, meaty element that will elevate your dish and make it a delicious, satisfying meal.
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Pantry staples: Butter, broth, cream, garlic, and parmesan
A creamy mushroom sauce is a versatile dish that can be used as a topping for steaks, chicken, pork chops, and pasta. It is simple to make and does not require any gourmet ingredients. Here's a guide on how to make a delicious mushroom sauce using pantry staples: butter, broth, cream, garlic, and parmesan.
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Broth (chicken or vegetable)
- Cream
- Garlic
- Parmesan
- Mushrooms
- Oil
- Salt and pepper
Optional Ingredients:
- White wine
- Herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley)
- Lemon
- Cornstarch or flour
Instructions:
Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. You can also add some oil to prevent the butter from burning. Add the mushrooms and garlic to the skillet and sauté until they are golden brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to add some depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with white wine and let it evaporate.
Next, add the broth and cream, stirring to combine. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add some cornstarch or flour at this point. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, being careful not to boil it rapidly as the cream may split. Finally, stir in the grated parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
This sauce can be served over steak, chicken, or pasta. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy the richness and versatility of your homemade mushroom sauce!
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Thickening the sauce: Cornstarch and water slurry, or roux
To thicken your mushroom sauce, you can use a cornstarch and water slurry or a roux.
Cornstarch and Water Slurry
If your sauce is too thin, you can use cornstarch to thicken it. Cornstarch is a great thickening agent for sauces and soups. However, if you add cornstarch directly to your sauce, you'll end up with lumps. To avoid this, you need to make a slurry. A slurry is made by mixing cornstarch with water. The ratio should be 1:2—one tablespoon of cornstarch mixed thoroughly with two tablespoons of water. Do not add all of the slurry at once. Instead, start with a quarter to a third of the mixture and add more as needed. The thickening is activated by heat, so make sure your sauce is simmering when you add the slurry.
Using Flour
If you are not gluten-intolerant, flour is another option to thicken your sauce. You can use flour to thicken sauces, gravies, and soups. There are two ways to do this: make a roux or a slurry.
Roux
A roux is a classic thickening agent consisting of equal parts fat and flour by weight. Most people use butter. To make a roux, heat butter over medium heat. When a sprinkle of flour makes the butter bubble, add the rest of the flour and whisk until you have a thick, golden brown paste. Then, add the roux to your sauce and whisk to combine.
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Flavour boosters: Wine, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and spices
Wine is a great way to add flavour to your mushroom sauce. Deglaze the pan with wine before adding the cream and cheese. You can also use wine in place of milk in your sauce.
Worcestershire sauce is the "secret sauce" to a good mushroom sauce. Just one teaspoon will add depth to your sauce.
Fresh or dried herbs can be added to your sauce for extra flavour. Try sage, thyme, and rosemary, or add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cosy flavour.
You can also add spices to your mushroom sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, or add Italian seasoning, paprika, chilli powder, garlic salt, or Cajun dry rub.
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Serving suggestions: Pasta, steak, chicken, veggies, and more
Mushroom sauce is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish:
Pasta
Mushroom sauce is a perfect pairing for pasta. Simply toss the sauce with long or short pasta shapes such as ziti, penne, or orecchiette. You can also add some bacon for an extra flavour boost. If you're feeling adventurous, try it with Korean noodles or spaghetti squash for a unique twist.
Steak
Steak and mushroom sauce is a classic combination. Drizzle the sauce over your favourite cut of steak and enjoy the rich, savoury flavours. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Chicken
Chicken and mushroom sauce is a match made in heaven. Whether it's baked chicken thighs, grilled chicken breasts, chicken schnitzel, or bacon-wrapped chicken, the sauce adds a creamy and delicious dimension to the dish.
Vegetables
For a healthier option, serve your mushroom sauce with steamed or roasted vegetables. It pairs beautifully with asparagus, green beans, roasted cauliflower, or even a simple side of mashed potatoes.
Other suggestions
If you're feeling creative, try using mushroom sauce with meatballs, roasted potatoes, lamb chops, quinoa, or even as a gravy for garlic roasted smashed potatoes. It also goes well with rice, especially if you're serving it with chicken or steak. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your favourite combinations!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need mushrooms, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add cream, broth, and cheese (like parmesan) for a creamier sauce.
You can use any type of mushroom you like. Baby bellas or crimini hold their texture and flavor well when cooked. White button and cremini mushrooms also work great.
Start by heating some oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown. This should take about 4-5 minutes. You can also add garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
To make a creamier mushroom sauce, add cream, milk, or cheese (like parmesan). You can also thicken the sauce with a roux (a mixture of flour and butter or olive oil) or a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Mushroom sauce is very versatile and can be served with steak, chicken, pork, pasta, vegetables, or even just crusty bread for dipping!
