Michael Davis
Mushroom sauce is a versatile dish that has been cooked for hundreds of years. It can be prepared in different styles, with mushrooms as the primary ingredient. The sauce is often cream-based and can be served with a variety of foods, including meats, pasta, and vegetables. The base of the sauce is typically made by sauteing mushrooms with butter, olive oil, or both, and then adding liquids such as wine, broth, and cream. Thickeners like cornstarch or flour are often added, along with seasonings like garlic, thyme, and pepper.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Mushrooms |
| Base | Cream, Butter, Olive Oil |
| Wine | White Wine, Red Wine |
| Seasoning | Salt, Pepper, Thyme, Parsley, Lemon Juice |
| Thickening Agent | Flour, Cornflour/Cornstarch |
| Additional Ingredients | Shallot, Garlic, Chicken Stock, Saffron, Basil |
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What You'll Learn
What type of mushrooms to use
When it comes to choosing mushrooms for your mushroom sauce, the good news is that you can use any variety you like, or even several varieties at once. Fresh mushrooms are best, but canned mushrooms can also be used.
Some common varieties used in mushroom sauce include:
- White button mushrooms
- Brown button mushrooms (Swiss Brown/Cremini)
- Portabellini/Chestnut mushrooms
- Oyster mushrooms
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Porcini mushrooms
If using dried mushrooms, be sure to soak them ahead of time, as they will otherwise be chewy and tough in the sauce.
When preparing the mushrooms, slice them to your preferred thickness. For the best flavour, fry or sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until they are golden brown. This should take around 4 to 5 minutes, but be careful not to overcook them. You want the mushrooms to retain a bit of firmness and meatiness.
Now that you've chosen your mushrooms, the next step is deciding what other ingredients to include in your sauce. A basic mushroom sauce typically includes butter, cream, and seasonings like salt and pepper. For added depth of flavour, consider adding wine, parmesan cheese, garlic, or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
Get creative and adjust the ingredients to your taste preferences!
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How to prevent a runny sauce
Mushroom sauce is a delicious complement to many dishes, but it can easily become runny. Mushrooms naturally contain a lot of water—about 92%—and this can turn your sauce watery if you're not careful. Here are some tips to prevent a runny mushroom sauce:
Cook the mushrooms thoroughly
Give the mushrooms time to release their water content and let it evaporate. This will deepen their flavour and prevent a runny sauce. Cook the mushrooms on medium-low heat, stirring them frequently to prevent burning. They will turn a deep brown colour and shrink in size. This is how you'll know they're done.
Use a heavy cream
If you're making a creamy sauce, choose heavy cream or a substitute over lighter options like half-and-half or whole milk. Heavy cream will thicken more as it cooks, helping you achieve the desired texture.
Use flour to create a roux
If you're short on time, you can thicken your sauce by creating a roux. Add equal parts butter and flour to the pan with the mushrooms and whisk to combine fully. Then, add the cream, and the mixture will thicken.
Use a wide pot
Mushrooms need space to cook properly. Using a wide pot with a large surface area allows the mushrooms to cook without steaming and getting soggy. Cook the mushrooms in a single layer, and don't overcrowd the pan.
Don't add salt right away
Salt draws out moisture, so if you add it at the beginning, the mushrooms will release their water content and steam. Let the mushrooms brown first, then add seasoning.
Use freshly grated cheese
Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with preservatives that prevent it from melting smoothly, which can affect the texture of your sauce. Grate your own cheese to avoid clumping.
By following these tips, you can prevent your mushroom sauce from becoming runny and achieve a thick, rich, and delicious sauce.
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What to serve with mushroom sauce
Mushroom sauce is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas on what to serve with mushroom sauce:
Proteins
Mushroom sauce pairs well with various proteins. It is commonly served with steak, making a delicious combination. You can also serve it with other cooked proteins such as beef, pork chops, chicken, turkey, or veal. The sauce complements the flavours of these meats and enhances their taste.
Pasta
Creamy mushroom sauce is an excellent choice to toss through pasta. It adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish, making it more indulgent and satisfying. You can use long, strong pasta or short pasta shapes like ziti or penne.
Potatoes
Mushroom sauce is a perfect pairing with potatoes. You can serve it with baked or jacket potatoes, or even smash or mash them for a comforting side dish. The sauce adds a savoury and earthy flavour to the potatoes.
Vegetables
For a vegetarian option, mushroom sauce can be served with steamed or roasted vegetables. It adds a rich and creamy element to the dish, complementing the freshness of the veggies. Asparagus or beans are great choices to pair with the sauce.
Omelettes and Bread
The savoury notes of mushroom sauce also make it a tasty addition to omelettes. You can smother the sauce on top of a freshly cooked omelette for a heartier breakfast or brunch option. Additionally, you can dip into the sauce with a crusty piece of bread to soak up all the delicious flavours.
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How to make a vegan version
To make a vegan version of mushroom sauce, you'll need to replace the dairy and butter typically used in the classic recipe. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Start by selecting a variety of mushrooms that have a good depth of flavor. Cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms are excellent choices. Clean and slice the mushrooms, and then sauté them in a pan with some vegan butter or olive oil. You want to cook the mushrooms until they're nice and golden, releasing their juices and developing a rich flavor.
For the sauce base, you can use a combination of plant-based milk and vegan butter. There are many plant-based milk options available, such as soy, almond, oat, or cashew milk. Choose an unsweetened variety and, if possible, opt for a milk with a higher fat content, as this will make your sauce creamier. Add the milk to the pan with the cooked mushrooms and stir through a generous knob of vegan butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To thicken the sauce, there are a few vegan-friendly options you can use. Cornstarch is a popular choice; create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water, then add this to your sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens. Another option is arrowroot powder, which is a great natural thickener and has a more neutral flavor than cornstarch. You can also use a roux made from vegan butter and flour, cooking the flour in the butter until it forms a paste, then stirring this through your sauce.
For added flavor, include some minced garlic and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. You could also add a splash of white wine to the mushrooms as they cook for a more complex flavor. If you like your sauce with a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Finally, remember to taste and adjust your seasoning as needed. Your vegan mushroom sauce should be creamy, flavorful, and perfect for serving with vegan steaks, roasted vegetables, or your favorite plant-based dishes.
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How to store and reheat mushroom sauce
Storing mushroom sauce
If you have made a large batch of mushroom sauce, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze mushroom sauce in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Reheating mushroom sauce
Mushroom sauce can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. To reheat on the stovetop, simply place the desired amount of sauce in a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a small amount of milk or water to thin it out. To reheat in the microwave, place the sauce in a microwave-safe container and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until heated through.
Storing fresh mushrooms
When storing fresh mushrooms, it is important to keep them in a paper bag or container that allows air to circulate. Do not wash the mushrooms before storing, as moisture can encourage spoilage. Fresh mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating mushrooms
It is safe to reheat mushrooms, and this can be done in a microwave, on a stovetop, or in the oven. However, it is important not to reheat mushrooms multiple times, as this can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom sauce is made with mushrooms as the primary ingredient, along with butter, cream or olive oil, wine, and pepper. Additional ingredients can include shallot, garlic, lemon juice, flour, chicken stock, saffron, basil, parsley, or other herbs.
To make mushroom sauce thicker, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water, or simply let the sauce reduce further by simmering for longer.
Mushroom sauce is very versatile and can be served with steak, chicken, pork, pasta, potatoes, rice, and vegetables.
