Mushroom Cream Sauce: A Rich, Savory Classic

what is mushroom cream sauce

Mushroom cream sauce is a rich, creamy, savoury sauce that is versatile and easy to make. It is typically made with mushrooms, butter, garlic, and cream, and can be served with a variety of dishes, including steak, chicken, pork, pasta, and vegetables. The sauce is simple yet luxurious and can be customised with different herbs, spices, and wines to suit individual tastes. It is a popular choice for cooks due to its versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to elevate a variety of meals.

Characteristics Values
Ingredients Mushrooms, Butter, Garlic, Cream, Wine, Broth, Salt, Pepper, Thyme, Oregano, Parmesan Cheese, Parsley, Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, Lemon, Milk, Cornstarch, Water, Olive Oil, Soy Sauce/Tamari, Honey, Onion
Preparation Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, add mushrooms and garlic, saute until mushrooms are browned, add liquids and seasonings, simmer until thickened and creamy
Serving suggestions Steak, Chicken, Pork, Pasta, Potatoes, Rice, Noodles, Bread, Vegetables
Calories 132-222 kcal

anspore

How to make mushroom cream sauce

Creamy mushroom sauce is a versatile dish that can be served with steak, chicken, pork, pasta, vegetables, and more. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious and creamy mushroom sauce:

Ingredients:

  • Butter
  • Olive oil
  • Mushrooms (any variety, but button mushrooms are more pale in colour)
  • Garlic cloves
  • Cream (heavy/whipping cream)
  • Milk
  • Fresh thyme (or other herbs like oregano, rosemary, and parsley)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Lemon
  • Parsley
  • Cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
  • White wine (optional, for deglazing the pan)
  • Chicken/vegetable/beef broth (optional)

Instructions:

  • Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The butter and oil mixture helps to prevent the butter from burning.
  • Add the mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown. This should take around 4-6 minutes. Do not stir constantly, but do keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning.
  • Just before the mushrooms are done, add the garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
  • If using wine, pour it in and stir, scraping the bottom of the skillet. Continue until the wine has evaporated.
  • If using broth, add it now and stir.
  • Pour in the cream and milk, and allow the sauce to simmer gently. For a thicker sauce, simmer for a longer period.
  • Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Stir in fresh herbs like parsley and thyme.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water separately, then adding it to the sauce.
  • Serve immediately. This sauce goes well with steak, chicken, pork, pasta, vegetables, and more.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasoning to your taste. Enjoy your creamy mushroom sauce!

Psycillon Mushrooms: Benefits and Uses

You may want to see also

anspore

What to serve with mushroom cream sauce

Mushroom cream sauce is a versatile sauce that can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on what to serve with mushroom cream sauce:

Steak

One popular option is to serve the mushroom cream sauce over a steak. The sauce complements the steak beautifully, adding a creamy and buttery dimension to the dish. It can be served with a simple marinade or a dry rub made with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Alternatively, you can rub olive oil on both sides of the steak and then add spices such as Italian seasoning, paprika, chili powder, garlic salt, or a Cajun dry rub.

Chicken

The mushroom cream sauce also goes well with chicken. It can be served as a topping or alongside roasted or baked chicken. The sauce's richness enhances the flavour of the chicken, making it a delicious and indulgent option.

Pasta

Mushroom cream sauce is an excellent choice for pasta dishes. It can be tossed with long or short pasta shapes, such as ziti or penne, to create a creamy and flavourful pasta dish. The sauce coats the pasta generously, resulting in a satisfying and indulgent meal.

Potatoes

Consider serving mushroom cream sauce with potatoes in various forms. It can be stuffed into baked potatoes, creating a hearty and comforting dish. Alternatively, it can be paired with mashed potatoes, providing a luxurious twist on the classic side dish. The sauce's creaminess complements the texture of the potatoes, making it a decadent treat.

Omelettes

For a decadent breakfast or brunch option, serve mushroom cream sauce with omelettes. The sauce can be smothered over the omelette, adding a rich and savoury element to the dish. It transforms a simple omelette into a luxurious and indulgent meal.

Rice and Noodles

The sauce pairs well with rice and noodles, adding a creamy and savoury dimension to these dishes. It can be drizzled over cooked rice or tossed with egg noodles, providing a simple yet indulgent twist.

The versatility of mushroom cream sauce makes it a delightful addition to various dishes, enhancing their flavour and adding a touch of indulgence. Whether served with steak, chicken, pasta, or potatoes, it is sure to impress and satisfy.

anspore

How to adjust the consistency of mushroom cream sauce

To adjust the consistency of mushroom cream sauce, you can make it thicker or thinner to suit your preference.

Thicken the Sauce

To make a thicker mushroom cream sauce, you can use a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and water (about two tablespoons of each) in a small bowl, then add it to the sauce as it cooks and thickens. You can also use a mixture of cornstarch and broth instead of water. Add the cornstarch mixture gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Another way to thicken the sauce is to simply let it simmer for longer, reducing it down further. This method also works well, allowing the sauce to thicken and become creamier.

Thin Out the Sauce

If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding more liquid. You can add more broth, cream, or even a splash of wine to thin it out and adjust the consistency.

Browning the Mushrooms

The browning of the mushrooms also impacts the consistency of the sauce. For a thicker sauce, ensure the mushrooms are well browned before adding the liquid. This will add a deeper colour and flavour to your sauce. If you prefer a paler sauce, add the liquid before the mushrooms are fully browned.

Additionally, be mindful not to overcrowd the pan with mushrooms as this can affect the browning process. Fry the mushrooms in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.

The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Mushrooms

You may want to see also

anspore

How to adjust the taste of mushroom cream sauce

A creamy mushroom sauce is a versatile dish that can be served with pasta, steak, chicken, pork, vegetables, and more. The sauce is rich and creamy with a strong mushroom flavour. While the basic recipe remains the same, there are several ways to adjust the taste of mushroom cream sauce to suit your preferences. Here are some tips to help you customise your sauce:

Type of Mushrooms

The type of mushroom you use can impact the flavour and colour of the sauce. While any edible mushroom can be used, some varieties yield a paler sauce, while others result in a more golden or brown colour. For instance, button mushrooms are very pale compared to portabellini/chestnut mushrooms. So, depending on your colour preference, choose your mushrooms accordingly.

Browning the Mushrooms

Allowing the mushrooms to brown properly before adding liquid will result in a golden sauce. Make sure not to overcook or overcrowd the pan, frying the mushrooms in batches if necessary. The mushrooms should still be a bit firm and meaty, not soggy. Browning the mushrooms well also adds an intense flavour to the sauce.

Add-ins for Flavour

To enhance the flavour of your mushroom cream sauce, consider adding ingredients like garlic, white wine, or fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, rosemary, or parsley. A dash of soy sauce or tamari can also increase the umami flavour. If you want a cheesy sauce, stir in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Additionally, you can experiment with ingredients like leeks and kale or red wine to give your sauce a unique twist.

Thickening the Sauce

If you prefer a thicker sauce, there are a few techniques you can use. One method is to create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and water, then adding it to the sauce as it cooks. Another way is to simply let the sauce reduce further by simmering it on the stove until it reaches your desired consistency.

Seasoning

Adjusting the seasoning is a simple way to customise the taste of your mushroom cream sauce. Most recipes call for salt and pepper, but you can also add additional seasonings like Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, or lemon juice to enhance the flavour profile. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings to suit your preference.

Remember, this sauce is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create a flavour profile that suits your taste buds. Happy cooking!

Mushrooms: Niacin-Rich Superfood or Not?

You may want to see also

anspore

Types of mushrooms to use in mushroom cream sauce

A creamy mushroom sauce is a luxurious yet simple sauce that can be used on a variety of dishes, from steak to chicken, chops to pasta, and even baked potatoes. The key to making this sauce is getting complexity into it by using ingredients like wine, parmesan, and broth.

When it comes to the types of mushrooms that can be used in a mushroom cream sauce, the options are varied. Here are some of the most commonly used mushrooms:

  • White button mushrooms: These are standard mushrooms that can be easily found in grocery stores. They have a mild flavour and a delicate texture, making them a good choice for sauces.
  • Brown button mushrooms (Swiss Brown/Cremini): These mushrooms have a slightly more earthy flavour and a firmer texture compared to white button mushrooms. They are a good option if you want a more robust mushroom taste in your sauce.
  • Baby Bellas: Also known as Crimini mushrooms, these are a smaller variety of the Cremini mushrooms. They have a more delicate texture and a slightly milder flavour compared to the larger Cremini mushrooms. Baby Bellas hold their texture and flavour well when cooked, making them a popular choice for sauces.
  • Wild Mushrooms: If you want to add a more intense mushroom flavour to your sauce, consider using wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, porcinis, or morels. These mushrooms have a more distinct flavour and aroma, adding a complex earthy note to your sauce.
  • Shiitake Mushrooms: With their meaty texture and robust flavour, shiitake mushrooms can be a great addition to a mushroom cream sauce. They are commonly used in Asian cuisine and have a unique umami taste that can enhance the savouriness of your dish.

When using fresh mushrooms, it is important to cook them properly to enhance their flavour and texture. Sautéing or stir-frying them in butter or oil over medium-high heat until they are golden brown will bring out their flavour and add a nice texture to your sauce. It is also important to note that dried mushrooms should be soaked before using them in a sauce to avoid a chewy and tough texture.

Frequently asked questions

Mushroom cream sauce is a rich and creamy sauce made with mushrooms, butter, garlic, and cream. It is often seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs such as thyme and oregano. The sauce is versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes, including steak, chicken, pasta, and vegetables.

To make mushroom cream sauce, first cook the mushrooms in butter over medium heat until they are browned. Then add garlic and other seasonings, followed by liquid ingredients such as wine, broth, and cream. Simmer the sauce until it thickens and season to taste.

Mushroom cream sauce is a versatile sauce that can be served in a variety of ways. It is commonly served with steak, chicken, pork, or pasta. It can also be used as a gravy for mashed or roasted potatoes, or as a sauce for vegetables such as asparagus or cauliflower. The sauce can be adjusted to your taste, with additions such as white wine, garlic, or herbs.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment