Mushrooms are hated by many, but so good when cooked right! They are packed with umami, which makes us wanting to come back for me. Below I go over more about mushrooms, how to cook them, clean them, etc.

Choose the Right Mushrooms

The first step to cooking mushrooms is to choose the right type. While button mushrooms are the most commonly used, there are many different varieties to choose from, each with its unique flavor and texture. Shiitake, portobello, oyster, and cremini mushrooms are some of the most popular types. My absolute favorite are maitake if you can get your hands on them! But in this recipe I used good ole crimini.

Clean and Prepare the Mushrooms

Before cooking, it is essential to clean and prepare the mushrooms. To clean them, gently wipe them with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt or debris. Some people avoid washing mushrooms with water as they absorb moisture and become soggy, however I find that as long as you don’t soak them, you will be fine washing quickly with your hands.

Once cleaned, prepare the mushrooms by removing the stems and trimming any tough or woody parts. Cut them into slices, cubes, or leave them whole.

Cooking Methods

Mushrooms can be cooked using various methods, including sautéing, roasting, grilling, and baking. Here are some of the best methods for cooking mushrooms:

  1. Sautéing: Heat some oil or butter in a pan over medium-high heat, add the mushrooms and cook for a few minutes until they are browned and tender. DONT SALT UNTIL THEY ARE BROWN. Salting them too early draws out water and they won’t be able to brown.
  2. Roasting: Toss the mushrooms with some oil and seasonings, then spread them out on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. This is maybe my least favorite way because it dries them out.
  3. Grilling: Brush the mushrooms with oil and seasonings, then grill them over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side until they are tender and charred. I love doing this for larger mushrooms like portobello.

Tips for Maximizing Flavor

  1. Season well: Mushrooms have a mild flavor, so be sure to season them well with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs to enhance their taste. Make sure to add salt towards the end of cooking.
  2. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook mushrooms in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can cause them to steam instead of brown.

Try out this simple recipe and let me know what you think of mushrooms!

  • SERVINGS:  4
  • PREP TIME: 5 Mins
  • ACTIVE TIME: 10 Mins
  • TOTAL TIME: 15 Min

These are the perfect weeknight side dish that is healthy, quick to make, and delicious!

Ingredients:

  • Olive oil
  • 1 lb mushrooms of choice, thinly sliced and cleaned
  • 2 shallots, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • minced parsley or chives for garnish
  • salt and pepper

Preparation:

STEP 1.

In a saute pan over medium high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the mushrooms in an even layer, do not overcrowd the pan, or the mushrooms will steam. Let them sit, unbothered, for 3 minutes until they have a nice golden crust. Flip them and stir after three minutes, laying them in another even layer, and let them sit another 3 minutes.

STEP 2.

After those six minutes, they should be browning. Add shallots and stir in. Add salt all over and saute another 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and saute another minute, salting and peppering as you go.

STEP 3.

Once the mushrooms are cooked through, remove from the heat and garnish with minced herbs.