Introduction:
Garlic Butter Mushrooms are one of the most flavorful and simple side dishes you can prepare, offering a combination of earthy mushrooms, rich butter, and aromatic garlic that creates an irresistible dish. This savory recipe is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making it a great choice for any meal. Whether you’re pairing it with steak, chicken, pasta, or simply serving it as a side dish, these garlic butter mushrooms will elevate your meal to the next level.
What makes this dish so fantastic is its simplicity and ability to shine with just a few ingredients. The rich garlic butter sauce coats the tender mushrooms perfectly, delivering a punch of flavor with every bite. With its deliciously savory taste, it’s no wonder that garlic butter mushrooms are a go-to choice for countless recipes and meal ideas.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step instructions for making garlic butter mushrooms, discuss some variations, and share how to tailor the recipe for different dietary needs, including keto and low-carb versions. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Butter Mushrooms, you will need:
For the Mushrooms:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional for added flavor)
For Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a touch of spice)
- Lemon zest (optional for a citrusy note)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
Start by preparing the mushrooms. Clean them thoroughly by gently wiping them with a damp cloth or using a soft mushroom brush. Avoid rinsing them under water, as mushrooms tend to absorb moisture, which can affect their texture when cooking. After cleaning, slice the mushrooms into even pieces, about 1/4-inch thick.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir them well to coat them in the garlic butter mixture. Continue to cook the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to release their moisture and become tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the mushrooms cook evenly.
Step 4: Add More Butter and Seasoning
Once the mushrooms are tender, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir until the butter has fully melted and coats the mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add fresh thyme or rosemary if desired. Stir again to combine all the ingredients.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat once the mushrooms are cooked and coated in the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. If you’d like, you can also garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, cheesy finish.
Serve the garlic butter mushrooms immediately as a side dish with your favorite meal. These mushrooms pair wonderfully with steak, chicken, pasta, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.
Cook Notes:
- Mushroom Variety: While button mushrooms are the most commonly used in this recipe, you can also use cremini, portobello, or shiitake mushrooms for different flavors and textures. Cremini mushrooms are especially great because they have a slightly deeper flavor than the more common button mushroom.
- Butter: Using unsalted butter in this recipe helps control the salt content. However, if you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute part or all of the butter with a mix of olive oil and butter.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for this recipe, as it brings a strong, aromatic flavor that complements the butter and mushrooms. You can adjust the garlic to your preference, adding more or less depending on how strong you like the garlic flavor.
- Pan Choice: A large skillet works best for sautéing the mushrooms, as it allows the mushrooms to spread out evenly and cook properly. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as the mushrooms will release moisture and cook better if they have some space.
- Reheating: Garlic butter mushrooms are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat them in a skillet on low heat until warmed through.
Variations of Garlic Butter Mushrooms:
Garlic butter mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be easily customized based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some great variations you can try:
Creamy Garlic Butter Mushrooms:
For a richer version of this dish, add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the skillet once the mushrooms are cooked. Stir in the cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens into a creamy sauce. This will result in a luxurious, velvety texture that is perfect for pairing with steak or grilled chicken.
Spicy Garlic Butter Mushrooms:
If you enjoy a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture. The spice will balance out the rich butter and garlic, giving the dish a fiery kick that pairs well with grilled meats or as a topping for burgers.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms with Wine:
For a more sophisticated take, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or red wine after sautéing the garlic and before adding the mushrooms. The wine will add an additional layer of flavor and richness to the dish. You can also finish the dish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Vegan Garlic Butter Mushrooms:
To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based butter or olive oil. The garlic and fresh herbs will still provide plenty of flavor, and the mushrooms will absorb the vegan butter, creating a savory and satisfying side dish.
Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Mushrooms:
In addition to thyme or rosemary, try adding fresh herbs like oregano, basil, or sage to the garlic butter mushrooms. These herbs will infuse the butter with different flavors and complement the earthy mushrooms perfectly.
Keto-Friendly Garlic Butter Mushrooms:
Garlic Butter Mushrooms are naturally keto-friendly, as they are low in carbs and packed with healthy fats from the butter. This makes them a great side dish for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet. Here’s how to make sure this recipe stays keto-compliant:
- Butter: Use full-fat unsalted butter, as it’s the main source of fat in this recipe. You can also use grass-fed butter for a richer, more nutrient-dense option.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms are low in carbs, making them perfect for a keto diet. A 1-cup serving of mushrooms contains less than 2 grams of net carbs, so feel free to enjoy them as part of your keto meal plan.
- Add Protein: For a complete keto meal, pair the garlic butter mushrooms with a protein-rich main dish like grilled chicken, steak, or salmon.
Keto Tips:
- Avoid adding any sugar or high-carb vegetables, such as carrots or peas, to the recipe. Keep it simple with garlic, butter, and mushrooms to stay within your keto macros.
Low-Carb Garlic Butter Mushrooms:
For those following a low-carb lifestyle, garlic butter mushrooms are an excellent side dish option. Since mushrooms are naturally low in carbs, they fit seamlessly into a low-carb eating plan. Here are a few tips for making this dish even more low-carb friendly:
- Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter: If you prefer a lighter, plant-based option, substitute some or all of the butter with olive oil. This will give the dish a slightly different flavor but will still complement the mushrooms beautifully.
- Limit Additional Carbs: Be cautious of any high-carb additions, such as bread crumbs, creamy sauces, or sugary condiments. Stick with the basics—garlic, butter, and mushrooms—to keep the carb count low.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use frozen mushrooms for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh mushrooms for garlic butter mushrooms, as frozen mushrooms tend to release too much moisture when cooked, affecting the texture. If you do use frozen mushrooms, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking.
2. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute garlic powder in a pinch. Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every garlic clove in the recipe.
3. How do I store leftover garlic butter mushrooms?
Store leftover mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet on low heat or in the microwave, adding a small amount of butter if necessary to restore the flavor.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the garlic butter mushrooms?
Yes, you can! Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the skillet along with the mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you add.
5. Can I make garlic butter mushrooms ahead of time?
Garlic butter mushrooms are best served fresh, but you can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Reheat before serving to ensure the mushrooms stay tender and the sauce remains flavorful.
Conclusion:
Garlic Butter Mushrooms are the epitome of a simple yet luxurious dish. This easy-to-make recipe combines earthy mushrooms with rich, savory butter and aromatic garlic to create an irresistible side dish. Whether you’re serving it with steak, chicken, or pasta, these mushrooms will be the highlight of any meal.
From adding creamy textures to making them keto-friendly or low-carb, there are countless ways to adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs. With so much versatility, flavor, and ease of preparation, Garlic Butter Mushrooms are a must-try dish that will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
