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Spicy garlic butter mushrooms offer a tantalizing mix of creamy, rich flavors with a bold spicy kick, thanks to the infusion of fresh garlic and a red pepper flakes. This dish, perfect as a side or a main, delights with its combination of the earthy tones of mushrooms and the comforting warmth of butter, creating a mouthwatering culinary experience. It’s also keto and paleo friendly!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – so you can make this dish, understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – so even the most beginner home cook can become an expert and feel empowered in the kitchen. I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help home cooks of any skill level better understand the processes we use and why!
Table of Contents
Garlic Packed Spicy Mushrooms
Spicy garlic butter mushrooms are an exquisite culinary delight that tantalize the taste buds with their harmonious blend of flavors. This dish starts with the earthy foundation of fresh mushrooms, which are known for their ability to absorb and amplify flavors. The mushrooms are sautéed in a rich, velvety butter, infusing them with a creamy and luxurious texture. The addition of garlic brings a pungent, aromatic quality to the dish, creating a depth of flavor that is both bold and comforting. The key to this dish lies in the balance of the garlic’s robustness with the butter’s smoothness, ensuring that each bite is a perfect symphony of taste.
The spice element of this dish elevates it to a new level. A careful blend of spices, often including red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sometimes a hint of smoked paprika, is added to introduce a gentle heat that slowly builds on the palate. This spiciness is not overwhelming but rather complements the richness of the butter and the savory notes of garlic, resulting in a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Often garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, these mushrooms can be served as a delectable appetizer, a side dish to a variety of mains, or even as a topping for a steak or a creamy pasta. The versatility and the explosion of flavors in spicy garlic butter mushrooms make them a favorite for both casual dinners and special occasions, appealing to those who cherish bold and aromatic culinary creations.
These mushrooms are amazing on their own out of the skillet, but are also great on or with a ribeye steak, served over pasta, made into a sandwich like vegan cheesesteak, or in your favorite sandwiches or salads.
How to MAke Savory Mushrooms
First assemble the following ingredients
- Cremini mushrooms (1 lb) – They provide a rich, earthy flavor with a meaty texture.
- Butter (4 tbsp) – Adds a creamy, rich, and smooth taste to the dish.
- Garlic (2 tbsp) – Imparts a strong, pungent, and slightly spicy flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (1/8 tsp) – Contribute a sharp, piquant heat to the mushrooms.
- Thyme (2 sprig) – Offers a subtle, slightly minty, and earthy aroma.
- Sea salt (1/4 tsp) – Enhances the overall flavors of the dish with its mineral-rich taste.
- Black pepper (1/8 tsp) – Adds a warm, woody, and slightly spicy note.
- Green onion (2 tbsp) – Provides a fresh, mild, and slightly sweet onion flavor.
Use this method:
Prep Pan. Melt the butter in a large pan over medium high heat.
Sauté. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sautee 1-2 minutes till fragrant. Add the mushrooms and thyme then season with salt and pepper.
Cook till Tender. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden brown and tender, 7-10 minutes.
Garnish. Sprinkle green onions on the mushrooms and serve.
Tips and Tricks for making Mushrooms
Choose the Right Mushrooms: Opt for fresh, firm mushrooms like cremini, button, or portobello for the best flavor and texture. Make sure they are clean and dry before cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the mushrooms in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the pan. This allows them to brown nicely rather than steam.
Start with High Heat: Begin by sautéing mushrooms on high heat to sear them and lock in flavors. Once they start to brown, you can lower the heat.
Add Garlic Later: Garlic burns easily, so add it to the pan after the mushrooms have started to brown. This will prevent the garlic from becoming bitter.
Control the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or your choice of spicy ingredients according to your heat preference.
Deglaze the Pan: After the mushrooms are cooked, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, broth, or even a bit of lemon juice to add more flavor to the sauce.
Season Properly: Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed after the mushrooms have cooked.
Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives to add a fresh contrast to the rich and spicy flavors.
Let Them Rest: Once cooked, let the mushrooms rest for a minute or two. This allows the flavors to meld together more cohesively.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for different flavor profiles.
FAQs
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat it gently before serving.
Gently wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or a soft brush. Avoid soaking them in water as they absorb moisture and can become soggy.
Yes, to make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil.
The spiciness largely depends on the amount of red pepper flakes used. Adjust the quantity to increase or decrease the heat level to your preference.
Cremini mushrooms are ideal due to their rich, earthy flavor and meaty texture, but you can also use white button or portobello mushrooms as alternatives.
What to Enjoy with your Mushrooms
Grilled Steak: The richness of the mushrooms pairs excellently with the savory flavors of a well-cooked steak.
Roasted Chicken: The subtle flavors of roasted chicken are enhanced by the boldness of the spicy garlic butter mushrooms.
Baked or Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of potatoes complements the spicy and garlicky mushrooms, making for a comforting meal.
Fresh Crusty Bread: Ideal for soaking up the delicious buttery sauce from the mushrooms.
Creamy Polenta: A smooth and creamy polenta serves as a great base to enjoy the rich flavors of the mushrooms.
Pasta: Toss them with your favorite pasta for a quick and flavorful meal.
Risotto: Stirring these mushrooms into a creamy risotto adds a spicy and garlicky twist.
Grilled Vegetables: Pair with a medley of grilled vegetables for a healthy and flavorful meal.
On a Burger: Top a juicy burger with these mushrooms for an extra burst of flavor.
As a Bruschetta Topping: Serve atop toasted bruschetta for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Try these mushrooms recipes:
Spicy Garlic Butter Mushrooms Recipe
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Spicy Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms, cleaned
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoon minced garlic
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 sprig fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 2 tablespoon green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pan over medium high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sautee 1-2 minutes till fragrant. Add the mushrooms and thyme then season with salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden brown and tender, 7-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle green onions on the mushrooms and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
