Print

Mushroom Sauce

Mushroom Sauce
Print Recipe

This quick and luxurious Mushroom Sauce recipe enhances a variety of dishes with its rich, earthy umami flavors and creamy texture. Ready in under 20 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights and can be served with meats, pasta, grains, and vegetables. Made with simple, fresh ingredients and customizable to fit dietary preferences, this versatile sauce elevates everyday meals to restaurant-quality delights.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz fresh mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot or 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or vegetable/chicken broth (for deglazing)
  • Grated Parmesan or cream cheese (for cheesy twist)
  • Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (for added spice)

Vegan Substitutes

  • Olive oil instead of butter
  • Coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mushrooms: Gently clean your mushrooms with a damp towel to remove dirt, then slice them evenly to ensure consistent cooking and flavor infusion.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallots or onions and minced garlic; cook until fragrant and soft but not browned, creating the aromatic base for the sauce.
  3. Cook the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, developing deep umami flavors.
  4. Deglaze the pan: Pour in a splash of white wine or broth to lift the flavorful browned bits from the pan, and let it reduce slightly to concentrate the taste.
  5. Add cream and herbs: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream or half-and-half, followed by fresh thyme or parsley. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens to a velvety texture, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Finish and serve: Stir everything to combine fully, then remove from heat. The mushroom sauce is ready to pour over your favorite dishes, dollop, or toss.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help everything blend smoothly without clumping.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; sauté mushrooms in batches if needed to avoid steaming and preserve texture.
  • Allow mushrooms to brown properly to develop rich, nutty undertones.
  • Adjust sauce consistency by thinning with broth or thickening with a cornstarch slurry as preferred.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to keep their flavors bright and vibrant.

Nutrition

Keywords: mushroom sauce, creamy mushroom sauce, quick mushroom sauce, umami sauce, mushroom cream sauce, versatile mushroom sauce, easy mushroom sauce

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/mushroom-sauce/