If you’re on the hunt for a quick yet flavorful side dish, look no further than this delightful Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions recipe. It’s not just a simple combination of ingredients; it’s a robust culinary experience that enhances any meal. Imagine luscious, golden mushrooms, perfectly complemented by the natural sweetness of sautéed onions, all ready in under 20 minutes! With just a handful of ingredients, you can elevate your weekday dinners, impress your guests, or create a topping for your favorite dishes.
This recipe is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a vegetarian, gluten-free diet, and it’s easily adaptable for vegan preferences. Sautéed mushrooms and onions blend seamlessly into countless dishes—whether piled atop a juicy burger, served alongside grilled chicken, or even mixed into a hearty breakfast scramble. Its straightforward nature means anyone, regardless of cooking expertise, can whip it up quickly while still satisfying their cravings for something delicious and wholesome.
Moreover, the versatility of this dish shines through. It not only serves as a simple side but can also be dressed up with various seasonings, herbs, and accompaniments, allowing you to customize according to your palate. Get ready to savor the flavors and enjoy the simplicity of this Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of mushrooms and onions creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile that delights the palate.
- Versatile Uses: Perfect as a side dish or topping and easily adaptable for various dietary needs.
- Minimal Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples, making it accessible for anyone.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delicious Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions recipe, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen space for a smooth cooking process. Start by ensuring you have a clean work surface and gather your ingredients: butter, olive oil, cremini mushrooms, a yellow onion, garlic, and your seasonings. A large skillet is a must-have for this recipe, as it allows for even cooking and encourages the mushrooms and onions to caramelize beautifully.
Having a sharp knife will make slicing the mushrooms and onions a breeze, while a cutting board will provide a stable surface to work from. If you have a spatula, keep it handy for stirring the sautéed mixture. Once you have all your tools and ingredients ready, you’re set to create a dish that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by cleaning the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. It’s crucial not to soak them in water; otherwise, they’ll become soggy. After cleaning, slice the mushrooms evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. Next, take the yellow onion and slice it thinly—this maximizes sweetness as it caramelizes. Finally, mince the garlic cloves finely to release their intense flavor.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, allowing it to warm up. Add the butter and olive oil, allowing it to melt and combine. The combination of butter and olive oil provides the perfect base for sautéing, giving rich flavor and high smoke point for cooking the mushrooms properly.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
Once the skillet is hot, add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pan. This helps to achieve a golden-brown color. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes. Stir them occasionally to promote even browning. Cook until they are beautifully caramelized and tender, about 6-8 minutes in total.
Step 4: Add the Onions
Now it’s time to add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Sauté them with the mushrooms and continue cooking for an additional 6-8 minutes. The goal is to soften the onions and allow them to become lightly caramelized, which will infuse sweetness into the mixture.
Step 5: Incorporate Garlic
When the onions are softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Garlic enhances the finished dish with its aromatic flavor, providing an enticing fragrance as it cooks.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Once everything is sautéed to perfection, season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, add a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar, which brings an extra depth of flavor. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Variations
- Protein: Add cooked chicken, beef, or even tofu to make it a heartier dish.
- Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers or spinach for added color and nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or cumin for an extra kick.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your skillet is sufficiently heated before adding the ingredients to achieve optimal caramelization.
- Adjust cooking times according to personal preference for the level of doneness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over rice or quinoa for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Use as a topping on burgers, grilled steak, or pasta.
Tips
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference—more can intensify the flavor.
- Keep the heat at medium-high for the best caramelization; too low may result in steaming.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
FAQs
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms are fantastic for this recipe, you can swap them out for button mushrooms, shiitake, or portobello, depending on your taste preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This sautéed mushroom and onion mixture can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and skip the use of soy sauce that isn’t vegan-friendly.
What can I serve with sautéed mushrooms and onions?
This versatile dish goes well with a variety of meals, such as grilled meats, pasta, or even atop polenta or rice dishes.
Conclusion
This Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions recipe is a testament to the idea that great flavors can be achieved with minimal effort and ingredients. It offers the ideal balance of savory and sweet, perfect for enhancing numerous dishes and satisfying your cravings. Whether you choose to enjoy it as a side or as part of a more elaborate meal, the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget to share your experience or any variations you try! Cooking is meant to be fun and creative—let this recipe inspire your kitchen adventures.
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Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions recipe is a perfect side dish that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by cleaning the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. It’s crucial not to soak them in water; otherwise, they’ll become soggy. After cleaning, slice the mushrooms evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. Next, take the yellow onion and slice it thinly—this maximizes sweetness as it caramelizes. Finally, mince the garlic cloves finely to release their intense flavor.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, allowing it to warm up. Add the butter and olive oil, allowing it to melt and combine. The combination of butter and olive oil provides the perfect base for sautéing, giving rich flavor and high smoke point for cooking the mushrooms properly.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pan. This helps to achieve a golden-brown color. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes. Stir them occasionally to promote even browning. Cook until they are beautifully caramelized and tender, about 6-8 minutes in total.
- Now it’s time to add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Sauté them with the mushrooms and continue cooking for an additional 6-8 minutes. The goal is to soften the onions and allow them to become lightly caramelized, which will infuse sweetness into the mixture.
- When the onions are softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Garlic enhances the finished dish with its aromatic flavor, providing an enticing fragrance as it cooks.
- Once everything is sautéed to perfection, season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, add a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar, which brings an extra depth of flavor. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference—more can intensify the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Protein: 3 g