Sauteed Mushrooms, Again

Sauteed Mushrooms, Again

4 servings
My foolproof method for making perfectly cooked and beautifully brown mushrooms every time. Adding water into the mix causes the air pockets in the mushrooms to break down, resulting in floppier and denser slices. Yes, I realize that sounds like a contradiction but it isn’t.These sautéd mushrooms are delicious all on their own, but also form the backbone of other dishes, especially those of the meatless variety. This recipe first appeared in Season 2 of Good Eats: Reloaded.

Ingredients

  • button or cremini mushrooms

    sliced

    1 lb
  • water
    ⅓ c
  • unsalted butter
    2 tbsp
  • chopped fresh parsley or other fresh herb of your choice

    such as tarragon

    1 tbsp
  • kosher salt
    ½ tsp
  • freshly ground black pepper
    ¼ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat an 11-inch, high-sided sauté pan over high heat for 45 seconds. Add the mushrooms and water and cook until the mushrooms collapse, 2 to 4 minutes, then add the butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and serve.

Sauteed Mushrooms, Again

Sauteed Mushrooms, Again

20 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Tired of watery, sad sautéed mushrooms? Discover the secret to achieving beautifully browned, perfectly tender mushrooms every time with this foolproof recipe, a technique honed on Good Eats: Reloaded. This method transforms humble fungi into a deeply savory side dish that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about cooking mushrooms.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to these exceptional Sauteed Mushrooms, Again lies in a clever, counter-intuitive technique: adding water into the mix. This ingenious step causes the air pockets within the mushrooms to break down, resulting in slices that are delightfully denser and floppier. It's this unique approach that prevents the common pitfall of spongy or rubbery mushrooms, delivering an unparalleled texture and depth of flavor.

What to Expect

When you follow this method, you can expect perfectly cooked mushrooms with a beautifully browned exterior and a wonderfully dense, tender bite. The natural umami of button or cremini mushrooms is elevated by the richness of unsalted butter and perfectly seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. A final touch of fresh parsley or tarragon brightens the dish, making it a surprisingly quick and satisfying side. This naturally gluten-free and vegetarian dish is ready to enjoy in about 20 minutes of prep, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or as a foundational ingredient for other meals.

Customization & Variations

This recipe shines through the quality of its simple ingredients. While fresh parsley offers a classic finish, you are encouraged to experiment with other fresh herbs of your choice, such as tarragon, to tailor the flavor profile to your preference or to complement your main course. For the best results with this specific technique, it's recommended to stick to button or cremini mushrooms as specified.

Serving & Context

These Sauteed Mushrooms, Again are delicious all on their own as a simple, elegant side dish. They also form an excellent savory backbone for other dishes, especially those of the meatless variety. Serve them alongside your favorite protein, stirred into pasta, or as a rich topping for polenta or toast to elevate any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions