Quick Description
Rich, savory, and full of umami flavor — these Garlic Butter Balsamic Mushrooms are the perfect side dish for steak, chicken, or even served over toast. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re buttery, garlicky, and irresistibly glazed with balsamic goodness.
Servings & Timing
- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Dietary Info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) whole cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, for balance)
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Wipe mushrooms clean with a damp cloth. Trim the stems if needed but keep them whole for best texture.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add mushrooms in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until they start to brown.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Sauce: Add balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to coat the mushrooms evenly.
- Simmer & Glaze: Lower heat to medium and cook another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces into a glossy glaze.
- Season & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Quick Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook mushrooms in batches if necessary to allow proper browning.
- For extra richness, finish with an extra teaspoon of butter just before serving.
- Great as a steak topping, toast spread, or mixed into pasta.
About This Recipe
These Garlic Butter Balsamic Mushrooms were born from a weeknight craving for something deeply flavorful yet simple. With just a handful of ingredients, the combination of butter, garlic, and balsamic vinegar transforms ordinary mushrooms into an elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with nearly anything.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Brown the Mushrooms
Start by heating butter and oil together. Add mushrooms and let them sear until golden on one side — resist stirring too early for proper caramelization.
Tip: Browning develops flavor; if they release too much liquid, increase heat slightly.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Once golden, add minced garlic and thyme. Stir continuously for 1 minute to prevent burning.
Step 3: Create the Glaze
Pour in balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the mushrooms.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.
Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
- Mushrooms: Cremini have a meatier flavor, but button mushrooms or portobello pieces also work well.
- Butter: Provides richness; substitute vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami; replace with tamari or coconut aminos if gluten-free.
- Balsamic Vinegar: For milder acidity, use half balsamic and half red wine vinegar.
- Thyme: Fresh herbs brighten the flavor, but dried thyme or rosemary can be used.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp chili flakes for subtle heat.
- Creamy Version: Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream at the end for a silky sauce.
- Herb Twist: Swap parsley for basil or chives.
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Serving Ideas:
- Spoon over grilled steak or chicken.
- Serve on toasted sourdough as a snack.
- Mix into risotto or pasta for a gourmet upgrade.
- Pairing: Excellent with a glass of pinot noir or a chilled white wine.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Storage: Cool completely, store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended — mushrooms lose texture after thawing.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or butter until heated through.
- Make-Ahead: Sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for 2 days. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked mushrooms.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
Dietary Highlights: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free option available
Allergens: Contains dairy (butter), soy (if using soy sauce)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use canned mushrooms?
A: Fresh mushrooms are strongly preferred for texture and flavor. Canned mushrooms won’t brown properly.
Q: Can I make this in the oven?
A: Yes. Roast mushrooms at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, then toss with the garlic butter balsamic mixture and roast 5 more minutes.
Q: How can I make this vegan?
A: Use plant-based butter and tamari — it tastes just as good.
Q: Why did my mushrooms get soggy?
A: Likely overcrowding or low heat. Cook in batches and let them sear before stirring.
The Story Behind the Recipe
This recipe started as a quick side for grilled chicken but became a family favorite on its own. The magic lies in that sweet-savory glaze — rich butter meets tangy balsamic, with garlic tying everything together. It’s proof that simple ingredients can make restaurant-quality flavor in minutes.
Join the Conversation
Tried this recipe? Share your version or serving idea in the comments!
Love garlic as much as we do? Try our Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes next.
