What to Eat with Sautéed Mushrooms – 15 Perfect Pairings!
Wondering what to eat with sautéed mushrooms? These earthy, savory mushrooms pair perfectly with a variety of dishes.
Sautéed mushrooms are a versatile side dish that can elevate any meal. From steak to pasta, here’s a roundup of the best side dishes and meals to serve with mushrooms.
The rich, savory flavor of mushrooms, especially when cooked in garlic butter with herbs like thyme and parsley, makes the best sautéed mushrooms.
The key to enjoying mushrooms is finding the right main dish or sides that balance the deep, earthy flavor of the mushrooms.
If you love mushrooms and want to incorporate them into more meals, there are endless possibilities. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with your sautéed mushrooms recipe.
1. Steak
One of the most classic uses of mushrooms is a topping for steak. The combination of the mushrooms’ rich flavor with the juicy tenderness of a perfectly cooked steak is a match made in heaven.
Serve with steak or as the perfect side dish, complete with the flavors of garlic and herbs.
2. Pork Chops
Another great pairing for sautéed mushrooms is pork chops. The mushrooms’ deep, savory notes pair well with the mild flavor of the pork.
If you’re making a mushroom sauce or simply serving mushrooms on the side, this combo will elevate your meal.
3. Pasta
Sautéed mushrooms are a fantastic addition to pasta dishes. Whether it’s a creamy pasta or a simple garlic and oil base, cook mushrooms until they’re tender and caramelized adding richness and texture to your pasta dish.
For a quick weeknight dinner, add mushrooms to spaghetti, minced garlic, salt and pepper, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. The mushrooms make the dish feel hearty and satisfying, even without meat.
4. Grilled Chicken
If you’re looking for a lighter option, pair your sautéed mushrooms with grilled chicken. The mushrooms’ robust flavor contrasts nicely with the mildness of chicken breast, especially when seasoned with herbs like thyme and parsley.
You can even use the mushrooms to top the chicken for an extra flavor boost. This combination works perfectly for a healthy, protein-packed meal.
5. Risotto
For a luxurious meal, serve sautéed mushrooms with risotto. The creamy, buttery rice complements the savory flavor of mushrooms.
Mushroom risotto is a classic dish, but adding your own sautéed mushrooms on top can make the dish even more decadent.
6. Roasted Vegetables
For a lighter, more veggie-focused meal, serve mushrooms alongside roasted vegetables. Roasted mushrooms work wonderfully when paired with other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers.
The mushrooms release their juices and mix with the vegetables to create a hearty, flavorful side that works well with everything from fish to vegetarian dishes.
7. Baked Potatoes
Topping a baked potato with mushrooms is a delicious way to make the classic side dish more exciting. This pairing is great for a cozy weeknight meal or as a side at a steakhouse-inspired dinner.
8. Tofu or Tempeh
For a vegetarian or vegan option, pair mushrooms with tofu or tempeh. The earthy flavor of mushrooms complements the mild taste of tofu and the nutty flavor of tempeh.
Sauté the tofu or tempeh in the same skillet as the mushrooms for a seamless dish. Adding soy sauce or miso to the mushrooms can give the dish an extra burst of flavor.
9. Quinoa
For a lighter but still hearty option, try pairing your sautéed mushrooms with quinoa. The nutty, fluffy texture of quinoa complements the mushrooms’ rich flavor, especially when mixed with a drizzle of garlic butter and parsley.
10. Green Beans with Sautéed Mushrooms
Crisp-tender green beans are a great canvas for mushrooms. This recipe works well with any mushroom variety, from button mushrooms to shiitake mushrooms.
Cook the mushrooms in unsalted butter until they are browned, then toss them with blanched green beans for an easy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
11. Garlic Bread with Mushrooms
Elevate your garlic bread by topping it with mushrooms. The buttery, garlicky bread pairs beautifully with the earthy richness of mushrooms with butter and minced garlic.
Spread your garlic bread with unsalted butter, top with mushrooms that have been cooked until their liquid has evaporated, and toast until golden. This delicious twist on garlic bread is an easy side dish that goes perfectly with pasta, salad, or soup.
12. Creamed Spinach with Sautéed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are perfect for adding depth and flavor to creamy spinach. To make this recipe, start by sautéing spinach with garlic in unsalted butter until wilted.
In a separate pan, add the mushrooms and cook them until mushrooms will get golden brown and their moisture has evaporated. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the mushrooms are ready, mix them into the creamed spinach.
13. Creamy Polenta with Mushroom Gravy
Creamy polenta is a deliciously smooth side that pairs beautifully with a rich mushroom gravy.
To make this dish, cook polenta until smooth and creamy, then top it with gravy made from sautéing mushrooms in butter and garlic. As mushrooms will release their juices while cooking, these juices will form the base of the savory gravy. Simmer in vegetable broth and soy sauce to finish.
Mushrooms give the gravy a rich, deep flavor that complements the creaminess of the polenta perfectly!
14. Sautéed Mushrooms with Balsamic Glaze
For a tangy twist, make sautéed mushrooms and finish them with a balsamic glaze. Start by sautéing the mushrooms in butter until their moisture has evaporated and mushrooms are golden.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar and cook until reduced, creating a sweet and tangy glaze. Garlic is fragrant in this dish, and the balsamic reduction gives mushrooms an extra layer of flavor!
15. Stuffed Mushrooms with Garlic and Herbs
For our final recipe, let’s let mushrooms take center stage!
Stuffed mushrooms make a delightful side dish or appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Choose large mushrooms like portobellos or button mushrooms for stuffing. First, clean mushrooms thoroughly by wiping them with a damp paper towel. Then, remove the stems and sauté mushrooms with fresh garlic and herbs until mushrooms are cooked and fragrant.
Fill the mushroom caps with a mixture of sautéed garlic, breadcrumbs, and cheese. Bake until golden and tender.
Notes, Tips, and Possible Substitutions
- How to freeze/reheat: Freeze mushrooms for up to four months. To reheat your mushrooms, dab them with a damp paper towel and then gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until mushrooms are browned.
- Mushrooms variety: Experiment with different mushrooms like shiitake mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, and baby bella mushrooms to add a unique flavor to your meal.
These ideas offer a variety of dishes to serve with sautéed mushrooms. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to pair with steak, pasta, or roasted vegetables, these pairings will elevate your meal and let you enjoy the savory flavors of mushrooms in every bite!
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