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Sautéed Mushrooms: The Perfect Hearty, Meat-Like Side

Mushrooms are one of those magical vegetables that are so hearty and satisfying, they can easily stand in for meat. When I want something savory, rich, and packed with umami, I reach for my favorite mushrooms and treat them like I would a steak. And trust me, with the right seasoning, you won’t even miss the meat!

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

My go-to method for sautéing mushrooms is simple and absolutely delicious: a combination of butter, garlic, and Maggi seasoning (or soy sauce). These flavors are my classic for steak, and they work just as beautifully with mushrooms. The result? Caramelized, savory perfection that’s impossible to resist.

Variety is the Spice of Life

For the best texture and flavor, I love using a variety of mushrooms. Shiitake and oyster mushrooms are two of my favorites but I like to add cremini mushrooms, portabello mushrooms etc, (any kind really). When using oyster mushrooms, I recommend leaving them whole—they hold their shape beautifully and look stunning on the plate. In fact, I like to leave all the mushrooms whole rather than slicing them. It gives them that satisfying, meat-like feel when you’re cutting into them.

The Secret to Perfectly Browned Mushrooms

Cooking mushrooms is a bit like cooking beef: you need to get the technique right. Here’s how:

High heat is key – Mushrooms have a high water content, and cooking them on high heat helps the moisture evaporate quickly, allowing them to caramelize and brown. If you cook them on low heat, they’ll just simmer in their own juices.
Don’t move them too soon – Let the mushrooms sit untouched for a few minutes to develop that gorgeous golden-brown color, then give them a toss.
Season at the end – Adding salt too early will draw out moisture and prevent browning. Season towards the end for the best texture and flavor.

Serve and Enjoy!

These sautéed mushrooms are rich, savory, and perfect alongside a steak or as a meat substitute in your favorite dishes. Whether you’re serving them up as a side or as the star of the show, they’re sure to impress with their deep umami flavor and hearty bite.

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