Introduction
There’s something magical about the way steakhouse sides bring out the best in a good piece of steak. And when you pair that with rich, savory garlic butter mushrooms, you’ve got a combination that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. These Steakhouse Garlic Butter Mushrooms are a crowd-pleasing side that’s just as delightful when paired with a juicy steak as they are when served on their own. Rich, buttery, garlicky goodness, with a subtle hit of fresh herbs—these mushrooms are nothing short of extraordinary.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a dinner party I hosted a few years ago. I wanted to impress my guests with something simple but indulgent, and these garlic butter mushrooms ended up stealing the show. They were a hit with everyone—from my food-obsessed best friend to the picky eater who rarely ever eats vegetables. What’s even better is that they’re super easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a dinner gathering, these mushrooms are bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why you need these garlic butter mushrooms in your life. They are:
- Incredibly easy to make: No complicated techniques here—just simple steps that come together in a matter of minutes.
- Flavor-packed: The garlic butter sauce is a dream, and the mushrooms soak up all that buttery goodness, giving each bite a rich, savory flavor.
- Versatile: These mushrooms make the perfect side dish for steak, chicken, or even a light pasta. They’re also delicious served on their own with some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
- Crowd-pleasing: If you’ve got a group over, these garlic butter mushrooms will be a hit. They’re the kind of dish that gets everyone talking and reaching for seconds.
- Comfort food in a bite: With that garlic butter sauce and a slight tang from the fresh herbs, they’re the perfect comforting side to elevate any meal.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: Serves 4
Nutritional Information
- Calories per serving: 220
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 20g (mostly from the butter)
- Fiber: 1g
Ingredients
To make these Steakhouse Garlic Butter Mushrooms, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh button mushrooms: These are your base. Button mushrooms are great for this recipe because they soak up the garlic butter beautifully and have a soft texture that complements the sauce. If you prefer a more earthy flavor, you can use cremini mushrooms instead.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The heart of the sauce! Butter adds richness and gives the garlic and herbs something to cling to.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key here. It gives the dish that savory depth of flavor that you’ll want in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Thyme is my go-to herb for garlic butter mushrooms. It has this aromatic, slightly earthy taste that pairs so well with the butter and garlic. You can also use rosemary if you prefer a stronger flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Don’t skimp on the salt! It helps to bring out the natural flavor of the mushrooms.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: This adds a fresh, slightly peppery finish to the dish, and the bright green color looks beautiful against the golden mushrooms.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This is to cook the mushrooms before adding the garlic butter. Olive oil is great because it has a high smoke point and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the mushrooms: Start by cleaning your mushrooms. I recommend wiping them gently with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt—this will keep them from getting soggy if you rinse them under water. Then, trim off the stems if they’re a little long, and slice the mushrooms into halves or quarters depending on their size.
- Cook the mushrooms: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the mushrooms in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—if your skillet is too small, cook them in batches. Cook the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened and have developed a nice golden-brown color. This is where the magic happens. The mushrooms will release their moisture and then caramelize, which gives them that deep, savory flavor.
- Add the garlic: Once the mushrooms are golden and tender, add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir it in and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn. If you’ve ever had burnt garlic, you know how bitter it can taste, so keep an eye on it! As the garlic cooks, your kitchen will start to smell incredible, and that’s when you know it’s time to move on to the next step.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Now, it’s time for the buttery goodness! Add the unsalted butter to the pan with the garlic and mushrooms. Stir everything together until the butter has melted and the mushrooms are well-coated in that rich, savory sauce. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This is where I usually like to taste-test to see if it needs a little extra salt or pepper. You can never have too much flavor!
- Add the fresh thyme: Sprinkle in the fresh thyme leaves and stir to incorporate. Thyme adds such a wonderful herbal flavor that takes these mushrooms from great to wow. If you’re using rosemary instead of thyme, you’ll want to chop it finely so it blends well with the mushrooms and garlic.
- Finish with parsley: After everything’s well-mixed and the butter is bubbling away, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the mushrooms for a pop of freshness and color. The parsley adds a slight peppery taste that balances the richness of the butter.
- Serve and enjoy!: These garlic butter mushrooms are best served hot, straight from the skillet. Pair them with a juicy steak, serve them over a bowl of pasta, or simply enjoy them with some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
How to Serve
- With steak: These mushrooms are the ultimate steakhouse side dish. Serve them next to a perfectly grilled ribeye or filet mignon for a hearty meal.
- Over pasta: For a lighter dish, serve these mushrooms over spaghetti, fettuccine, or even a delicate ravioli. The garlic butter sauce is just begging to be soaked up by noodles.
- As a side to chicken: Chicken breast or thighs pair wonderfully with these garlic butter mushrooms. Try serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple arugula salad.
- With crusty bread: If you want to make a meal of it, serve these mushrooms with some freshly baked bread. Use the bread to scoop up all that amazing garlic butter sauce.
Additional Tips
- Don’t overcook the mushrooms: Mushrooms cook down quickly, so keep an eye on them as they sauté. You want them to become tender and golden brown, but not shriveled and dry.
- Use unsalted butter: Since we’re adding salt to the recipe, using unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning and prevents the dish from becoming too salty.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley are key to making this dish taste as vibrant as possible. Dried herbs just won’t give you the same aromatic punch.
- Keep it simple with the seasoning: Don’t overcomplicate things. Salt, pepper, and a touch of fresh thyme are all you need to let the flavor of the mushrooms shine.
- Cook in batches if needed: If you’re working with a large batch of mushrooms, cook them in batches to ensure they get that perfect golden sear. Overcrowding the pan will steam the mushrooms instead of browning them.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian main, these mushrooms can be served as the star of the meal. Serve them over a bed of quinoa or rice for a wholesome, filling dish.
- For a spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a subtle heat that complements the richness of the mushrooms.
- Add cheese: For a decadent twist, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the mushrooms right before serving. It adds a salty, nutty depth to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Side dishes: Pair these garlic butter mushrooms with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of crispy fries. A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also help balance the richness of the dish.
- Wine pairings: A glass of red wine, like a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or a lighter Pinot Noir, will complement the earthy flavors of the mushrooms. If you prefer white, a dry Chardonnay works wonders too.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Leftover mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra butter if needed to bring back that luscious sauce.
- Freezing: While I recommend enjoying these mushrooms fresh, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just be sure to let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen up the sauce.
Special Equipment
- Skillet: A heavy-duty skillet (like cast iron) works best to get a nice sear on the mushrooms and cook them evenly.
- Garlic press: If you don’t want to mince the garlic by hand, a garlic press will do the trick. Just make sure to scrape out any extra garlic from the press to use in your dish!
FAQ Section
Can I use any type of mushroom? Absolutely! While I recommend button mushrooms for their mild flavor, you can use cremini, shiitake, or even portobello for a different texture and flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prep the mushrooms and make the garlic butter sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and sauté them together when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use frozen mushrooms? Frozen mushrooms can be used, but they may release more water and won’t have the same texture as fresh mushrooms. If you’re using frozen, try to sauté them over high heat to evaporate the excess moisture quickly.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs? No worries! You can use dried thyme, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh parsley can easily be swapped with dried parsley or omitted altogether.
PrintSteakhouse Garlic Butter Mushrooms
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) fresh button mushrooms: These are your base. Button mushrooms are great for this recipe because they soak up the garlic butter beautifully and have a soft texture that complements the sauce. If you prefer a more earthy flavor, you can use cremini mushrooms instead.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The heart of the sauce! Butter adds richness and gives the garlic and herbs something to cling to.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key here. It gives the dish that savory depth of flavor that you’ll want in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Thyme is my go-to herb for garlic butter mushrooms. It has this aromatic, slightly earthy taste that pairs so well with the butter and garlic. You can also use rosemary if you prefer a stronger flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Don’t skimp on the salt! It helps to bring out the natural flavor of the mushrooms.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: This adds a fresh, slightly peppery finish to the dish, and the bright green color looks beautiful against the golden mushrooms.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This is to cook the mushrooms before adding the garlic butter. Olive oil is great because it has a high smoke point and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Instructions
- Prep the mushrooms: Start by cleaning your mushrooms. I recommend wiping them gently with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt—this will keep them from getting soggy if you rinse them under water. Then, trim off the stems if they’re a little long, and slice the mushrooms into halves or quarters depending on their size.
- Cook the mushrooms: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the mushrooms in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—if your skillet is too small, cook them in batches. Cook the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened and have developed a nice golden-brown color. This is where the magic happens. The mushrooms will release their moisture and then caramelize, which gives them that deep, savory flavor.
- Add the garlic: Once the mushrooms are golden and tender, add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir it in and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn. If you’ve ever had burnt garlic, you know how bitter it can taste, so keep an eye on it! As the garlic cooks, your kitchen will start to smell incredible, and that’s when you know it’s time to move on to the next step.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Now, it’s time for the buttery goodness! Add the unsalted butter to the pan with the garlic and mushrooms. Stir everything together until the butter has melted and the mushrooms are well-coated in that rich, savory sauce. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This is where I usually like to taste-test to see if it needs a little extra salt or pepper. You can never have too much flavor!
- Add the fresh thyme: Sprinkle in the fresh thyme leaves and stir to incorporate. Thyme adds such a wonderful herbal flavor that takes these mushrooms from great to wow. If you’re using rosemary instead of thyme, you’ll want to chop it finely so it blends well with the mushrooms and garlic.
- Finish with parsley: After everything’s well-mixed and the butter is bubbling away, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the mushrooms for a pop of freshness and color. The parsley adds a slight peppery taste that balances the richness of the butter.
- Serve and enjoy!: These garlic butter mushrooms are best served hot, straight from the skillet. Pair them with a juicy steak, serve them over a bowl of pasta, or simply enjoy them with some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited about these Steakhouse Garlic Butter Mushrooms as I am! They’ve quickly become a favorite in our house, and I know they’ll be a hit in yours too. Whether you’re making them for a special dinner or just because you need some comfort food, these mushrooms are a sure-fire way to impress your family or guests.
Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me if you make these! I’d love to see your creation and hear all about how they turned out. Enjoy, and happy cooking!