Simple Sautéed Mushrooms: Your New Favorite Side Dish
Hey friends! I’m so excited to share this Simple Sautéed Mushrooms recipe with you. It’s quick, easy, and the perfect side to just about anything. Whether you’re making a cozy pasta or need a flavorful addition to your favorite protein, these buttery, herby mushrooms are it. What’s even better? They’re not just delicious—they’re packed with some serious health benefits, especially for women over 50. Let’s dive in!
Simple Sautéed Mushrooms
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Equipment
- paper towels
- sharp knife
- large frying pan
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 24 oz cremini mushrooms thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Himalayan sea salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
Instructions
- Clean mushrooms using a dry paper towel, wiping off any dirt. Do not rinse them under water, as this will make them soggy.24 oz cremini mushrooms
- Thinly slice the mushrooms.
- Melt butter over medium heat in a large frying pan.2 tbsp butter
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper.1 tsp Himalayan sea salt, 1 tsp pepper
- Sauté for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mushrooms are thoroughly cooked.
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme.1 tbsp fresh thyme
- Serve immediately.
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More About This Recipe
My Favorite Tips for Sautéing Mushrooms Like a Pro
Cooking mushrooms is super simple, but there are a few tricks to make them extra flavorful: 1. Dry Clean Your Mushrooms: Resist the urge to rinse them under water! Mushrooms are like little sponges, and they’ll absorb too much water if rinsed. Instead, use a dry paper towel to gently wipe off any dirt. 2. Get the Pan Hot: You want the butter to sizzle when it hits the pan. This ensures you get that perfect caramelization on the mushrooms, making them golden brown and super flavorful. 3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the mushrooms some room to breathe! Overcrowding will steam them instead of sautéing them, which means they won’t develop that delicious texture we all love. 4. Finish with Fresh Herbs: I love tossing in some fresh thyme at the end for a burst of earthy flavor. You could also try rosemary or parsley—whatever you’ve got on hand!Tools You’ll Need:
Here are a few kitchen essentials that make cooking this dish a breeze:- Enamel Skillet: I highly recommend a cast iron skillet for sautéing mushrooms. It holds heat beautifully and helps get that golden brown sear.
- Wooden Spoon: A sturdy wooden spoon is perfect for stirring mushrooms as they cook, and it won’t scratch your pan.
- Sharp Knife: Since you’ll be slicing a lot of mushrooms, make sure your knife is sharp! It makes the process way faster and easier.
Why Mushrooms Are a Must for Your Plate
Mushrooms might be humble, but they’re loaded with nutrients that can support overall health, especially as we age. Here’s why you’ll want to add these to your next meal:
1. High in Selenium: Mushrooms are an amazing source of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. This is particularly important as we get older, as our body’s natural antioxidant defenses tend to decline. Selenium also supports thyroid function and boosts the immune system. One recent study from the National Institutes of Health even suggested that adequate selenium intake may play a role in reducing the risk of certain cancers, particularly in women over 50.
2. Ergothioneine for Cellular Health: Ergothioneine, an amino acid found in mushrooms, has been shown to protect against cellular damage. Research has linked this amino acid to anti-aging benefits and cognitive health, which is crucial as we age. According to a 2019 study from Penn State, consuming mushrooms regularly can lower the risk of mild cognitive impairment—something many women over 50 start to think about more and more.
3. Vitamin D Powerhouse: Fun fact—mushrooms grown in sunlight are one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. Women over 50 are often at risk for osteoporosis, so adding mushrooms to your diet is a tasty way to help support strong bones!