Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe in Marsala Sauce (2024)

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If you're in search of a sophisticated side dish for the holidays that is both delicious and easy to make, look no further than this Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe. This simple but elegant dish is packed with loads of flavor thanks to a combination of dry marsala wine, butter, shallots, garlic, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The caramelized mushrooms glisten in the butter and wine all the while developing a rich, earthy savor. It's a dazzling dish with a gourmet flair, visually stunning yet effortless to prepare.

Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe in Marsala Sauce (1)

Sautéed Mushrooms in Marsala Sauce are truly one of my most cherished side dishes and they would sit beautifully on your holiday table this year. Another mouthwatering mushroom recipe you'll find on my site is Creamy Garlic Mushrooms made with mascarpone. For more Thanksgiving and Christmas menu ideas, consider Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with dates and blue cheese or Roasted Green Beans with feta and kalamata olives. All of these dishes are elegant and refined with a classy feel. My hope is that these recipes inspire you to create a beautiful and memorable meal for family and friends.

Ingredients For Sautéed Mushrooms in Wine Sauce

  • Baby Bella Mushrooms: Also known as cremini mushrooms, work well in this recipe because they have a mild flavor and a meaty texture.
  • Salted Butter: Butter gives this dish a glistening effect and creates a rich mouthfeel.
  • Sliced Shallots:Shallots have a more delicate and sweet flavor than regular onions. and they're a good choice because they won't overpower the other ingredients.
  • Sliced Garlic: Garlic is a key ingredient in many savory recipes, and this one is no exception. You can either chop or slice the garlic, but if you slice make sure to cut it thinly so that it cooks evenly and has a subtle flavor.
  • Dry Marsala Wine:It is a fortified wine that adds a nutty, rich, and caramelized flavor to the sauce.
  • Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice:Lemon juice brightens the sauce without stealing the spotlight. Its acidity sharpens the flavor but is undetectable.
  • Thyme:This is what gives the dish an earthy lemon tone that is quite subtle. It adds a fresh finish to the dish.

Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe in Marsala Sauce (2)

What's the best way to sauté mushrooms with Marsala Sauce

  • Prep the Vegetables.Thinly slice the shallot and garlic cloves. Squeeze the lemon juice. Preparing the vegetables in advance will help with a quick and smooth cooking process.
  • Sauté the Mushrooms.Melt the butter in a large cast-iron skillet. Cook the mushrooms in a single layer. Do not overcrowd them. Cook until their juices evaporate and the mushroom becomes caramelized.

Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe in Marsala Sauce (3)

  • Add sliced shallots and garlic cloves.Slice the shallots thinly and add them with the garlic at the same time. It will only take a minute or two to soften these aromatics.

Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe in Marsala Sauce (4)

  • Add marsala wine and lemon juice. Once the shallots and garlic are tender, pour in dry marsala wine and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir all together.

Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe in Marsala Sauce (5)

  • Sprinkle Fresh Thyme over the mushrooms for a nice garnishment.

Should I sauté mushrooms in butter or oil?

  • Using Butter. Imparts a rich, creamy, and somewhat nutty flavor. Butter can help the mushrooms achieve a golden, caramelized exterior. The problem is that butter has a lower smoke point than oil, so it can burn more easily.
  • Using Oil. A neutral oil such as olive oil allows the natural flavor of the mushrooms to shine. Oil makes for a good choice for sautéing mushrooms over high heat, because of its higher smoke point.
  • In Summary.The choice between butter and oil is whether you want to accentuate the added richness of the butter or if you prefer a more neutral base that allows the mushrooms to take center stage.

Should I season mushrooms when sautéing?

Yes, you should season mushrooms while sautéing because it helps draw out their natural flavors and enhance the overall flavor of the mushrooms. However, the best time to season them is after the mushrooms have released their moisture and are starting to brown. This helps the seasonings to adhere to the mushrooms and give them a more flavorful crust.

Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe in Marsala Sauce (6)

Variations with Cooking Mushrooms

  • Creamy Sautéed Mushrooms. Add a touch of cream to the recipe to create a rich creamy marsala sauce. Reduce the amount of marsala if needed for the right consistency.
  • Spicy Sautéed Mushrooms.For a bit of heat, incorporate a pinch of red peppers while sautéing the mushrooms.
  • Mushrooms and Pasta. Serve the sautéed mushrooms and marsala sauce on a bed of pasta such as fettuccine or linguini.
  • Herb Variations.Experiment with various fresh herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or sage to customize the flavor profile.

How to get the most flavor out of sautéed mushrooms

  • Use fresh mushrooms. Avoid mushrooms that are slimy, bruised, or have brown spots.
  • Choose mushrooms of the same size or slice them to the same thickness. This helps them cook and brown evenly.
  • Dry the mushrooms thoroughly.Excess moisture can dilute the flavor and inhibit browning. Pat the mushrooms dry with a paper towel before cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan.If you overcrowd, the mushrooms will steam instead of brown. Sauté in batches if necessary.
  • Do not stir too often. Stirring frequently makes mushrooms soggy by releasing their moisture.
  • Deglaze the pan with dry wine or stock. After the mushrooms have browned, deglazing the pan helps release any flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
  • Serve the mushrooms immediately.Mushrooms are best enjoyed fresh and hot.

Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe in Marsala Sauce (7)

Sautéed Mushrooms in Marsala Sauce effortlessly blends simplicity with sophistication making it a versatile dish. Whether it stands alongside a main course or takes center stage as a mouthwatering appetizer, these mushrooms are sure to receive accolades that rival any entrée.

More Delicious Side Dishes:

Fruit and Nut Stuffed Acorn Squash

Sautéed Brussel Sprouts with Dates and Blue Cheese

Roasted Green Beans with Olives and Sundried Tomatoes

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Roasted Candied Carrots

Hasselback Potato Ring

Follow me on Pinterest - Lingeralittle

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Sautéed Mushrooms in Buttery Marsala Sauce

Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe in Marsala Sauce (8)

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5 from 6 reviews

A Sautéed Mushroom Recipe that incorporates dry marsala wine, butter, shallots, garlic, and a touch of lemon juice. This shimmering dish has a gourmet feel but with the ease of carefree cooking.

  • Author: Kristy Murray
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 side servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Sauté
  • Cuisine: Spanish
  • 16 oz whole Baby Bella Mushrooms, stems trimmed
  • 4 tablespoons Salted Butter, divided
  • 1 small Shallot, thinly sliced
  • 3 large cloves Garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • ½ cup Dry Marsala Wine
  • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme

Instructions

  • Clean the mushrooms with a paper towel if they are not very dirty. Otherwise, rinse them quickly under cold running water to remove any of the dirt or grime. Dry with paper towels.
  • Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter.
  • Add 16 ounces of baby bella mushrooms and reduce the heat to medium-high.
  • Once the mushrooms have released their moisture and are starting to brown, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Turn heat down to medium and stir occasionally until most of the liquid has been absorbed about 10-15 minutes.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Continue to cook over medium heat until they turn brown, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add one small thinly sliced shallot and 3 thinly sliced cloves of garlic. Let cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they are soft.
  • Add ½ cup dry marsala wine and bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10- 15 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
  • Remove from heat. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and fresh thyme. Serve warm.
  • ENJOY!!

Notes

  • You could substitute any of your favorite mushrooms. It's best to grab them out of the bulk bin because you can choose the smaller ones and keep them all about the same size. But if some are larger, just cut them in half.
  • The stems of the mushrooms can be tough and woody therefore you will want to trim them down before you start.
  • Wipe the mushrooms off with a paper towel if they are NOT really dirty. If they are, quickly rinse them and dry them with a paper towel before sautéing.
  • If you need to substitute the marsala, reach for sherry, red vermouth, or even brandy would work. Marsala is a great purchase though because it will last in your refrigerator for up to six months.
  • Grab a large skillet with a lot of surface because you don't want to overcrowd the mushrooms. That's the number one mistake when sautéeing anything. If you overcrowd, you will steam them instead and they will never reach that golden brown state.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ¼ of the dish
  • Calories: 107
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 426 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

More Veggies and Side Dish Recipes

  • Stuffed Acorn Squash
  • Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
  • The Best Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving
  • Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe in Marsala Sauce (13)

About Kristy Murray

This blog was born from a conviction that food isn’t just about eating, but about inspiring and cultivating relationships. I hope it encourages you to slow down and live life to the fullest with family and friends around your table.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Freddie Power says

    sounds awesome!!!!!

    Reply

    • Kristy Murray says

      Thank you so much Freddie.

      Reply

  2. Eric says

    Looks fantastic! Love a wine sauce for mushrooms.

    Reply

    • Kristy Murray says

      Thanks Eric. Wine sauce and mushrooms are definitely a marriage made in heaven.

      Reply

  3. Chef Mimi says

    They’re beautiful. I’m very intrigued by the lemon juice, so I can’t wait to use your recipe. I usually flambé them in a little cognac, add some wine, and some Demi glacé. Can’t wait to compare!

    Reply

    • Kristy Murray says

      Thanks Mimi! Oh goodness, flambé mushrooms sound fabulous. I could eat mushrooms any way they can be served. You've got to let me know how they compare. Thanks so much for stopping by.

      Reply

  4. Carrie Tyler says

    I LOVE mushrooms! This recipe looks glorious! I love that you kept the mushrooms whole and the flavors sound unbelievable. I will have to try this recipe!!

    Reply

  5. Katerina says

    I loooove mushrooms and I could honestly eat all of these as a main, they look AMAZING! Thank you for sharing and hope you've been well.

    Reply

  6. Kamilla S Lavoie says

    You might want to add shallots to the ingredient list. I bought everything but the ingredients and then the saw in your instructions to thinly slice a shallot and I didn't have one.

    Reply

    • Kristy Murray says

      Kamilla, I'm so sorry that I did not have the shallot listed on my ingredient list originally. I just added it. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know this. If you have an onion, that would work as well. I would use half of a medium-sized one. Again I apologize for the inconvenience this caused you.

      Reply

  7. Kamilla S Lavoie says

    These mushrooms were awesome! I didn't have a shallot so I used a onion and they are superb. Thank you Kristy for this wonderful recipe!

    Reply

    • Kristy Murray says

      Oh thanks so much Kamilla. I'm so happy that it worked out in the end for you.

      Reply

  8. Adele Fann says

    Just made these. They were awesome! Thanks for sharing this with us.

    Reply

    • Kristy Murray says

      Thank you so much Adele for taking the time to share. I'm so thrilled that you enjoyed the dish.

      Reply

  9. Carrie Tyler says

    Kristy, this looks amazing! I love mushrooms and put them into so many recipes, but never make them the star of the dish like this. I am definitely going to make this recipe. Thank you 🙂

    Reply

    • Kristy Murray says

      Thanks a bunch Carrie. Would love to know what you think when you try them.

      Reply

  10. David @ Spiced says

    Wow - what a gorgeous recipe! I don't have a lot of experience cooking with marsala wine (other than the obligatory chicken marsala), but clearly I need to change that. These mushrooms look like a show-stopper! Sometimes (every time?) the side dishes at holiday meals are better than the main dish!

    Reply

    • Kristy Murray says

      Oh, thanks so much David. I do think the marsala wine is what makes this dish, and of course butter! Now I'm craving chicken marsala, hahaha.

      Reply

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Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe in Marsala Sauce (2024)

FAQs

Should I sauté mushrooms before adding to pasta sauce? ›

Sautéing mushrooms before adding them to spaghetti helps to enhance their flavor. By cooking them in a hot pan with a little oil or butter, you can achieve a beautiful caramelized texture and deepen the mushroom's natural umami taste. This step is optional, but it greatly enhances the overall dish.

How do you know when mushrooms are sautéed enough? ›

When the oil or melted butter is hot, add the mushrooms. You should hear a sizzle. (If the fat isn't hot enough, the mushrooms will start to water out and steam instead of sautéing.) Cook the mushrooms 4 to 5 minutes or until they're tender and lightly browned.

Should I sauté mushrooms in oil or butter? ›

Olive Oil + Butter.

Sautéed mushrooms with butter have their benefits, but so do sautéed mushrooms with olive oil. I use both oil and butter for a dynamic duo that pairs searing (oil) with rich, satisfying flavor (butter). (I also use both in my Sauteed Spinach.)

How do you get the most flavor out of sautéed mushrooms? ›

Oil and butter: For the best and richest flavor, cook the mushrooms in a mixture of olive oil and butter. Mushrooms: A pound of sliced button mushrooms should comfortably serve about four people. Wine: A tablespoon of red cooking wine enhances the flavor of the sautéed mushrooms.

How long should you sauté mushrooms? ›

2Heat the olive oil in a large, wide skillet over medium heat. 3Add the mushrooms and spread into one layer. Then cook, without moving, until browned on one side, 3 to 5 minutes. 4Stir then cook another 3 to 5 minutes or until mostly golden brown on all sides.

Do you sauté mushrooms first or last? ›

For the Best Mushrooms, Give Them a Good Sear

Cooking mushrooms concentrates their flavor and brings out notes of sweet earthiness from the Maillard reaction taking place. The best way to do this is to sear the mushrooms first in a dry pan. The high heat browns the mushrooms while instantly driving off excess moisture.

Can you overcook mushrooms in sauce? ›

According to America's Test Kitchen (via Splendid Table), mushrooms only need five minutes of cooking in order to get tender. After that point, you can realistically remove them from the heat. If, however, you choose to continue cooking your mushrooms, or simply lose track of time, nothing much will happen.

Can you overcook sautéed mushrooms? ›

Don't go too low or high on heat, which can make mushrooms over or under-cooked. Think right in the middle. "Medium-high heat is the way to go with mushrooms. You want their liquids to slowly evaporate while they caramelize," says Norton.

Do you cover the pan when sautéing? ›

When you're steaming or braising foods, you keep the lid on. But when you're sautéeing, you're after the opposite effect—you want the liquid to evaporate so that whatever you're cooking can get a nice sear on the outside.

Should you salt mushrooms when sautéing? ›

Never salt the mushrooms in the beginning. Salt draws out moisture and will make them extremely mushy. We want a nice meaty delicious bite to them with colour and texture. Salt at the end always.

Why does mushroom get watery after sautéing? ›

While this high moisture content gives mushrooms their spongy texture, it begins seeping out when exposed to heat. And for a cooking method like sautéing, the liquid needs to fully evaporate before the mushrooms get super brown and crispy.

What enhances the flavor of mushrooms? ›

The study demonstrated that cooking methods have an effect on the flavor profile of white mushrooms. Sear mushrooms for a more intense roasted, charred and smoky flavor and overall aroma. Roast mushrooms to get more sweet, salty and umami tastes with caramelized, nutty and buttery flavors.

What makes mushrooms taste so good? ›

Mushrooms & Umami

Derived from the Japanese word umami, meaning “delicious,” umami (pronounced oo-MAH-mee) is described as a savory, brothy, rich or meaty taste sensation. To scientists, umami indicates a high level of glutamate, an amino acid and building block of protein.

Do you add water to sauteed mushrooms? ›

ADD WATER FIRST; ADD OIL LATER

Steam cooks the mushrooms quickly, so they collapse and release liquid. After the mushroom jus evaporates, we add just ½ teaspoon of oil to brown the mushrooms.

Should you sauté mushrooms for spaghetti? ›

Fry the mushrooms on high heat for 5 to 6 minutes or until they are browned and thoroughly cooked. Tip: If sauteed on low heat, the mushrooms will let out water and moisture. This can make it soggy .

Should I sauté veggies before adding to pasta sauce? ›

When you want a fresher, more unique taste than what you can find in the stores, you can add some sauteed vegetables to bring out a crisp flavor. WonderHowTo writer Gabrielle Taylor explains: Dice up some vegetables and sauté them in a little oil before adding the sauce.

Should mushrooms be cooked before adding to casserole? ›

Since mushrooms release quite a bit of liquid when cooked, you can't just put them in a dish and bake them. You need to saute them first. So to make this recipe, I saute the mushrooms and chopped onions in olive oil until the mushrooms have released their liquid and most of the liquid has evaporated.

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