Mushroom Sauce
A rich, creamy, and savory sauce packed with earthy mushrooms and fragrant herbs. Perfect for spooning over steak, chicken, pork chops, or even pasta for an instant upgrade.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown the Mushrooms
- b.Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foaming.
- c.Add the sliced mushrooms in a single, even layer. To ensure they brown properly, do not overcrowd the pan; cook in two batches if necessary.
- d.Cook the mushrooms without stirring for 3-5 minutes, until the bottoms are deeply golden brown.
- e.Stir and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, until all the released moisture has evaporated and the mushrooms are well-browned all over.
- f.Remove the browned mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside in a bowl.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Aromatics
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped shallots to the same skillet, adding another teaspoon of oil if the pan is too dry.
- c.Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the shallots have softened and become translucent.
- d.Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Roux and Deglaze
- b.Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked aromatics. Stir continuously for 60 seconds to cook out the raw flour taste. This will form a thick paste, known as a roux.
- c.Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly. Scrape the bottom of the pan with your whisk or a wooden spoon to lift all the flavorful browned bits (the fond).
- d.Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish the Creamy Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce.
- c.Return the cooked mushrooms to the skillet. Let the sauce gently simmer (do not allow it to boil) for 3-5 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
- d.Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat.
- c.Stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
- d.Serve the sauce hot over steak, chicken, pork chops, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor and texture, clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel or a soft brush instead of rinsing them under water. This prevents them from becoming waterlogged.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the mushrooms. Cooking in batches ensures they sear and develop a deep, savory flavor rather than steaming.
- 3Scraping the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan when you add the broth is crucial for a deeply flavorful sauce.
- 4Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the heavy cream, as high heat can cause the cream to curdle or separate.
- 5If the sauce becomes too thick upon standing, you can thin it out by whisking in a splash of warm broth or cream before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Wine
For extra depth, deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or Marsala wine after cooking the aromatics. Let it bubble and reduce by half before adding the broth.
Herb SwapHerb Swap
Instead of thyme, try using 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary or sage for a different aromatic profile that pairs well with pork or chicken.
Dairy Free / VeganDairy-Free / Vegan
Make a vegan version by using plant-based butter, full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and vegetable broth. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegan (some contain anchovies).
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic to introduce a gentle warmth to the sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in B Vitamins
Mushrooms are a good natural source of B vitamins, including riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and pantothenic acid (B5), which are essential for converting food into energy and supporting the nervous system.
Provides Antioxidants
Mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants like selenium and ergothioneine. These compounds help protect the body's cells from oxidative stress and damage from free radicals.
Supports Immune Function
Certain compounds in mushrooms, such as beta-glucans, have been shown to enhance the activity of the immune system, helping the body defend against infections.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of approximately 1/2 cup contains around 275 calories. The exact number can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, particularly the fat content of the cream and butter.