Description
Perfected Cowboy Mushrooms is a savory, richly flavored skillet dish featuring seared button or cremini mushrooms cooked with butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and herbs. This quick and hearty recipe delivers mushrooms that are golden, tender, and coated in a deliciously thickened sauce, perfect as a side or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Mushrooms and Butter
- 16 oz mushrooms (button or cremini)
- 3 tablespoons butter
Seasonings and Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup water or broth (for deglazing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Clean Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms using a damp paper towel or brush to remove any dirt. Trim the stems as needed, leaving the mushrooms whole for even cooking and texture.
- Heat Butter: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt and brown slightly, developing a nutty flavor base for the mushrooms.
- Sear Mushrooms: Add the whole mushrooms to the hot skillet. Let them sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until they turn golden brown on one side. Then stir occasionally to brown evenly.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt, enhancing the aroma of the dish.
- Incorporate Seasonings: Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme or oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir the mushrooms to evenly coat them with these robust flavors.
- Deglaze and Add Butter: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and pour in the water or broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits for deeper flavor.
- Simmer Mushrooms: Let the mixture simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to become tender and the sauce to thicken into a luscious coating.
- Season: Taste and season the mushrooms with salt and pepper to your preference, balancing all flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the mushrooms and serve hot as a delicious side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Use fresh button or cremini mushrooms for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing to ensure proper browning.
- Deglazing the pan is essential to capture all the flavorful browned bits.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spiciness or omit for mild taste.
- Can be served alongside steak, chicken, or as a comforting vegetarian side.