Nothing about Garlic Herb Mushrooms is Caribbean, but this recipe became one of the most requested dishes after I posted a photo on Instagram and featured it in my #MeatFreeMondays series on YouTube. Button mushrooms are transformed with butter, olive oil, garlic, fresh thyme, and a splash of white wine into an elegant side that’s ready in minutes.
I recommend cleaning mushrooms under running water and patting them dry; that’s just my style. Cooking in a wide pan allows each mushroom to get direct contact with the surface, creating beautiful color and flavor. You’ll finish with a quick wine deglaze and a final sauté to coat everything in garlic-herb goodness. This versatile side pairs beautifully with steaks, pasta, or your favorite vegan main dishes.
Ingredient Guide
- Button Mushrooms: Firm, clean mushrooms that soak up flavor beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the mushrooms.
- Butter: Enhances color and flavor during sautéing.
- Onion: Provides a savory base.
- Garlic: Central to the dish’s bold flavor profile.
- Thyme Sprigs: Fresh herb that complements mushrooms specifically.
- Parsley: Brightens the finished dish.
- White Wine: Deglazes the pan and adds acidity and depth.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional for a gentle heat.
Cooking Notes from the Kitchen
- I always wash mushrooms; drying them completely ensures they brown well instead of steaming.
- Use a wide pan so each mushroom touches the bottom—this ensures caramelization.
- Larger mushrooms should be halved for even cooking.
- Deglaze with wine, apple juice, or vegetable stock to release flavorful bits from the pan.
- Add garlic and herbs at the end on low heat to prevent burning and preserve freshness.
Shopping Made Easy
- Button mushrooms are found in the produce section—choose firm, dry specimens.
- Fresh thyme and parsley can be found near other fresh herbs. Buy just before cooking for best quality.
- White wine adds depth here; if you’d rather not use alcohol, replace it with vegetable stock or apple juice.
- Pre-minced garlic is convenient, but fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
Can I use other mushrooms?
Yes, cremini or baby bella mushrooms work well. Just adjust cooking time for size.
What’s an alcohol-free substitute for white wine?
Apple juice or vegetable stock makes a great non-alcoholic deglazing option.
How long will mushrooms stay fresh?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely. Use plant-based butter or just extra olive oil.
What dishes pair best with garlic herb mushrooms?
They’re perfect alongside grilled steak, roast chicken, pasta, or as a topping for toast or polenta.
Garlic Herb Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 1 pound button mushrooms cleaned
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3-5 cloves garlic crushed
- 3-4 sprigs thyme
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 tablespoons white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a wide pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté gently for 3 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add mushrooms (halved if large). Cook for 7–9 minutes until they shrink and caramelize.
- Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan. Cook 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to low and add garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat.
- Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Serve hot with your favorite dishes.
