Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions

Soft, savory, and sautéed mushrooms and onions are deliciously caramelized in a cast iron pan and provide a perfect mushroom and onion side dish recipe.

Easily made in under 10 minutes, you cannot go wrong with sautéing up mushrooms. They are cost-effective, healthy, low in carbs, and go amazing on steak.

Mastering the Sautee: Mushrooms and Onions

This quick and easy preparation method helps enhance the natural flavors of these two ingredients, resulting in a perfect side dish that pairs well with various main courses.

Combined with perfectly seasoned and sauté onions, garlic, and any other varied herbs and spices you love, you can serve sautéed mushrooms and onions as a stand-alone or a complimentary classic side dish. 

List of Ingredients

• fresh mushrooms
• white onions
• butter
• minced garlic
• cooking sherry
• soy sauce
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to Sauté Mushrooms and Onions

1. Add sliced white button mushrooms, chopped onions, butter, and minced garlic to a large cast iron skillet.
2. Heat mushrooms over medium heat, stirring ingredients frequently until onions and mushrooms are soft and tender, which takes about 6-8 minutes.
3. Mix well with one tablespoon of cooking sherry and one tablespoon of soy sauce.

4. Heat mushrooms and onions for 2 minutes until the caramelization process is done and excess liquid is burned off.
5. Season golden brown mushrooms and onions with sea salt and cracked pepper.
6. Once your mushrooms start to cook and soften up, add the remaining liquid ingredients cooking sherry and soy sauce ( low sodium is best, so it’s not too salty), and mix savory flavors until combined and hot.
7. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 

Best way to Saute

Using a preseasoned cast iron skillet is the best way to saute. Grab a set of 2 preseasoned cast iron pans here– it will change how you cook!

Commonly Asked Questions

Should the pan be covered?

No. When you cover a skillet or cast iron pan, the liquid drops from the lid and essentially steams the ingredients versus cooking off and sautéing. 

How do you reheat leftover mushrooms and onions? 

Heat any side dish leftovers in the microwave for 30 seconds, or add to a pan with some butter and oil until warm again. 

Should onions or mushrooms be added first?

I like to add them both simultaneously, although some prefer a crispier onion and will give the onions about two extra minutes before adding the mushrooms to the pan. 

What are Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms?

Caramelizing is a term that means that you are browning up the food ingredients with a bit of sugar. While there is no sugar directly in this simple recipe, the soy sauce and sherry bring in just the right touch of robust flavors to make each mushroom pop full of flavor.

Also, with ingredients like cooking wines and cooking sherries, it’s great to have recipes that use them, or they can sit unused in the cupboard for a bit.

This recipe does just that – combine delicious, simple ingredients but surprise you with an easy side dish.

Variations for Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions 

Extra Flavor: Add fresh herbs like fresh thyme leaves, rosemary, dill, and parsley.

If you choose to use dried herbs, add them in at the beginning so they have time to soften, but if you use fresh herbs, add them near the end so they do not overcook.

CHANGE UP THE FLAVOR: Instead of soy and sherry, beef stock, teriyaki sauce, or white wine.

Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions for Steak: The Ultimate Topping

There’s nothing like a juicy steak topped with a delicious mushroom mixture. This mouthwatering combination adds a delightful layer of flavor to your steak, making it even more satisfying and gourmet.

Whether planning a fancy dinner or want to treat yourself, sautéed mushrooms and onions are a great way to elevate a beef dish.

Sautéed mushrooms and onions are also excellent on hamburgers, omelets, and egg sandwiches, added to sirloin steak bites, pork chop, juicy chicken, or breakfast casserole.

Earthy mushrooms and sautéed onions also add huge flavor mixed in with green beans. 

What are other great side dishes to enjoy mushrooms?

We love the whole roasted mushrooms recipe, which only takes 15 minutes.

Stuffed mushrooms will always be a huge party hit (or made to look like mummy mushrooms for a fun holiday idea).

Absolutely one of my favorites, creamy Tuscan garlic butter mushrooms, is to die for as a topping.