Classic Steak & Creamy Sautéed Mushrooms: Your Ultimate Guide to a Gourmet Meal

There’s an undeniable magic that happens when a perfectly cooked steak meets a generous crown of savory, creamy mushrooms. This timeless pairing isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience – a symphony of rich, meaty flavors complemented by the earthy depth and piquant notes of a well-crafted mushroom sauce. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer barbecue or mastering the art of the pan-sear on a chilly evening, this classic combination consistently delivers a satisfying and delicious dining experience that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to elevate your steak game to new heights with this simple yet elegant recipe. (Skip to recipe.)

Summer has indeed graced us with its presence, bringing with it the irresistible urge to embrace outdoor grilling. Here in the north, that means enjoying those precious moments between the occasional rain showers, making the most of the season’s bounty. Our garden is flourishing, a vibrant testament to nature’s abundance, though it often feels like a daily battle to protect our tender young seedlings from the local deer population. They’ve developed quite a taste for our scarlet runner beans, decimating them around the teepee not once, but twice! The hopeful nubs were just beginning to sprout new leaves when our persistent visitors returned. Now, I find myself telepathically coaxing the forlorn stems to try just one more time, while simultaneously deploying a variety of deterrents – fragrant soap bars, blood meal, and even hair clippings – in a hopeful, albeit somewhat desperate, attempt to ward off our antlered foes. Country gardening, it seems, always comes with its unique set of critter-related duties!

But enough about my garden woes! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that truly celebrates the joy of cooking, free from such daily battles: my promised Steak and Mushrooms recipe. This dish offers a wonderfully straightforward and incredibly satisfying way to savor the summer grilling season, or even to bring that comforting warmth indoors during the colder months with a perfectly pan-seared steak. It’s a culinary escape that promises pure deliciousness.

Steak and Mushrooms: A Culinary Match Made in Heaven

The combination of steak and mushrooms is legendary for a reason. The robust, savory flavor of a perfectly cooked steak finds its ideal partner in the earthy, umami-rich notes of sautéed mushrooms. This pairing isn’t just good; it’s gastronomic synergy, where each component enhances the other, creating a truly memorable meal. Whether you prefer the quick convenience of a minute steak or the luxurious indulgence of a prime cut, this recipe is adaptable to your steak of choice. The key is to load your steak generously with a big helping of these flavorful, sautéed mushrooms.

Choosing Your Steak: Cuts and Cooking Methods

The beauty of this steak and mushrooms recipe lies in its versatility. You can truly use any cut of steak you prefer, allowing you to tailor the meal to your budget and taste. Popular choices include:

• Ribeye: Known for its rich marbling, offering incredible flavor and tenderness.
• New York Strip (Striploin): A balance of tenderness and chew, with a satisfying beefy flavor, as used in this recipe.
• Tenderloin (Filet Mignon): The most tender cut, very lean and mild in flavor, perfect for special occasions.
• Sirloin: A more economical choice that still delivers great flavor, especially when cooked correctly.
• Flank or Skirt Steak: Best when marinated and cooked quickly over high heat, then sliced against the grain for tenderness.
• Minute Steak: Ideal for a super-fast meal, cooks in just minutes.

Whether you’re grilling over an open flame, pan-searing in a cast-iron skillet, or even broiling, the method you choose will influence the final taste and texture, but the creamy mushroom topping will always be a stellar addition.

The Magic of Mushrooms: From Button to Morel

Just as with the steak, your choice of mushrooms can greatly influence the dish. You can opt for readily available varieties or venture into the gourmet world:

• Button Mushrooms (White Mushrooms): The most common and versatile choice, offering a mild, earthy flavor.
• Cremini Mushrooms (Baby Bellas): A more mature version of the button mushroom, with a deeper color and more intense, earthy flavor.
• Portobello Mushrooms: Large and meaty, perfect for a hearty texture, often used as a steak substitute themselves!
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Known for their rich, savory, umami flavor, especially when dried and rehydrated.
• Oyster Mushrooms: Delicate with a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and velvety texture.
• Morel Mushrooms: A true delicacy, with a distinctive honeycomb appearance and an incredibly deep, nutty, and earthy flavor. If you are lucky enough to forage or find morels, they are an absolute game-changer for this dish, as I experienced when preparing this recipe. Their unique taste elevates the entire meal into a rare treat.

The preparation begins with a quick sauté in butter or olive oil, accompanied by finely chopped onion and minced garlic, which form the aromatic base. A judicious blend of spices and seasonings further layers the flavors. The real magic happens when you stir in a few spoonfuls of balsamic vinegar and tamari (or regular soy sauce), adding a delightful tang and an extra layer of umami. Finally, a touch of cornstarch thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency, and a generous dollop of sour cream transforms it into the most fantastic, zesty, and creamy accompaniment, truly crowning your steak in fungal glory. The earthy mushrooms, especially morels, taste absolutely divine with the rich, umami flavor of the meat – these two ingredients were simply meant to go together, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious meal.

Whether your steak sizzles over glowing charcoal, a convenient gas barbecue, or a rustic smoky campfire, and regardless of whether you opt for cello-packed mushrooms from the grocery store or a rare harvest of delicate wild morels, a meal of steak and mushrooms is, without a doubt, ‘da bomb’! It’s a universally loved dish that transcends its components, offering a rich and comforting experience every time.

More Mushroom Magic: Expanding Your Culinary Repertoire

If you find yourself with an abundance of mushrooms or simply want to explore their incredible versatility further, here are some more of my favorite ways to prepare these fantastic fungi:

Mushrooms on Toast

Pasta with Morel Mushrooms in a Delicate Cream Sauce

Wild Rice and Morel Mushroom Soup

Wild Mushroom Risotto

Juicy Grilled Mushrooms

Buttery Sauteed Mushrooms with Spruce Tips and Chives

Wild Rice and Mushrooms

A Whole Bunch of Puffball Mushroom Recipes

Fresh Trout, Morels, and a Side of Bannock

Lentil Polenta with Mushroom Ragu

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Kitchen Frau Notes: Expert Tips for a Perfect Steak and Mushroom Dinner

This dry rub mixture for the steak is not just simple but incredibly flavorful, designed to enhance the natural beefiness of your chosen cut. You have the flexibility to use either smoked paprika for a deeper, more robust aroma, or regular paprika for a milder touch. For those who enjoy a little heat, smoked hot paprika will add a delightful kick. I highly recommend making a larger batch of this versatile rub; it’s excellent to have on hand throughout the summer grilling season. Beyond steaks, this seasoning can elevate the flavor of hamburgers, meatballs, soups, stews, or even casseroles, making it a true kitchen staple.

Steak and Mushrooms: The Ultimate Classic Recipe

This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating the perfect steak and mushrooms, from the savory dry rub for the steak to the rich, creamy mushroom topping. Enjoy this gourmet meal that’s surprisingly easy to make!

Steaks

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ½ teaspoon paprika, mild, hot, or smoked
• 2 steaks, your favourite cut (I used striploin steaks, 300gms/10½ oz each)
• 2 teaspoons oil (plus more if pan-frying)

Mushrooms

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 2 cups (150gms) fresh mushrooms, any kind (morels are fantastic if you can get them!)
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1½ teaspoons fresh)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon gluten free tamari soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon water
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons sour cream

Instructions

Prepare the Steaks:

1. Make the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, stir together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, allspice, and paprika until well combined. This flavorful blend is the secret to a perfectly seasoned steak.
2. Season the Steaks: Rub this seasoning mixture generously all over every surface of your chosen steaks. Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor penetration. You may find you have some dry rub left over; don’t discard it! This versatile blend can be added to hamburgers, meatballs, soups, or stews for an extra flavor boost.
3. Rest the Steaks: For optimal flavor and tenderness, leave the seasoned steaks uncovered at room temperature for at least ½ hour, but ideally up to two hours, turning them occasionally. This resting period allows the salt to penetrate the meat, tenderizing it and enhancing its natural flavors.

Prepare the Mushrooms:

1. Clean the Mushrooms: Gently rinse the fresh mushrooms under cool water and leave them to dry thoroughly on a clean kitchen towel. Alternatively, if you prefer, brush them clean with a soft brush to remove any dirt.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Mushrooms: Tear the mushrooms into irregular pieces with your fingers for a rustic texture. If you’re using morels, leave the smaller caps whole and slice the larger caps and all the stems to maintain their unique shape and flavor. Add the prepared mushrooms to the skillet with the onions. Cook them until they release their juices, then continue cooking until most of the juices have evaporated but the mushrooms remain moist and tender. This process concentrates their earthy flavor.
4. Season and Deglaze: Add the minced garlic, brown sugar, dried thyme, paprika, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Stir in the tamari soy sauce and balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this adds incredible depth of flavor.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small glass, stir together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the mushrooms. Stir and cook everything until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken to your desired consistency.
6. Finish with Cream: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated and creamy. The sour cream adds a delightful tang and richness.
7. Make Ahead Tip: If you’re preparing the mushrooms in advance, you can cook them up to the point where the cornstarch is added and cooked. At this stage, you can set the skillet aside and reheat it when the steaks are almost ready. Stir in the sour cream just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Cook the Steaks:

1. Prepare for Cooking: Drizzle each steak with about 1 teaspoon of oil and rub it in evenly all over the surface. This helps create a beautiful crust and prevents sticking.
2. Grill or Pan-Fry:
   • Grilling: Grill the steaks on a medium-heat barbecue to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for about 3-4 minutes per side, typically cooking a little longer on the first side than the second.
   • Pan-Frying: Alternatively, pan-fry them in a hot cast-iron skillet with a tablespoon of oil added, also about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.

   To ensure perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. Remember that steaks will continue to cook and rise another 5°F in temperature during the resting time.

3. Rest the Steaks: Once the steaks are grilled or seared to perfection, immediately transfer them to a plate. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil or an inverted bowl and let them rest for 5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. You can use this time to finish up your creamy mushroom sauce!

Serve:

Plate the perfectly rested steaks and generously spoon the creamy, zesty mushrooms on top. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted asparagus or corn on the cob, for a complete and utterly satisfying meal.

This recipe serves 2, but can easily be scaled up to feed more guests. Enjoy!

Guten Appetit!

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