Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This mushroom and soy sauce recipe is a fantastic option for busy cooks seeking a flavorful and satisfying meal. It's packed with umami goodness, requires minimal ingredients, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner idea, this recipe is a staple in our house, and I'm excited to share it with you. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced (you can substitute with shiitake, button, or a mix!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine – adds a touch of sweetness and depth)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Optional: Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Prep the Mushrooms: Clean and slice your mushrooms. If using larger mushrooms like shiitake, consider halving or quartering them for even cooking.
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Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their moisture.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, cornstarch, and water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
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Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the mushrooms in the skillet. Stir well to coat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and clings to the mushrooms.
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Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sesame oil and black pepper. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a large amount of mushrooms, cook them in batches to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
- Adjust the soy sauce: If you prefer a less salty dish, reduce the amount of soy sauce or use a low-sodium variety.
- Add some spice: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas for a more substantial meal.
Variations:
- Spicy Mushroom and Soy Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy variation.
- Ginger Mushroom and Soy Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the garlic while sautéing for a fragrant twist.
- Garlic and Herb Mushroom and Soy Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme along with the garlic for an herbaceous touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and delicious meal. The exact nutritional information will vary based on the ingredients used and serving size. However, a rough estimate per serving (assuming 4 servings) is approximately:
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fat: 8-10g
This easy mushroom and soy sauce recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a delicious dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a simple yet satisfying lunch. Enjoy!