Sautéed Morel Mushrooms Recipe

J. Kenji López-Alt
Saut\u00e9ed Morel Mushrooms Recipe
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  • Yield:Serves 4 to 6 as a side
  • Active time:10 minutes
  • Total time:10 minutes

Buttery morels are one of the real treats of spring. [Photographs: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt]

Morels are one of the most delicious signs of spring, and with just a little work, they're incredibly easy to prepare and cook. Here are the basic steps to get them ready for the frying pan, and then what to do to make them as delicious as possible.

Why It Works

Buttery morels are one of the real treats of spring. Read the Whole Story
  • Sautéing in oil over high heat allows the mushrooms to brown without the risk of burning butter.
  • A generous pat of butter added towards the end of cooking helps emulsify stock or water into a rich, creamy sauce.
  • Soy sauce adds umami depth while lemon juice brightens the dish up.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
  • 8 ounces morel mushroom, cleaned, trimmed, and split in half lengthwise
  • 1 small shallot, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 medium clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon, optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh juice from 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock, or water
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh herbs such as chives, chervil, or parsley
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. 1.

    Heat oil in a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring and tossing occasionally, until well-browned, about 4 minutes total.

  2. 2.

    Reduce heat to medium-high and add shallots and garlic (if using). Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 45 seconds. Add butter, soy sauce, lemon juice, and chicken stock or water and cook, swirling pan, until liquid reduces and morels are coated in a creamy sauce, about 1 minute. Stir in herbs, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

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