If you’re like me and crave a savory side dish that packs a punch, this spicy garlic mushroom stir-fry is your new best friend. Trust me, it’s the kind of dish that’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for plain old sautéed mushrooms!
I adore how this recipe for chili garlic mushrooms coaxes the umami flavors from just a handful of simple ingredients. Button mushrooms, sautéed with garlic in olive oil and then combined with the savory notes of soy and oyster sauces, make for a nice, rich dish that to me, still feels light in comparison to many other mushroom-laden meals.
And the fiery kick that the dish delivers is incomparable. The chili paste is the real deal, and it is a perfect flavor complement to the rest of this dish’s ingredients.
Because what this dish offers in almost meal-like personality is matched by what it delivers in terms of real-deal flavor and nutrient content—mushrooms, parsley, and, yes, even chili paste are all good for you.
Ingredients
- Mushrooms: Low in calories, rich in antioxidants, and a good source of vitamins B and D.
- Garlic: Enhances flavor; known for its anti-inflammatory and heart health benefits.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness; contains protein and essential amino acids.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat; provides a smooth texture and enhances absorption of nutrients.
- Chili Paste: Infuses heat and spice; capsaicin in chili benefits metabolism and circulation.
Ingredient Quantities
- 200g button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste or sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
How to Make this
1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
2. Place the garlic in the skillet after mincing it. Heat the skillet and sauté the garlic until it gives off an aroma, which should take about 1 minute.
3. Raise the heat to medium-high and put the mushrooms, which have been sliced, into the skillet.
4. Cook the mushrooms in a stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until they let go of their liquid and are beginning to brown.
5. Introduce soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, sugar, ground black pepper, and salt to the skillet.
6. Mix thoroughly to ensure that the sauce coats the mushrooms evenly.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors blend and the sauce thicken a bit.
8. If needed, season to taste. Salt, pepper, and the other seasonings make a big difference in the final flavor.
9. Take the skillet off the heat and move the mushrooms to a dish meant for serving.
10. Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro should be used to garnish the dish just before serving. This gives it a little fresh pop that the dish definitely benefits from! Enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet
2. Stove
3. Cutting board
4. Knife (for mincing garlic and chopping parsley or cilantro)
5. Measuring spoons
6. Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
7. Serving dish
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of mushroom?A: Certainly, you could opt for cremini or portobello mushrooms, but their cooking time might differ a tad.
- Q: Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?Hoisin sauce or a vegetarian oyster sauce can be used in place of oyster sauce.
- Q: How can I make this dish spicier?A: Boost the quantity of chili paste or stir in a few chopped fresh chilies.
- Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?A: It’s most delicious fresh, but you can make it a day ahead and warm it up gently on the stove.
- Q: What can I serve with these chili garlic mushrooms?They go hand-in-hand with (and are equally delicious alongside) any sort of carbohydrate. One can enjoy them when they are served atop—or alongside—any number of the following preparations:
– Steamed rice
– Noodles
– Grilled meats - Q: Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?A: Yes, making it vegetarian-friendly is simple. Just use a vegetarian substitute for the oyster sauce and goong.
Chili Garlic Mushrooms Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Try using cremini or portobello mushrooms to achieve a heartier, meat-like texture.
Use avocado oil or vegetable oil in place of olive oil.
For soy sauce: use tamari for a gluten-free substitution.
To prepare a vegetarian version of oyster sauce, substitute it with hoisin or mushroom sauce.
You can use sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes for making chili paste or sauce.
Pro Tips
1. Get a Golden Sear: When cooking the mushrooms, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This allows the mushrooms to sear properly and develop a rich, golden color, enhancing their flavor.
2. Flavor Infusion: Before adding the mushrooms, allow the minced garlic to sauté until it’s just turning golden. This step maximizes the garlic’s flavor without burning it, providing a more aromatic base for the dish.
3. Unconventional Add-Ins: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving. The acidity will balance the dish and brighten the overall flavor.
4. Spice It Up: Adjust the heat level by varying the amount or type of chili paste. You can add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or even fresh chili slices for a spicier kick.
5. Umami Boost: For an even more robust umami flavor, try adding a small amount of fish sauce. It complements the dish’s savory profile and enhances the umami notes without overpowering the other ingredients.
Chili Garlic Mushrooms Recipe
My favorite Chili Garlic Mushrooms Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large skillet
2. Stove
3. Cutting board
4. Knife (for mincing garlic and chopping parsley or cilantro)
5. Measuring spoons
6. Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
7. Serving dish
Ingredients:
- 200g button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste or sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
2. Place the garlic in the skillet after mincing it. Heat the skillet and sauté the garlic until it gives off an aroma, which should take about 1 minute.
3. Raise the heat to medium-high and put the mushrooms, which have been sliced, into the skillet.
4. Cook the mushrooms in a stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until they let go of their liquid and are beginning to brown.
5. Introduce soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, sugar, ground black pepper, and salt to the skillet.
6. Mix thoroughly to ensure that the sauce coats the mushrooms evenly.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors blend and the sauce thicken a bit.
8. If needed, season to taste. Salt, pepper, and the other seasonings make a big difference in the final flavor.
9. Take the skillet off the heat and move the mushrooms to a dish meant for serving.
10. Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro should be used to garnish the dish just before serving. This gives it a little fresh pop that the dish definitely benefits from! Enjoy!