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Savory Pan-Seared Morel Mushrooms in Garlic Butter

pan-seared morel mushrooms - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring fresh morel mushrooms pan-seared in garlic butter to create a rich, earthy, and flavorful dish perfect as a side or light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces fresh morel mushrooms, gently cleaned and trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Clean the morels by gently brushing off dirt with a soft brush or damp paper towel. Avoid soaking fresh morels in water. If using dried morels, soak in warm water for 20-30 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  2. Trim off the tough stems and slice larger morels lengthwise in half for even cooking.
  3. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until hot but not smoking.
  4. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Spread the morels in a single layer in the skillet. Let them sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden crust.
  6. Flip the morels gently and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side until tender but still holding their shape.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly in the garlic butter.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze about 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice over the mushrooms. Toss lightly to combine.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming; cook in batches if necessary. Pat mushrooms dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. If garlic browns too quickly, reduce heat to prevent bitterness. For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil and omit lemon if preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: morel mushrooms, garlic butter mushrooms, pan-seared mushrooms, easy mushroom recipe, savory mushrooms, mushroom side dish