Sauteed Balsamic Portobello Mushrooms

Sauteed portobello mushrooms with balsamic vinegar and butter make an amazing side dish.  The sweet but acidic balsamic pairs perfectly with the earthy mushrooms and the butter adds depth and gloss making this a beautiful dish to serve, no matter the occasion.  This dish is easy to make and takes about 15 minutes.  I just know you're going to love them!

Adding balsamic vinegar to mushrooms or even Brussels sprouts makes a killer flavor combination! 

In our stuffed baked portobello mushrooms with tomatoes and mozzarella, we added balsamic vinegar.  It just really adds another dimension and takes it to the next level!

That recipe takes a bit longer and we hope you try it, but this one is much quicker and super easy!  

You will need 1 pound of portobello mushrooms.  I prefer full-sized portobello mushrooms as opposed to baby Bellas. 

Baby Bellas are the same variety, just smaller.  I like the larger ones because they produce long meaty slices that look great! 

But of course use whatever type of mushroom you can find.  White button mushrooms would be fine.

You will also need balsamic vinegar, butter, salt, pepper, olive oil, and a touch of parsley to finish.  Super simple ingredients!

How to make sauteed balsamic mushrooms

1. Begin by gently scooping out the gills of the portobello mushrooms.  A spoon works very well.  Just hold the back of the mushroom to avoid breaking it in its most gentle area.  You do not have to remove the gills, the mushroom will still taste good, but they can hold dirt and make your final dish and cutting board very dark.

2. Slice the portobellos into strips about ¼" thick.
3. Heat a large pan to medium-high.  Get the pan nice and hot then add 1-2 Tbsp of olive oil.  Add the mushrooms in and sautee them.  A hot pan and working in batches works best to get brown seared mushrooms.  Adding a bit of kosher salt will encourage the mushrooms to release their water.  Some people prefer to wait and salt when finished.  Either way is fine.

4. Once the portobello mushrooms release their water and it evaporates they will start to sear and brown.  When they are nice and golden brown, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and turn the heat to medium.
5. Add in the balsamic vinegar (about 2 tablespoons) and continue to cook for a couple of minutes.  The mushrooms will absorb the vinegar and take on its tangy flavor.

6. Season the balsamic mushrooms with salt and a bit of pepper.  Sprinkle with 1-2 tablespoons of parsley and serve.

The mushrooms will look buttery smooth and will have taken on the color and flavor of the balsamic vinegar.  Simply delicious and so easy!

Top tips

1. Buy fresh firm mushrooms that are nice and dry.  Often portobello mushrooms are sold loose and you will be able to pick the freshest.
2. Clean them with a slightly damp paper towel and optionally remove gills to further remove any dirt stuck inside them. 
3. Do not overcrowd the pan.  Unless you use a 14" pan you will probably have to do 2 batches.  Just add a bit more olive oil to the second batch.
4. All that's needed is a touch of butter (1-2 tablespoons) and balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons) to give the mushrooms the perfect flavor.
5. Thyme is also a great herb to pair with mushrooms - give it a try instead of the parsley if you are so inclined!

More mushroom lover recipes

• Italian stuffed mushrooms - Classic recipe with garlic, white wine, parmesan, and lemon stuffing.
• Marinated mushrooms - The perfect recipe for an antipasto platter or charcuterie board.
• Easy sauteed mushrooms (funghi trifolati) - Garlic and olive oil sauteed with parsley and red pepper flakes.
• Sauteed zucchini and mushrooms with burrata - Mushrooms and sauteed zucchini finished with burrata.
• Mushroom meatballs - Hearty vegetarian meatball with Pecorino Romano, garlic, and parsley.
• Creamy garlic mushroom fettuccine - Creamy cheese sauce with garlic sauteed mushrooms.
• Mushroom brandy cream sauce spaghetti - Brandy creamy sauce with mushrooms.

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