If you’re craving something that’s bursting with bold, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, then you’re in for a treat with this delightful Gochujang Mushrooms Recipe. This dish is a perfect harmony of tender sautéed mushrooms coated in a luscious, spicy-sweet gochujang glaze that will quickly become one of your favorite weeknight staples. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can easily whip up a dish that’s richly flavorful, comforting, and downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Gochujang Mushrooms Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, giving you a dish that is both vibrant in taste and satisfying in texture.
- Fresh shiitake or cremini mushrooms (2 cups, sliced): These mushrooms bring a meaty texture and earthy depth that form the heart of the dish.
- Gochujang (2 tablespoons): A Korean fermented chili paste that adds that signature spicy and slightly sweet kick.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic infuses the mushrooms with aromatic warmth and richness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds umami and a gentle saltiness, balancing the heat from the gochujang.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): For a nutty aroma and smooth finish that takes the dish to the next level.
- Green onions (2, chopped): These provide freshness and a pop of vibrant color just before serving.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Sweetness that beautifully tempers the spicy notes without overpowering them.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and a subtle tang, lifting all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Gochujang Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
Start by cleaning your fresh mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt, then slice them evenly. Uniform slices are key to ensuring they cook at the same rate, giving you perfectly tender mushrooms with a slightly crispy edge.
Step 2: Sauté in Sesame Oil
Heat the sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for about 5 minutes. You want them to develop a gorgeous golden-brown color, which brings out their natural umami and fosters a lovely texture.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
When the mushrooms are nearly done, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just about a minute. This step is crucial to avoid burning the garlic while still infusing the dish with that irresistible aromatic undertone.
Step 4: Make the Gochujang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together your gochujang, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, and lemon juice until smooth. This mixture will form the bold, tangy glaze that elevates the mushrooms into a true flavor sensation.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Pour the sauce over the sautéed mushrooms and stir well to coat every slice. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, with the sauce thickening slightly and clinging lovingly to the mushrooms.
Step 6: Finish with Green Onions
Once the mushrooms are perfectly coated and heated through, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top just before serving. This fresh garnish adds crunch and a mild sharpness that complements the richness of the dish.
How to Serve Gochujang Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your Gochujang Mushrooms Recipe with toasted sesame seeds for a little extra crunch and an intensified nutty flavor. For a subtle pop of color, a few thin slices of fresh red chili or a drizzle of extra sesame oil can lend a delightful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up all that delicious glaze. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced, vibrant meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn this into an eye-catching vegetarian main by serving the mushrooms over warm noodles or quinoa? Another fun idea is to use them as a topping for toasted bread or as a flavorful filling inside lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Gochujang Mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days and actually taste even better as the flavors continue to meld overnight.
Freezing
If you want to keep these mushrooms longer, freezing is an option. Place the cooled mushrooms in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a month. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly softer upon reheating, but the flavor stays fantastic.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen mushrooms overnight in the fridge if needed, then warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for the Gochujang Mushrooms Recipe?
Absolutely! While shiitake and cremini are recommended for their texture and flavor, you can experiment with button, portobello, or oyster mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust cooking time depending on thickness.
Is gochujang very spicy?
Gochujang has a moderate level of heat with a unique sweet and savory profile. It’s not overwhelmingly spicy, making it approachable for most palates, but you can adjust the amount used to suit your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey, and double-check your soy sauce is vegan-friendly. Everything else in the recipe is plant-based, making it an easy vegan option.
What can I substitute for sesame oil if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have sesame oil, try using a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. Though you’ll miss the distinctive nutty aroma, the dish will still taste delicious.
How long does it take to make this dish?
This Gochujang Mushrooms Recipe comes together quickly in just about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want something tasty in a flash.
Final Thoughts
This Gochujang Mushrooms Recipe is a fantastic way to infuse your meals with deep, satisfying flavors without any fuss or complicated techniques. Whether you serve it as a side, a topping, or the star of the plate, it’s sure to become a kitchen favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy of this delicious, comforting dish with your friends and family!
Print
Gochujang Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Gochujang Mushrooms is a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired dish featuring sautéed shiitake or cremini mushrooms tossed in a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet gochujang sauce. Perfect as a side dish or a savory topping, this recipe brings bold umami flavors to your table in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh shiitake or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms thoroughly and slice them evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until they turn golden brown and begin to soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking to infuse the mushrooms with aromatic flavor without burning the garlic.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, low-sodium soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, and lemon juice until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce over the sautéed mushrooms in the skillet and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce is heated through and coats the mushrooms evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, crisp finish. Serve warm as a side dish or topping.
Notes
- Use shiitake mushrooms for a more intense umami flavor or cremini for a milder taste.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang based on your preferred spice level.
- Maple syrup is a great vegan alternative to honey.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra texture, garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
