Maitake Mushrooms with Thyme and Sherry
Woodsy and herbal, these mushrooms pair well with earthy, dry-aged steak. They should be glossed with sauce but not swimming in it. The recipe comes from Alfred’s Steakhouse in San Francisco.
How to Make It
Brush mushrooms clean and trim bottoms of stems. Tear clusters into large chunks.
Heat two large heavy (not nonstick) frying pans over medium-high heat 2 minutes. Divide mushrooms between pans and season lightly with salt. Cook until starting to release liquid, about 7 minutes. If mushrooms are very dry, add a splash or two of water.
Add 1 1/2 tbsp. butter and 4 or 5 branches thyme to each pan. Cook mushrooms, turning occasionally, until nicely browned, about 5 minutes. Add another 1 1/2 tbsp. butter to each pan and cook until tender, 7 to 10 minutes.
Into each pan, swirl 2 tbsp. sherry, then 1 tbsp. butter and 1 1/2 tsp. each lemon juice and vinegar. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until sauce is glossy and mushrooms are coated, 2 minutes. Stir in a few tbsp. water as needed to loosen sauce. Season to taste with salt and more vinegar. Remove thyme.
Pour mushrooms into a serving dish and top with chives.
Make ahead: Through step 3, up to 1 day, chilled airtight in 1 pan. To reheat, add a few tbsp. water and heat gently in pan.
Ingredients
Directions
Brush mushrooms clean and trim bottoms of stems. Tear clusters into large chunks.
Heat two large heavy (not nonstick) frying pans over medium-high heat 2 minutes. Divide mushrooms between pans and season lightly with salt. Cook until starting to release liquid, about 7 minutes. If mushrooms are very dry, add a splash or two of water.
Add 1 1/2 tbsp. butter and 4 or 5 branches thyme to each pan. Cook mushrooms, turning occasionally, until nicely browned, about 5 minutes. Add another 1 1/2 tbsp. butter to each pan and cook until tender, 7 to 10 minutes.
Into each pan, swirl 2 tbsp. sherry, then 1 tbsp. butter and 1 1/2 tsp. each lemon juice and vinegar. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until sauce is glossy and mushrooms are coated, 2 minutes. Stir in a few tbsp. water as needed to loosen sauce. Season to taste with salt and more vinegar. Remove thyme.
Pour mushrooms into a serving dish and top with chives.
Make ahead: Through step 3, up to 1 day, chilled airtight in 1 pan. To reheat, add a few tbsp. water and heat gently in pan.