Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Cremini Mushrooms (Baby Bella), wiped clean, sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, cold, cut into 3 equal pieces
  • 4 cloves Fresh Garlic, finely minced
  • 1 medium Shallot (optional), finely diced
  • 1 large Fresh Lemon, zested and juiced separately
  • 3 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp Dried Red Pepper Flakes
  • Kosher Salt, to taste
  • Freshly Cracked Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prep Ingredients: Wipe the mushrooms clean (do not wash them!) and slice them evenly. Finely mince the garlic and parsley. Zest and juice the lemon separately.
  2. Heat the Pan: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to come to a shimmering heat (it should be very hot).
  3. Sear the Mushrooms (Batch 1): Add half the mushrooms to the hot pan in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan. Leave them undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and develop a deep golden-brown crust.
  4. Season and Flip: Flip the first batch of mushrooms, season heavily with salt and pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove them to a bowl.
  5. Repeat: Add a spot more oil if the pan is dry, and repeat the searing process with the remaining half of the mushrooms, then return the first batch to the pan.
  6. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the diced shallot (if using), the chilli flakes, and one piece of the cold butter. Cook for 60 seconds until the shallots soften.
  7. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for a further 30-45 seconds until intensely fragrant—be careful not to burn it.
  8. Deglaze and Finish: Immediately pour in the lemon juice and allow it to bubble and reduce slightly (about 1 minute).
  9. Emulsify the Butter: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the remaining two pieces of cold butter, swirling the pan constantly until the sauce becomes rich and glossy.
  10. Final Seasoning: Stir in the lemon zest and the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze more lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately.