Best-Simmered Shiitake & Thyme Mushrooms

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A velvety, umami-packed vegan side that transforms humble shiitake into a showstopper with aromatic thyme and a touch of balsamic. This vegetarian (gluten-free, vegan) ready in about 40 minutes pairs shiitake mushrooms, extra virgin olive oil, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim stems from shiitake mushrooms and slice caps into 1/2-inch thick pieces, discarding tough stems.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add mushrooms and cook for 8 minutes until golden brown and liquid has evaporated.
  3. Step 3: Stir in thyme, white wine, and balsamic vinegar, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 3 minutes until wine reduces by half and liquid coats mushrooms.
  4. Step 4: Add vegetable broth, salt, and pepper, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and mushrooms are tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best-Simmered Shiitake & Thyme Mushrooms take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best-Simmered Shiitake & Thyme Mushrooms?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shiitake mushrooms from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best-Simmered Shiitake & Thyme Mushrooms?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best-Simmered Shiitake & Thyme Mushrooms for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Best-Simmered Shiitake & Thyme Mushrooms gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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