Vegan Bourbon Mushrooms and Rice
Seared mushrooms tossed in a sticky, sweet Bourbon sauce, served over rice.
Seared mushrooms tossed in a sticky, sweet Bourbon sauce, served over rice.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 tsp. olive oil divided
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 16 oz. mushrooms i used button mushrooms
- 1/4 tsp. ginger grated
- 1/4 c. apple juice
- 1/4 c. soy sauce
- 1/3 c. + 1 tbsp. water divided
- 1/4 c. bourbon
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1/4 c. coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp. corn starch
- 1 c. rice
- Carbohydrate 4.56492863235294 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.9615137491 g
- Fiber 1.18568014467464 g
- Protein 3.63913552941176 g
- Saturated Fat 0.129638558699257 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (116g)
- Sodium 24.5001814644428 mg
- Sugar 3.3792484876783 g
- Trans Fat 0.197850588210922 g
- Calories 34 calories
Step-by-step
- Begin to cook your rice according to package instructions.
- While your rice is cooking, cut your mushrooms into quarters.
- Heat the 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a non-stick pan on high.
- Once the pan is hot, add the mushrooms and toss.
- Sear the mushrooms, reducing heat if needed. The mushrooms will release their liquid after a few minutes, then continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until they are nice and brown.
- Season with a little salt and pepper and remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same non-stick pan, heat the 2 tsp. of olive oil on medium.
- Add the garlic and ginger. Sauté for a minute, then add the apple juice, soy sauce, the 1/3 Cup of water, the Bourbon, the apple cider vinegar, tomato paste and coconut sugar.
- Whisk to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and continue to simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Make sure the Bourbon flavor has cooked off.
- Whisk together the corn starch and remaining 1 Tbsp. of water.
- Add that to the sauce. Whisk to combine, and cook for another minute until the sauce has thickened.
- Taste and adjust the sauce seasoning if needed.
- Add the mushrooms into the sauce and toss to coat.
- Once the rice and mushrooms are done, serve the mushrooms and sauce over the rice.
Vegan Bourbon Mushrooms and Rice: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and ensuring everyone gets enough sleep (a dream, I know!), the kitchen often takes a backseat. But this Vegan Bourbon Mushrooms and Rice recipe has become my weeknight lifesaver. It’s quick, surprisingly sophisticated, and the entire family – even my picky eaters – gobble it up.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It’s not about complicated techniques or obscure ingredients; it's about bringing together fresh, flavorful elements in a way that feels both satisfying and comforting. The earthy mushrooms, perfectly seared and coated in a rich, slightly sweet Bourbon sauce, are a revelation. The sauce itself is a masterpiece of balance – the tang of apple cider vinegar cuts through the sweetness of the coconut sugar, while the Bourbon adds a subtle depth that elevates the entire dish. It's the kind of meal that makes you feel good, both physically and emotionally. Knowing I can whip up something this delicious in under 30 minutes is truly empowering, and it allows me to spend more quality time with my family instead of being stuck in the kitchen all evening.
The process is incredibly straightforward. I usually start by prepping the mushrooms while the rice cooks. The searing process brings out their natural umami flavor, creating a beautiful textural contrast to the tender rice. Then, it’s just a matter of whisking together the sauce ingredients – apple juice, soy sauce, a splash of water, a touch of bourbon, and a little bit of magic (okay, it’s the tomato paste and coconut sugar!). The sauce simmers beautifully, the flavors melding together to create something truly extraordinary. Finally, I toss the seared mushrooms in the sauce, coating them in that glorious sticky goodness. The result? A meal that's both wholesome and indulgent, a delicious reward for a busy day.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms – cremini, shiitake, or even oyster mushrooms would work beautifully. You can also adjust the amount of Bourbon to your preference. For a more intense flavor, add a little more; if you’re more sensitive to alcohol, reduce the amount. The key is to create a sauce that complements the mushrooms without overpowering their delicate flavor. I often find myself adapting this recipe depending on what I have on hand in my pantry. Sometimes, I swap out the apple juice for another type of fruit juice, or I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. The possibilities are endless!
More than just a meal, this Vegan Bourbon Mushrooms and Rice recipe represents a mindful approach to cooking. It's about taking the time to appreciate fresh, wholesome ingredients and creating a dish that nourishes both the body and the soul. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, we can still find joy in simple pleasures – like a perfectly balanced meal shared with loved ones. And for a busy mom like myself, that’s truly priceless.
This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, but it’s also elegant enough for a casual weekend gathering. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas make it a stunning centerpiece for any meal. Pair it with a crisp salad and a glass of your favorite beverage for a complete and satisfying culinary experience. I urge you to try it – you won't be disappointed!
