Description
This Marinated Mushrooms recipe features tender cremini mushrooms infused with a flavorful marinade of garlic, fresh herbs, shallots, and a blend of vinegars and seasonings. Perfect as a tasty appetizer, side dish, or addition to salads, these mushrooms are quick to prepare and develop deeper flavor when marinated overnight.
Ingredients
Mushrooms
- 12-16 ounces Cremini Mushrooms – cleaned & stems removed
Marinade
- 4 large cloves Garlic – peeled & divided (2 cloves smashed; 2 cloves minced)
- 6 sprigs Fresh Thyme + 1 tsp chopped leaves – divided
- 2 whole Dry Bay Leaves – divided
- ¼ cup Shallot – finely diced
- ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons White Wine Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Kosher Salt – to taste (¼ teaspoon in marinade plus additional for cooking water)
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper – to taste (1/8 teaspoon in marinade plus more to adjust)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – adjust to taste
- 1 ½ teaspoons Flat-leaf Parsley Leaves – finely chopped plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Optional - Poach Mushrooms: Fill a deep, medium-sized saucepan with 4-5 cups of water. Add the smashed garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, and 1 bay leaf. Bring the water to a rapid simmer, seasoning it with ½ teaspoon salt. Add the cleaned mushroom caps and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the mushrooms are just tender, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain the mushrooms well.
- Prepare the Mushroom Marinade: In a large, non-reactive bowl, combine the minced garlic, remaining bay leaf, finely diced shallot, extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves, and chopped parsley. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Marinate Mushrooms: While the mushrooms are still warm, add them to the marinade. Gently stir to coat all mushrooms evenly. Taste the marinade and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow the mushrooms to marinate for at least 5 minutes; for best flavor, marinate for 8 hours or up to 10 days, stirring occasionally.
- Serve Marinated Mushrooms: Remove the mushrooms from the refrigerator and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary. Bring to room temperature before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Cleaning & stems: It’s important to clean mushrooms gently with a damp cloth and remove stems for better texture and marinade absorption.
- Poaching is optional but helps soften mushrooms without overcooking and keeps their shape intact.
- Marinating time greatly impacts flavor; for best results, marinate overnight or at least 8 hours.
- The mushrooms can be stored in the marinade in the fridge for up to 10 days and eaten cold or at room temperature.
- If skipping poaching, you can marinate raw mushrooms but they will be firmer and less tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
