If you’re looking for a delicious and flavorful appetizer or side dish, marinated mushrooms may be just what you’re after. They’re easy to make, versatile, and incredibly delicious! You can use cremini, white button, portobello, or enoki mushrooms to make this easy recipe.
The Mushrooms:
To make these tasty marinated mushrooms, start by triming and cleaning the mushrooms to remove any debris that could muddy the marinade. Then boil the mushrooms to tenderize them, which will make them more receptive to the marinade.
The Vinegar:
Next, combine vinegar, olive oil, garlic cloves, salt, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Stir well and ladle the dressing over the mushrooms in each jar, maintaining the 1/2 inch of headspace.
You can add more herbs or spices to your marinade if you like, but I find that the seasonings included here are plenty. If you like it spicy, feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes or even some hot sauce.
Garlic:
Fresh garlic is always best, but if you’re sensitive to garlic, you can omit it, too. Or, you can substitute a few teaspoons of dried garlic.
The Herbs:
You’ll want to use fresh herbs, rather than dried. The fresh herbs will bring more flavor to your mushrooms and will make the marinade more vibrant. If you don’t have any, you can use a little bit of dried parsley or thyme instead to add more herbaceous flavor.
The Salt:
Finally, you’ll need to season the mushroom mixture with a generous amount of salt, as it will help keep the mushrooms from discoloring. I like to use kosher or table salt, but regular salt is also fine.
The Oil:
For this easy marinade, you’ll need a combination of extra virgin olive oil and vinegar. The olive oil will help the mushrooms stay crunchy while also adding a healthy dose of fat and antioxidants. The vinegar will add a mild sweetness to the marinade, and the garlic and fresh herbs will add savory flavor as well.
This marinade is perfect for a party or an easy dinner. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect addition to any antipasto platter!
How to Make the Marinade:
To begin, you’ll need a large saucepan. Fill it with water and bring to a boil. Then, add the vinegar, bell pepper, and onion, and bring to a boil again. Once the liquid has completely dissolved, remove it from the heat.