Marinating Mushrooms: Restaurant Secrets For Succulent Fungi

Marinated mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or side. They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient option for restaurants. The basic steps involve boiling or roasting mushrooms and then tossing them in a marinade while they are still hot, allowing for maximum flavour absorption. The marinade typically includes ingredients such as olive oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs, and seasonings, but restaurants can put their own twist on the dish by adding ingredients such as soy sauce, sesame oil, or maple syrup.

Marinating mushrooms with balsamic vinegar

Marinated mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, side dish, or even a topping for meat or salad. They are easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making them a convenient option for restaurants. Here is a guide to marinating mushrooms with balsamic vinegar:

Ingredients

To make balsamic marinated mushrooms, you will need the following ingredients:

• Mushrooms: You can use various types of mushrooms, such as cremini, white button, portobello, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms.
• Balsamic vinegar: This adds a tangy and savory flavor to the mushrooms.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and ability to enhance the marinating process.
• Garlic: Minced or smashed garlic cloves add a savory flavor to the marinade.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme sprigs contribute to the aroma and flavor of the dish.
• Salt and pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall taste.
• Optional ingredients: Red pepper flakes, lemon zest and juice, red wine vinegar, and shallots can be added for extra flavor and spice.

Preparation and Marinating Process

• Roasting or Boiling Mushrooms: The first step is to roast or boil the mushrooms. If roasting, toss the raw mushrooms with olive oil, garlic cloves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a roasting pan and roast at 200°C/400°F for about 35 minutes, tossing halfway through. If boiling, season the water with salt, add the mushrooms, and simmer gently for 5 minutes before draining.
• Making the Marinade: While the mushrooms cook, prepare the marinade by combining balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and any additional seasonings such as garlic and thyme in a large bowl.
• Tossing and Marinating: Immediately after roasting or boiling, transfer the hot mushrooms and their juices to the marinade bowl. Toss well to ensure even coating. Let the mushrooms marinate as they cool, leaving the bowl uncovered to prevent condensation from diluting the flavor.
• Refrigerating Overnight (Optional): For more intense flavor absorption, place the marinated mushrooms in the refrigerator overnight. This step is not mandatory but will enhance the flavor.
• Serving: Balsamic marinated mushrooms can be served warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed straight from the bowl, on a grazing board with cheese and charcuterie, or as a topping for polenta, mash, risotto, or steak.

Tips and Variations

• When choosing mushrooms, consider their size and texture. Smaller mushrooms are preferred for their bite-sized convenience, and thicker varieties like portobello and cremini are better suited for slicing or cutting into pieces.
• To enhance the flavor of the marinade, use a balsamic vinegar glaze instead of regular balsamic vinegar.
• For a plant-based protein boost, try using low-sodium tamari in addition to the balsamic vinaigrette.
• Leftover marinade can be used as a salad dressing or to further marinate other ingredients.
• If you prefer a milder vinegar flavor, substitute balsamic vinegar with white vinegar, sherry vinegar, or champagne vinegar.

Restaurants may adapt this recipe to their own preferences and available ingredients, but the fundamental process of roasting or boiling, tossing with the marinade, and allowing the mushrooms to cool and absorb the flavors remains consistent.

Using extra virgin olive oil

Marinated mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, side, or main. They are also a great make-ahead option for gatherings as they can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator.

When it comes to marinating mushrooms, extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice for its ability to impart flavour and hold the marinade together. Here is a step-by-step guide to marinating mushrooms using extra virgin olive oil:

Preparing the Mushrooms

Firstly, select your mushrooms. Baby bella (cremini) or white button mushrooms are popular choices as they are mild, tender, and not too expensive. You can also mix different varieties for added flavour and texture. If using larger mushrooms, boil them until tender, then slice before marinating.

Making the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine your chosen herbs and spices with extra virgin olive oil. Common ingredients include garlic, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and lemon juice/zest. For a bolder flavour, try balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar. Whisk everything together, then slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until well combined.

Marinating the Mushrooms

While the mushrooms are still warm, add them to the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and let the mushrooms sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavours. For more intense flavour, refrigerate overnight.

Serving

Marinated mushrooms can be served cold, at room temperature, or slightly warmed. They are delicious straight out of the refrigerator and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side. Try them on a grazing board with bread, cheese, and cured meats, or as a topping for steak, burgers, salads, or pizza. For breakfast, pair them with eggs or spread them on toast.

Remember, marinated mushrooms will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week, and the flavoured oil can be used in various ways, so don't let it go to waste!

Adding herbs and spices

For a classic Mediterranean flavour profile, you can use herbs like parsley and thyme, along with spices like red pepper flakes. Parsley and thyme add freshness and an aromatic quality to the dish. Red pepper flakes contribute a nice kick of heat, but if you prefer less spice, you can reduce the amount or substitute them with Aleppo pepper for a milder heat.

Another popular herb and spice combination is garlic and thyme. Garlic provides a savoury flavour, while thyme adds an aromatic touch. This combination is commonly used in Mediterranean-style marinated mushrooms and pairs well with other ingredients like lemon, olive oil, and vinegar.

If you're looking for an Asian-inspired flavour profile, you can experiment with spices like ginger and smoked paprika. These spices create a robust and slightly smoky flavour that pairs well with ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar. This type of marinade works especially well with king oyster mushrooms, which are known for their meatiness and versatility.

Additionally, consider enhancing your marinade with ingredients like Italian seasonings, bay leaves, oregano, or peppercorns. These herbs and spices can add depth and complexity to your dish. Don't be afraid to experiment and customise your marinade to suit your taste preferences.

Remember, when adding herbs and spices, it's important to find the right balance. Start with smaller amounts and adjust to your taste. Allow your mushrooms to marinate for several hours or even overnight to ensure they absorb the maximum flavour.

Soaking and grilling the mushrooms

Soaking and grilling mushrooms is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Firstly, prepare the mushrooms by boiling them in salted water for 3-5 minutes, ensuring they remain tender. Drain the mushrooms and set them aside.

Next, prepare the marinade. A basic marinade can be made by mixing together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, shallots, and herbs like parsley and thyme. You can also add red pepper flakes, lemon zest and juice, and spices like smoked paprika for extra flavour. For a more unique marinade, you can try a balsamic blend, a soy-sesame combination, or an Italian marinade with oregano and bay leaf.

Once the marinade is ready, toss the hot mushrooms in it. Make sure the mushrooms are fully coated. Leave the mushrooms uncovered to cool and soak up the flavours for about 2 hours. For maximum flavour absorption, you can leave them in the refrigerator overnight.

Finally, it's time to grill the mushrooms. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the mushrooms onto the skewers, bending them into an S shape. Heat a griddle pan or BBQ and spray with oil, then cook the mushrooms for 3-4 minutes on each side until charred and tender.

Your mushrooms are now ready to be served! You can enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Serving suggestions

Marinated mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Grazing Platters

Marinated mushrooms are a great addition to grazing or cheese platters. Serve them whole or sliced, alongside cheese, charcuterie, pickles, crackers, and bread. They can also be piled onto crackers or crostini smeared with blue cheese or goat's cheese.

Salads

Marinated mushrooms can be added to interesting salads, such as a roasted cauliflower salad, lentil and roasted eggplant salad, or a leafy iceberg lettuce dill salad. They add a burst of flavour and texture to the salad.

Toast or Avocado Toast

Marinated mushrooms go well with toast or avocado toast. Spread some avocado on toasted bread, add some goat's cheese, blue cheese, or cream cheese, and then top with the mushrooms.

Appetizers or Snacks

These mushrooms can be served as an appetizer or snack, either on their own or with toothpicks and cocktails. They are also a great addition to a buffet-style gathering.

Side Dish

Marinated mushrooms make a delicious side dish, especially with grilled steak or polenta. They can also be served with basmati rice, steamed broccoli, and toasted sesame seeds, or any other grain or vegetable dish.

Grilled or Skewered

Thread the marinated mushrooms onto skewers and grill them on a BBQ or grill pan. They can also be baked in the oven.

Frequently asked questions