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Uncover the art of marinated mushrooms with this exquisitely easy recipe! Delight in the harmonious blend of fresh mushrooms with savory herbs in a tangy Italian marinade – where each bite promises a burst of irresistibly delicious flavors. Best of all, you’ll need just 15 minutes to make them.

“Best recipe ever for marinated mushrooms! There are many recipes that I have made and this one is definitely easy and best tasting.”

– CARLA
Overhead photo of mushrooms marinating in a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, Italian spices.

Update: This recipe was originally published in July 2020. I made updates to the post below to include more information about marinating raw mushrooms at home

If you love mushrooms, I have the perfect easy, no-fuss recipe for you! Seriously, you are going to weep tears of joy over these bite-sized beauties!! And, you absolutely won’t believe how insanely simple they are to prepare! One bite of these meaty mushrooms and you will never go back to overpaying at the deli counter again!

Table of Contents

About this marinated mushrooms recipe

These mushrooms are savory, succulent and so delicious! But, the best part of all? They are fool-proof! This recipe for mushroom marination requires minimal effort, a few pantry staples and just 15 minutes to prepare!!

Tender, meaty mushrooms are marinated in a robust mixture of extra virgin olive oil and vinegars. Flavored with pungent garlic, delicate shallots, fragrant Italian seasonings, earthy bay leaves, herbaceous fresh herbs and a touch of fiery red pepper flakes, these mushrooms are addictively delicious!!

These silky mushrooms in marinade make a wonderful addition to antipasto platters, salads, pastas, burgers and more! Plus, they are a delicious snack to leave out for guests during parties! Or, you can give them as a homemade gift during the holidays! However, they are so darn good, you will probably just be popping them like candy straight from the jar!

Store-bought deli mushrooms are expensive and lackluster in taste. So, why overpay when you can easily make your own at home!?

If you’re looking for more no-cook veggie summer salads, be sure to try these recipes next: zucchini noodle salad and white bean salad.

Why you’ll love this recipe

TL;DR? No worries, get the 411 here:

  • 15 minute recipe! Gloriously easy and fuss-free, you can get these plump mushrooms in marinade on the table in 15 minutes or less.
  • Simple ingredients and pantry staples! You just need 5 fresh ingredients – raw mushrooms, garlic, thyme, shallot, and parsley – along with a few pantry staples, such as oil and vinegar for this mushroom marinade.
  • Robust flavor! This Italian marinade lends the most delicious zesty, herbaceous flavor and enhances mushrooms perfectly.
  • Use any mushroom variety! You can marinate any variety of mushrooms you love. Whether you harvest your own, collect them from the farmer’s market, or simply grab them from the grocery store, any mushroom you’ve got will work in this marinade.
  • Totally customizable! I encourage you to add your own personal touch when marinating mushrooms, and this simple recipe allows you to do just that. Make it as directed or customize it to suit your needs.
  • Incredibly versatile! These mushrooms in a garlic, oil, and vinegar mix are insanely versatile! Stir them into your scrambled egg, serve them with toothpicks as an appetizer with cocktails, pile them on top of a sizzling steak, and so on!
Overhead photo of raw mushrooms, two garlic cloves, and fresh italian parsley for marinating mushrooms in a bowl.

What is a marinated mushroom?

Marinated mushrooms, also known as seasoned or pickled mushrooms, are the perfect snack, appetizer or pantry staple! They are made by soaking fresh mushrooms in a zesty, flavorful marinade of extra virgin olive oil and vinegar along with various seasonings and spices.

These marinated mushrooms are not fermented. The kosher salt and acid (vinegars) in the marinade serve to flavor the mushrooms only. They do not stimulate microbe growth which causes fermentation, nor does it preserve the mushrooms. 

Ingredients for marinating Mushrooms

You don’t need any fancy variety of mushrooms or an extensive list of ingredients to prepare delicious Italian mushrooms from the comfort of your own home!

  • Mushrooms: You can use any variety of fresh ‘shrooms you love for marination. (See below for a list of mushrooms you can marinate.)
  • Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the richest flavor.
  • Vinegars: I use a combination of white vinegar and red wine vinegar in this mushroom marinade. However, you can use sherry vinegar and apple cider vinegar as well.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a distinctive, punchy taste.
  • Shallot: Finely dice shallot provides a delicate, soft onion flavor.
  • Herbs: Fresh herbs add ample herbaceous flavor. I use fresh thyme and parsley. However, oregano and tarragon are also fantastic! (Make sure you’re storing your herb properly!)
  • Bay Leaf: Dried bay leaves add a subtle herbal flavor.
  • Seasonings: Crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper provide plenty of flavor to these seasoned mushrooms!

If fresh mushrooms are on sale at the grocery store, grab some extra and put them to good use in these recipes: Marsala Mushroom Sauce, Pasta Sauce Mushrooms, Mushroom Onion Recipe, Mushroom Risotto Orzo, and How to Saute Mushrooms.

Recipe variations

  • Italian Herb Mushroom Marinade: Elevate the traditional flavors of this Italian marinade by using a medley of fresh herbs, such as thyme, parsley, basil, and oregano for a burst of herby flavor.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Marinated Mushrooms: Delight in the sweetness of sun dried tomatoes by adding minced sun dried tomatoes to the marinade.
  • Balsamic Italian Marinade for Mushrooms: Add a little richness to your mushrooms by adding a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to these marinated mushrooms.
  • Olive Marinated Mushroom Recipe: Spice things up by stirring finely diced olives into the marinade for a salty flavor profile.
Straight on action photo of a marinade being poured over raw mushroom caps in a bowl.

How to marinate mushrooms at home

This Italian deli-style mushroom marinade recipe is so simple and foolproof, yet produces incredibly flavorful mushrooms! Marination requires minimal effort, a few staple ingredients, and just 15 minutes!

  1. Poach Mushrooms (optional): Fill a saucepan with 5 cups of water. Add garlic, thyme and bay leaf. Bring the water to a rapid simmer. Season water with salt. Add the mushroom caps and gently simmer until the mushrooms are just tender, about 3-5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and drain mushrooms.
  2. Make Marinade: In a large, non-reactive bowl, combine marinade ingredients. Whisk to thoroughly combine. Add the mushrooms and gently stir to coat. Taste the marinade and adjust for seasoning if desired.
  3. Marinate in fridge: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Transfer to the refrigerator and allow to marinate for at least 5 minutes (or up to 10 days), stirring the mushrooms occasionally. For the best taste, I recommend allowing the mushrooms to marinate for at least 8 hours. If you use raw mushrooms, allow them to marinate for 24 hours.
  4. Serve: Remove mushrooms from refrigerator. Taste again and adjust for seasoning if needed. Bring mushrooms to room temperature before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Step-by-step photos: making this recipe at home

(Scroll down for the detailed measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.)

Overhead photo collage of how to make marinated mushrooms step by step with written instructions on each step.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

What mushrooms are best for marinating?

The most popular varieties of mushrooms for marination include white button and cremini mushrooms. However, you can marinate any variety of fresh ‘shrooms you love. Or, feel free to mix things up and use a combination of mushrooms.

  • Cremini Mushrooms (baby bella)
  • White Button Mushrooms
  • Small Portobello Mushrooms
  • Enoki

If you select a larger variety for marination, such as portobello mushrooms, I recommend halving or quartering them before marinating.

Regardless of the variety of fresh mushrooms you select, make sure you clean and de-stem the mushrooms before proceeding with the recipe.

How do I clean mushrooms before marinating them?

You’ll want to remove any dirt or debris from the mushrooms before marinating. you can do this by gently wiping them with a damp paper towel or gently rinsing them under trickling cold water. But avoid soaking the mushrooms while cleaning as that will affect the flavor and texture of the marinated mushrooms.

Do I need to cook the mushrooms before marinating them?

While it’s not necessary to fully cook mushrooms before marinating, I do recommend briefly blanching, poaching, or sautéing the mushrooms to enhance their flavor and remove the excess moisture.

Is a marinated mushroom cooked?

That depends upon the recipe and the cook. A marinated mushroom can be raw or briefly cooked, depending upon the recipe.

For this mushroom marinade recipe you can use either raw mushrooms or cooked mushrooms. However, it’s worth noting that if you opt to use raw mushrooms (versus partially cooked mushrooms), you’ll need to marinate the mushrooms for at least 24 hours while cooked marinated mushrooms can be enjoyed after about 5 minutes in the marinade. Why? A partially cooked mushroom will quickly soak up the marinade – like a sponge, while the same marinade will take much longer to penetrate a raw mushroom.

How long should I marinate the mushrooms?

The exact amount of time you should marinate mushrooms will depend upon your personal preferences and the amount of time you have.

For the best results, marinate the mushrooms for at least 8 hours. Make sure you stir them occasionally to ensure even marination. However, if you are short on time you can leave the mushrooms in the. marinade for just 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Can mushrooms marinate overnight?

Absolutely! These mushrooms actually taste the most flavorful when you allow time for the marinade to work its magic. For the best taste and texture, allow mushrooms to marinate for at least 8 hours, but preferably 24 hours.

Are seasoned mushrooms good for you?

Mushrooms pack a nutritional punch and are considered a superfood! They’re a naturally fat-free, low-sodium, low-calorie and cholesterol-free food. They are also loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals. Plus, they are a good source of antioxidants and promote a healthy immune system and boost your bone health.

This homemade mushroom marinade recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, vegetarian, vegan, paleo, whole30, Keto, low-carb and dairy-free!

Can I freeze mushrooms in marinade?

Freezing mushrooms with marinade is not recommended due to several reasons:

  • Texture Change: Freezing will cause the mushrooms to become mushy or rubbery upon thawing, especially when they are in a liquid-based marinade.
  • Quality Loss: The marinade can separate or lose flavor when frozen, affecting the overall quality of the dish upon thawing.
  • Safety Concerns: Freezing and thawing marinated mushroom recipes can increase the risk of bacterial growth and food safety issues, especially if you didn’t follow proper cooling and freezing procedures.
Overhead photo of raw mushrooms in an Italian marinade.

Serving mushrooms marinated

These deeply flavorful mushrooms are so delicious you can enjoy them straight from the jar or bowl. Or they make the perfect meaty vegetarian side dish to your favorite soup recipes, like homemade tomato soups, Italian sausage soups, chickpea soups, and tortellini soups. And, they also add an instant boost of delicious flavor to salads, pastas, pizza, dips and more. You will be amazed at how many different ways you can serve this mushroom marinade recipe! Below are some ideas to help inspire:

Common serving suggestions

  • Antipasto Platter Addition: Serve the marinated mushrooms as part of an antipasto platter alongside cured meats, a couple cheeses, like provolone and mozzarella, marinated olives, and crusty bread or oven roasted garlic bread.
  • Cheese Board Accent: Pair marinated mushroom recipes with a selection of artisanal cheeses such as aged cheddar, gouda, and blue cheese, accompanied by crackers, dried fruits, and spiced and roasted nuts or candied nuts.
  • Salad Enhancement: Toss the mushroom in marinade into a fresh green salad with baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a light balsamic vinaigrette. Or simply add it to your favorite salad recipes like this pearled couscous salad.
  • Happy Hummus: Dollop mushrooms on top of your favorite hummus recipes or hummus bowls and serve with pita bread toasted.
  • Sandwich Filling: Use this marinated mushroom recipe as a gourmet sandwich filling with grilled chicken breast or sliced steak, arugula, and roasted red peppers on ciabatta bread.
  • Pasta Dish Component: Stir the flavored mushrooms into creamy pasta dishes, like cream cheese pasta, lemony chicken pasta, or smoked salmon pasta for an earthy depth of flavor.

Unique uses for seasoned mushrooms

  • Savory Breakfast Hash: Marinate mushrooms, chop them fine, and add them to a breakfast hash with diced potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and sausage. Top with scrambled eggs or a poached egg.
  • Mushroom Bruschetta: Swap out traditional tomato bruschetta and spoon diced mushrooms and marinade over toasted baguette slices with basil leaves.
  • Gourmet Pizza: Make the mushroom marinade recipe as directed. Pat the mushrooms dry, give them a rough chop, and use them as a topping for homemade pizza with caramelized onions and fresh slices of mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbly and finish your pizza off with baby arugula and a drizzle of truffle oil for a pizza you soon won’t forget.
  • Mushroom Burgers: Slice the mushrooms thick and use them as a gourmet topping for your favorite burgers and sandwiches.
  • Goat Cheese Mushroom Crostini: Spread goat cheese onto crostinis and top with the marinated mushrooms, chopped fresh thyme, and a small drizzle of honey for a quick and delicious starter or appetizer.
  • Protein Topper: Simply serve these flavorful mushrooms as a topping on grilled steaks, roasted chicken, lamb chops, and more.
Close-up photo of a marinated mushroom.

Storing leftovers

Mushroom marinade

  • Separate Container: If you have leftover marinade after using the mushrooms, transfer it to a separate clean glass jar or airtight container.
  • Refrigerate: Place the marinade in the refrigerator and use within 1 to 2 weeks. Please note, the flavor will degrade over time.
  • Reuse with Caution: If you plan to reuse the marinade, you’ll need to heat it prior. Add the marinade to a saucepan and bring it to a boil to kill any potential bacteria. Then, cool it down and use it again for marinating fresh ingredients.

Marinated mushrooms

  • Store: Place the mushrooms and marinade into an airtight container or glass jar.
  • Cover Completely: Ensure the mushrooms are completely submerged in the marinade to prevent exposure to air, which will cause them to spoil more quickly.
  • Refrigerate: Place in the fridge and store for up to 7 to 10 days. Please note, and the storage time for this mushroom marinade recipe is dependent upon the freshness of your mushrooms. Discard if there are any signs of spoilage such as mold or an off odor.
Overhead photo of piece of crostini toast smeared with soft cheese and topped with marinated mushrooms.

Forget overpaying for jarred mushrooms in oil and make these easy marinated mushrooms instead! They are meaty, tender, insanely flavorful and impossible to resist!

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More marinated veggie recipes!

Overhead photo of marinated mushrooms garnished with fresh Italian parsley in a large white serving bowl with slices of artisan bread next to the bowl.

Marinated Mushrooms Recipe

4.73 from 11 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Uncover the art of marinated mushrooms with this exquisitely easy recipe! Delight in the harmonious blend of fresh mushrooms with savory herbs in a tangy Italian marinade – where each bite promises a burst of irresistibly delicious flavors. Best of all, you'll need just 15 minutes to make them.

Equipment

  • 1 Medium-sized Saucepan OPTIONAL
  • 1 Large, Non-Reactive Mixing Bowl

Ingredients 

  • 12-16 ounces Cremini Mushrooms – cleaned & stems removed (SEE NOTES)
  • 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 TBS Each: White Wine Vinegar & Red Wine Vinegar
  • ¾ tsp Italian Seasoning
  • to taste Kosher Salt & Fresh Ground Black Pepper
  • ¼-½ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – adjust to taste
  • 1 1/2 tsp Flat-leaf Parsley Leaves – finely chopped; plus more for garnish

Instructions

  • Optional – Poach Mushrooms (SEE NOTES): Fill a deep, medium-sized saucepan with 4-5 cups of water. Add the smashed garlic, thyme sprigs and 1 bay leaf. Bring the water to a rapid simmer. Season water with ½ teaspoon salt. Add the mushroom caps and return to a gentle simmer. Cook, reducing heat as needed to maintain a gently simmer, until the mushrooms are just tender, about 3-5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and drain mushrooms well.
  • Meanwhile, Prepare the Mushroom Marinade: In a large, non-reactive (non-metallic) bowl, add the minced garlic, remaining bay leaf, shallot, oil, both vinegars, Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, and parsley. Whisk to thoroughly combine.
  • Marinate Mushrooms in Fridge: While the mushrooms are still warm, add them to the marinade (SEE NOTES). Gently stir to combine and coat. Taste the marinade and adjust for seasoning if desired. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Transfer to the refrigerator and allow to marinate for at least 5 minutes (or up to 10 days), stirring the mushrooms occasionally. For the best taste, I recommend allowing the mushrooms to marinate for at least 8 hours.
  • Serve Marinated Mushrooms: Remove mushrooms from refrigerator. Taste again and adjust for seasoning if needed. Bring mushrooms to room temperature before serving. Garnish with more chopped parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Mushrooms: You can use any variety of mushrooms you love! Cremini, white button, portobello or enoki. If you select a larger variety, such as portobello mushrooms, I recommend halving or quartering them before marinating. Regardless of the variety of fresh mushrooms you select, make sure you clean and destem the mushrooms before proceeding with the recipe.
  2. Raw mushrooms: Poaching the mushrooms is recommended, but not required! You can use raw mushrooms if you like! Just make sure you properly clean and destem them. Skip the first step of the recipe and then prepare the recipe as directed. Allow the raw mushrooms to marinate for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  3. Marinade: Make sure you add the mushrooms to the marinade while they are still warm (if you poached mushrooms)! They will soak up the most flavor that way!
  4. Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  5. Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 5 servings (approximately 5 mushrooms per serving). Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcal    Carbohydrates: 6g    Protein: 2g    Fat: 11g    Saturated Fat: 2g    Sodium: 8mg    Potassium: 361mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 2g    Vitamin A: 87IU    Vitamin C: 4mg    Calcium: 30mg    Iron: 1mg
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Italian

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