Italian Marinated Mushrooms Recipe
Italian Marinated Mushrooms Recipe is a classic antipasto appetizer offering bright vinegar flavor, simple stovetop preparation, and make-ahead convenience. Fresh button mushrooms are briefly simmered in a vinegar brine, then tossed with olive oil, oregano, parsley, and red pepper flakes to create a bold Italian antipasto dish that develops even deeper flavor as it chills.
Servings: 6
Calories: 193kcal
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Cutting board
- Chef’s Knife
- Colander or fine mesh strainer
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Glass Jar or Airtight Container
Ingredients
- 1 pound large white button mushrooms quartered (or halved if smaller)
- ½ red bell pepper thinly sliced
Brine
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Antipasto Marinade
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 6 to 8 caper berries (optional) halved
Instructions
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp towel and quarter them so they are bite-sized. Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips.
- In a saucepan combine the water, white wine vinegar, salt, sugar, smashed garlic, bay leaf, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the mushrooms and bell pepper to the simmering brine and cook for 5–6 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender but still slightly firm.
- Drain the mushrooms and peppers well and allow them to sit for about 5 minutes so excess moisture evaporates.
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Add the warm mushrooms and peppers to the marinade and toss well to coat. If using, stir in the caper berries.
- Transfer everything to a jar or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, so the flavors fully develop.
Video
Notes
Cooking Notes
Simmering the mushrooms briefly in vinegar brine helps them absorb the marinade while maintaining a firm bite. Allow enough time for chilling so the herbs and olive oil fully infuse the vegetables.
Tips for Best Results
- Simmer the mushrooms just until tender but still firm.
- Drain them thoroughly so the marinade stays concentrated.
- Add the mushrooms to the marinade while still warm so they absorb flavor.
- Allow the mixture to chill for several hours before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 792mg | Potassium: 297mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 431IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg
