Balsamic Soy Roasted Garlic Mushrooms!

🍄 Balsamic Soy Roasted Garlic Mushrooms

Savory • Glossy • Deep umami

Serves: 4

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 25–30 minutes

🧾 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) mushrooms (cremini, button, or baby bella)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1½ tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, balances acidity)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

🔪 Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   Set oven to 400°F (205°C).

2. Prep mushrooms
   Wipe clean with a damp paper towel.
   Leave whole or halve large ones.

3. Make the sauce
   In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey/maple syrup, pepper, herbs, and chili flakes.

4. Coat mushrooms
   Add mushrooms and toss until evenly coated.

5. Roast
   Spread mushrooms in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   Roast 20 minutes, then stir.

6. Finish roasting
   Return to oven for 5–10 minutes until mushrooms are browned, tender, and glossy.

7. Serve
   Spoon the pan juices over the mushrooms and serve hot.

❓ Q & A – Everything You Might Wonder

Q: Why use both balsamic vinegar and soy sauce?

A:

• Balsamic = sweetness + acidity

• Soy sauce = salt + umami
  Together they create depth without needing extra seasoning.

Q: My mushrooms came out watery. What happened?

A: Common reasons:

• Pan was overcrowded

• Oven temperature too low

• Mushrooms were rinsed instead of wiped

Fix: Use a larger pan and roast hotter.

Q: Can I make them crispier?

A: Yes:

• Roast on the top rack

• Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end

• Don’t stir too early

Q: Can I make this without soy sauce?

A: Absolutely. Substitute:

• Tamari (gluten-free)

• Coconut aminos (slightly sweeter)

• Worcestershire sauce (use less)

Q: What mushrooms work best?

A:

• Cremini/Baby Bella: best flavor

• Button: mild but good

• Shiitake: extra umami (remove stems)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes. Store in the fridge up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet or oven—not the microwave—for best texture.

Q: How do I make this richer?

A: Toss with 1 tbsp butter or a drizzle of sesame oil after roasting.

Q: Is this vegan?

A: Yes—just use maple syrup instead of honey.

🍽 What to Serve With

• Steak, chicken, tofu, or salmon

• Mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa

• Pasta, risotto, or grain bowls

• Toast with ricotta or goat cheese.