Spanish Mushroom Escabeche with Sherry Vinegar

Prep: 15 minCook: 50 min8 servingsmediumSpanish
Spanish Mushroom Escabeche with Sherry Vinegar

A traditional Spanish preserved mushroom dish where earthy mushrooms are slowly cooked in aromatic sherry vinegar, white wine, and olive oil with shallots and garlic. This tangy, flavorful preparation develops complex flavors over three days of refrigeration, making it perfect as a tapa, antipasto, or side dish. The escabeche technique creates a tender, marinated result that balances acidity with rich olive oil.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 1 lb mushrooms
    eggplant1:1vegetablesadds eggs

    different texture

    Full guide →
  • 4 shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 0.8 cup Sherry vinegar
    red wine vinegar1:1acidic

    slightly different flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 0.8 cup good white wine
    dry vermouth1:1alcohol

    herbaceous notes

    Full guide →
  • cup water
  • 2 ⅜ cups virgin olive oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 pinch rosemary

Instructions

  1. 1

    Clean mushrooms thoroughly, cut off stems, wash in colander, rinse and slice, then set aside

  2. 2

    Finely chop shallots and sauté in heavy pot with virgin olive oil until translucent

  3. 3

    Add vinegar and reduce liquid by half until shallots begin to brown and caramelize

  4. 4

    Add white wine and water, then reduce by half again

  5. 5

    Add sliced mushrooms, whole peeled garlic cloves, seasonings and remaining oil, then cook everything together

  6. 6

    Check seasoning and add more salt if needed, then let cool and refrigerate for three days before eating for flavors to meld

Tips

Tip 1

Use a mix of mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms for more complex flavor and texture

Tip 2

Don't skip the three-day marinating period as the flavors need time to develop and meld together properly

Tip 3

Serve at room temperature with crusty bread or as part of a Spanish tapas spread

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 1 week

Make Ahead

Must be made 3 days ahead for proper flavor development

Serve With

Serve at room temperature as a tapa or side dish

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't rush the reduction steps to avoid bitter flavors

Watch

Avoid overcooking mushrooms to prevent them becoming mushy

Substitutions

Sherry vinegar
red wine vinegar1:1acidic

slightly different flavor profile

Full guide →
white wine
dry vermouth1:1alcohol

herbaceous notes

Full guide →
mushrooms
eggplant1:1vegetablesadds eggs

different texture

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Yes, any firm mushrooms work well. Try cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for varied flavors and textures.

How long does this keep in the refrigerator?

The escabeche will keep for up to one week refrigerated and actually improves in flavor over time.

Can I serve this immediately after cooking?

While edible immediately, the dish needs three days of marinating for the flavors to properly develop and meld together.