Honey Garlic Roasted Mushrooms (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 1 pound cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
02 - 2 tablespoons honey
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
07 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
08 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While waiting for the oven to heat up, clean your mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Avoid washing mushrooms under running water as they act like little sponges and will absorb the moisture, which can prevent proper caramelization during roasting. Trim the stems slightly if needed, but keep them attached for added texture and to help the mushrooms hold their shape.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar until well combined. This simple yet powerful sauce brings together sweet, salty, umami, and tangy notes that will transform the mushrooms as they roast. Give it a quick taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or grind of black pepper if needed, keeping in mind that the soy sauce already adds saltiness.
03 - Place your cleaned mushrooms in a large mixing bowl, then pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Using your hands or a spatula, gently toss and turn the mushrooms until each one is thoroughly coated with the sauce. Take your time with this step to ensure even coverage, and be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to use every last drop of that delicious sauce.
04 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup later. Arrange the sauce-coated mushrooms in a single layer across the baking sheet, making sure they're not overcrowded. Leaving some space between the mushrooms allows the hot air to circulate properly, promoting even roasting and caramelization rather than steaming them.
05 - Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and roast the mushrooms for about 20 minutes total. Halfway through the cooking time (around the 10-minute mark), open the oven and give the mushrooms a gentle stir or flip to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. As they roast, you'll notice the sauce thickening and creating a gorgeous sticky glaze that coats the mushrooms.
06 - Once the mushrooms have developed a beautiful golden-brown color and are tender throughout, remove them from the oven. Transfer the mushrooms to a serving dish and drizzle any remaining sauce from the baking sheet over them - this sauce has concentrated during roasting and is packed with flavor. If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright pop of color and fresh flavor contrast.

# Notes:

01 - These honey garlic roasted mushrooms make a delicious side dish or vegetarian main when served over rice or alongside a salad.
02 - The natural sugars in the honey caramelize during roasting, creating a beautiful glaze that enhances the earthy flavor of the mushrooms.
03 - For a spicy variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce mixture.