Don’t let the long list of ingredients scare you. And the need–and time–for the mushrooms to marinate in the fridge make this a delicious and perfect do-ahead dish. And your friends and family will thank you.

Ingredients

1 pound mushrooms (I used Bella.)
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons Franks Hot Sauce
1/4 cup minced red onion (or scallions)
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon grated ginger root
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Some mixed greens
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 cup cooked ground beef (My addition.)

Directions

1. Trim and slice the mushrooms. Put them in large nonreactive bowl.
2. Whisk together the vinegar, orange juice, maple syrup, olive oil, peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, hot sauce, garlic, ginger, lemon zest and hot sauce in a saucepan.
3. Cook the mixture, stirring often over low heat until it just comes together to a simmer, about five minutes. Pour over the mushrooms, toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
4. Now you have a choice to toss with some greens and eat as a simple salad or do what I did. I gently heated the mushrooms and sauce, ground beef, and red pepper served with sushi rice and greens.
   
   Truly, a taste sensation.
   

Based on a recipe from Maple Syrup Cookbook.