Emma Wilson
Portobello mushroom burgers are a popular vegetarian and vegan alternative to traditional beef burgers. The portobello mushroom is often marinated before grilling to give it a rich, tangy, savoury, and meaty flavour. The marinade typically includes balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and herbs and spices. The mushrooms are then grilled and topped with ingredients such as melted cheese, onions, tomatoes, spinach, avocado, and condiments such as aioli or pesto. The burgers are served on toasted buns and are described as juicy, hearty, and absolutely delicious.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Juicy, meaty, tangy, savoury, rich, full of flavour |
| Texture | Soggy, watery, rubbery |
| Nutrients | High in protein, fibre, sodium, sugar, saturated fat |
| Calories | 295 kcal |
| Toppings | Cheese, onions, tomatoes, spinach, avocado, arugula, lettuce, basil, cilantro, pepita pesto, tzatziki, cucumber, guacamole, pineapple or mango salsa, jalapeños |
| Marinade | Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, herbs, spices, soy sauce, vinegar, rosemary, steak seasoning, garlic, basil, oregano, Dijon mustard, coriander, salt, pepper |
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Marinades and sauces
Portobello mushroom burgers are a great vegetarian and vegan alternative to beef burgers, and can be absolutely delicious. The key to achieving a great taste is in the marinade and sauce.
A popular choice for a marinade is a balsamic vinegar base, which gives the mushrooms a tangy, savoury flavour. Olive oil is also added to the marinade to ensure the mushrooms stay moist and tender. Other ingredients can be added to the marinade, such as garlic, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, soy sauce, rosemary, steak seasoning, dijon mustard, and ground coriander. The mushrooms are left to sit in the marinade for around 15-30 minutes before grilling.
The sauce or relish is also key to adding flavour to the burger. Some popular sauce choices include aioli, chipotle sauce, tzatziki, guacamole, and mango or pineapple salsa.
Portobello mushrooms are thick and meaty, and can be topped with cheese, which is added towards the end of the grilling process so that it melts. Some popular cheese choices include Swiss cheese, mozzarella, feta, cheddar, and provolone. The burgers can also be served with toppings such as spinach, arugula, lettuce, avocado, red onion, tomato, and caramelized onions.
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Toppings and sides
Portobello mushroom burgers are a great option for those looking for a vegetarian or vegan burger option that is still hearty and satisfying. The key to making a great-tasting portobello mushroom burger is to marinate the mushrooms before grilling them, which gives them a rich, meaty flavour.
Portobello mushroom burgers can be topped with a variety of ingredients to enhance their flavour and make them more substantial. Here are some ideas for toppings and sides to accompany your portobello mushroom burger:
- Cheese: Melted Swiss cheese, vegan cheddar, mozzarella, feta, or cheddar cheese are all great options to add a creamy texture and savoury flavour to the burger.
- Vegetables: Grilled red onions, spinach, arugula, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, and caramelized onions are all popular choices that add freshness and flavour to the burger.
- Condiments and sauces: Aioli, chipotle sauce, tzatziki, mango salsa, guacamole, pesto (cilantro pepita or basil), and balsamic vinegar are all great options to add moisture and extra flavour to the burger.
- Herbs and spices: Basil, rosemary, Montreal steak seasoning, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper can be used in the marinade or added fresh to the burger for enhanced flavour.
- Sides: Portobello mushroom burgers can be served with a variety of sides such as sweet potato fries, potato salad, coleslaw, pasta salad, broccoli salad, fruit salad, or a simple green salad.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment with different toppings and sides to create your own unique portobello mushroom burger!
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Bun options
Portobello mushrooms are versatile and can be used as burger buns or patties. They are large enough to be used as buns and are a great gluten-free and low-carb alternative to bread.
To prepare the mushrooms as buns, start by cleaning them with a moist paper towel to remove any dirt or debris. You can then remove the gills and stem with a spoon or your hands; this step is optional, but many prefer the texture without the gills. Brush both sides of the mushrooms with olive oil or another cooking oil, and season with salt and pepper. You can also add fresh herbs for extra flavour.
Roast the mushrooms in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes until tender. You can also grill them for about 4 minutes on each side. If you prefer raw mushrooms, skip the roasting step and simply clean and season them before using them as buns.
Portobello mushroom buns go well with various toppings and fillings. For a classic burger, use lettuce, tomato, and aioli sauce. You can also add cheese, such as Swiss, mozzarella, feta, or cheddar, or provolone. If you're feeling adventurous, try toppings like avocado, grilled onions, spinach, basil, or even mango salsa.
Portobello mushroom buns are a tasty and healthy option for your next burger night, offering a unique twist to your meal.
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Vegan alternatives
Portobello mushrooms are popular among vegans and vegetarians due to their meaty texture and taste. They are also a great source of B vitamins, selenium, copper, potassium, and phosphorus.
- Marinate the mushrooms in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and herbs/spices. Grill the mushrooms for about 10 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear. Assemble the burger by toasting a bun and layering it with vegan cheese, the grilled mushroom, scallions/green onions, and lettuce.
- For a Greek-style burger, use focaccia bread instead of buns and top with vegan feta cheese, pickled onions, and tzatziki sauce.
- For a Spicy Miso PMB, top with Asian-style guacamole, cucumber ribbons, and crunchy carrot slaw.
- For a Southwest-style burger, add a scoop of guacamole, and pineapple or mango salsa. You can also top it with cilantro lime avocado sauce or cashew sauce.
- Marinate the mushrooms in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and herbs/spices. Grill the mushrooms and top with melted vegan cheese, grilled red onion, avocado, spinach, and tomato.
- Stuff the mushrooms with cashew mozzarella cream, coat with breadcrumbs, and bake. Assemble the burger by adding more mozzarella cream, fresh herbs, and basil.
These vegan Portobello mushroom burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional burgers, offering a "meaty" texture and flavour that even non-vegans can enjoy.
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Cooking methods
Portobello mushroom burgers are a tasty and nutritious vegan and vegetarian alternative to beef burgers. The cooking methods for this dish vary from grilling to baking to cooking on a stovetop.
Grilling
Grilling is a popular cooking method for Portobello mushroom burgers. The mushrooms are typically marinated in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and various herbs and spices before being placed on a preheated grill for about 10 minutes per side. Some recipes call for the mushrooms to be grilled for a shorter time, around 5 to 8 minutes per side, to avoid burning the natural sugars in the balsamic vinegar. Grilling the mushrooms gives them a juicy and meaty texture, making them a satisfying option for vegetarians and vegans.
Baking
Portobello mushroom burgers can also be baked in the oven. To do this, place the mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray. The mushrooms are baked gill-side up for about 20 to 25 minutes, depending on their size and the oven's temperature. Baking the mushrooms gives them a different texture than grilling, and they may not be as juicy or meaty.
Stovetop
Cooking Portobello mushroom burgers on a stovetop is another option. This method involves using a grill pan or a regular frying pan to cook the mushrooms. The mushrooms can be marinated before cooking, or simply sliced and cooked in a pan with a small amount of oil. Cooking Portobello mushroom burgers on a stovetop is a quick and convenient method that does not require preheating an oven or grill.
Toppings and Sides
Portobello mushroom burgers can be served on a variety of buns, such as brioche, ciabatta, or vegan burger buns. They are often topped with ingredients such as arugula, spinach, caramelized onions, tomatoes, and various types of cheese, such as Swiss, cheddar, or vegan cheese. Some people also add condiments such as aioli, pesto, or chipotle sauce to enhance the flavour. Portobello mushroom burgers can be served with sides such as sweet potato fries, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.
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Frequently asked questions
Portabella mushrooms are thick and meaty, making them a great alternative for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone who wants to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diet. The marinade gives the mushrooms a rich, tangy, savoury flavour.
Popular toppings include melted cheese, spinach, grilled red onions, tomatoes, avocado, lettuce, arugula, and condiments such as aioli or chipotle sauce.
Any type of bun will work, but brioche buns are recommended. You can also toast the buns on the grill before assembling the burger.
You can cook portabella mushrooms for burgers on a grill, in the oven, or on a stovetop. If using a grill or stovetop, brush the grill or pan with oil and cook the mushrooms for 5-10 minutes on each side until tender. If cooking in the oven, place the mushrooms gill-side up on a baking sheet and roast at 375°F/191°C for 20-25 minutes.
