Mastering The Grill: Perfect Mushrooms

Grilled mushrooms are a tasty treat and a great way to elevate your BBQ spread. They can be served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in a number of recipes. Grilled mushrooms are best enjoyed the day they are made, but they can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator. There are a few ways to grill mushrooms, depending on the type of mushroom and your personal preference. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to grill mushrooms, as well as some serving suggestions.

Characteristics of Grilled Mushrooms

How to clean mushrooms before grilling

Before grilling mushrooms, it is important to clean them thoroughly. The first step is to determine whether the mushrooms are cultivated or wild. If they are cultivated, they are likely to be cleaner and will only need to be brushed off or have any dirty parts cut off. Wild mushrooms, on the other hand, may require a more thorough cleaning process, and certain varieties may have unique cleaning methods.

When cleaning cultivated mushrooms, it is generally recommended to wipe them clean with a damp paper towel or kitchen towel. This is because mushrooms tend to absorb water, and rinsing them can make them waterlogged, affecting their ability to absorb seasonings during cooking. If there is visible dirt or debris, it can be gently brushed off, or the mushrooms can be quickly rinsed under running water, ensuring they are dried thoroughly before cooking. Some sources even suggest that giving mushrooms a quick rinse is perfectly fine, as any absorbed water will be released during the cooking process.

For wild mushrooms, it is crucial to identify whether they are safe to eat and to research the specific cleaning method required for that variety. Some common wild mushrooms that are relatively easy to identify and safe to consume include Morel, Hen of the Woods, Chicken of the Woods, and Puffballs. These mushrooms can be cleaned using methods such as brushing off dirt or rinsing them, but it is important to follow specific guidelines for each type.

Once the mushrooms are clean, they can be prepared for grilling. This may involve removing the stems, trimming any dried-out ends, and seasoning them with oil, balsamic vinegar, tamari, salt, pepper, or other desired seasonings. Grilling methods can vary depending on the size of the mushrooms, with larger mushrooms like portobellos placed directly on the grill grates, and smaller mushrooms grilled in foil packets or baskets.

The best mushrooms for grilling

Grilled mushrooms are a delicious, savoury treat and a great addition to any meal. The grill is the perfect equipment for cooking mushrooms as their high water content means they can remain moist under high, direct heat.

When it comes to choosing the best mushrooms for grilling, there are a few varieties that stand out:

Portabellas/Portobellos

Portabellas, also known as portobellos, are a great option for grilling due to their large caps and robust texture. They can be used as a meat substitute in burgers or served as a main dish. Portobellos are perfect for grilling directly on the grates of the grill, similar to hamburger patties. Before grilling, remove the stems and trim any dried-out ends.

Shiitakes

Shiitake mushrooms have a firm texture and a rich flavour, making them ideal for the grill. They hold up well and can be grilled whole or sliced.

Criminis/Creminis (Baby Bellas)

These smaller mushrooms are perfect for skewers. They can be threaded onto metal or soaked wooden skewers and grilled to perfection. Criminis have a delicate texture and a subtle, unique flavour.

Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms have a delicate texture and a subtle flavour. While they require careful handling, they are a great option for grilling. Oyster mushrooms are best suited for stir-frying or oven roasting due to their delicate nature.

White Button Mushrooms

White button mushrooms are a versatile variety that can be grilled, stir-fried, or oven-roasted. They are a great option for skewers or grilled whole.

How long to grill mushrooms

The time it takes to grill mushrooms depends on several factors, including the variety of mushroom, the size, and the method of grilling.

Portobello mushrooms, for example, are large and robust, making them ideal for direct grilling on the grates of the grill. They can be grilled for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until tender. Smaller mushrooms, such as criminis (baby bellas), are better suited for skewers or grilling whole. They may take slightly less time to cook, around 3 to 4 minutes per side. Oyster mushrooms, with their delicate texture, require careful handling and gentle grilling.

Grilling mushrooms in foil packets or pouches is a popular method that minimizes cleanup and allows for more even cooking. This technique is suitable for all mushroom types and sizes. Grilling mushrooms in foil typically takes around 12 to 15 minutes, or until tender, with the packet being turned over halfway through.

Marinated mushrooms will take a little longer to cook on the grill, around 10 to 15 minutes. The marinating process adds moisture to the mushrooms, which then needs to be cooked off.

When grilling mushrooms, it's important to consider their high water content. Mushrooms can lose up to 50% of their size as they cook, so the initial size should be taken into account. Additionally, the released moisture evaporates quickly, which is why grilled mushrooms cook faster than roasted or sautéed ones.

In summary, the grilling time for mushrooms can range from 3 to 15 minutes, depending on the variety, size, and grilling method. It's important to keep a close eye on the mushrooms and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are grilled to perfection.

How to grill mushrooms in a foil packet

Grilling mushrooms in a foil packet is a great way to cook them while avoiding the mess of grilling directly on a barbecue. It's also a good way to cook mushrooms when you need to focus on other dishes. You can use a variety of mushrooms, including white button, cremini, portobello, baby bella, oyster, shiitake, chanterelle, porcini, and king trumpet. Here's a step-by-step guide to grilling mushrooms in a foil packet:

Prepare the Mushrooms

First, clean and slice the mushrooms. You can also use pre-sliced mushrooms to save time. If you want to add extra flavour, you can marinate the mushrooms before grilling. A simple marinade could include olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also season the mushrooms with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Foil Packet

Take a sheet of aluminium foil and fold it in half. Place the mushrooms in the centre of the foil. If you're using butter or other ingredients like onions or garlic, add them now. Bring the sides of the foil up and double-fold the top and ends to tightly seal the packet. Make sure there are no leaks. You can also create a double-layered foil packet for extra protection.

Grill the Mushrooms

Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, around 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the foil packet on the grill and cook for 15-25 minutes. For the best results, turn the packet over halfway through the cooking time. The mushrooms are done when they are tender and have a darker colour. Be careful when opening the packet, as steam will escape.

Serve the Grilled Mushrooms

Carefully open the foil packet and transfer the grilled mushrooms to a serving dish. You can serve them as a side dish or use them as a topping for burgers, steaks, or chicken. Grilled mushrooms in a foil packet are a delicious and hassle-free way to enjoy mushrooms with your favourite grilled meals.

Grilled mushroom marinade ideas

Grilled mushrooms are a delicious treat and can be cooked in a variety of ways. They are a great vegetarian option and can be served as a side dish or even as an appetizer. Here are some marinade ideas to get you started:

Garlic Butter Marinade

This marinade is a great way to add flavour to your mushrooms. Simply whisk together some butter, soy sauce, garlic, and grated ginger. Add the mushrooms and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This marinade works well with cremini mushrooms, which can be threaded onto skewers and grilled until golden and caramelized.

Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil Marinade

Balsamic vinegar and olive oil are a classic combination that pairs perfectly with mushrooms. Clean the mushrooms and trim any stems. Drizzle generously with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Use your hands to ensure the mushrooms are thoroughly coated. This marinade works well with portobello mushrooms, which can be grilled gill-side up.

Tamari and Olive Oil Marinade

Tamari is a great way to enhance the natural umami flavour of mushrooms. Combine tamari with olive oil, and drizzle over cleaned mushrooms. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This marinade is perfect for portobello mushrooms, which can be grilled whole or threaded onto skewers.

Foil Packet Marinade

For a hassle-free option, try grilling your mushrooms in a foil packet. Toss white or baby bella mushrooms with butter, garlic, onion, and black pepper. Seal the foil packet and grill over medium-high heat until the mushrooms are tender. This method is ideal when you want to spend more time on your main dish, as it requires minimal preparation and cleanup.

Grilled Mushroom Skewers Marinade

For a simple and tasty option, try marinating your mushrooms in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and salt. Thread the mushrooms onto skewers, leaving space between each mushroom. Grill over medium-high heat until tender, flipping once. This method is perfect for smaller mushrooms, such as cremini, and allows for even cooking and browning.

Frequently asked questions