Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: A Tasty, Healthy Treat

Portobello mushrooms are a popular choice for grilling due to their large size and meaty texture. They make an excellent side dish or can be served as a main course, especially when stuffed with fillings. Grilled portobello mushrooms are typically marinated in a combination of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and other spices to enhance their earthy and umami flavours. The mushrooms are then grilled for a few minutes on each side until tender and slightly charred. This simple cooking method results in a flavourful and healthy dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal.

How to clean portobello mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms are cultivated from the Agaricus bisporus fungus, the same one that gives us white mushrooms, button mushrooms, champignon mushrooms, and crimini mushrooms. They are a mature version of the same fungus.

Portobello mushrooms are grown in dirt, so cleaning them is a good idea before grilling them. There are a few ways to do this. One popular method is to use a damp paper towel, mushroom cleaning brush, or damp cloth to gently rub off any dirt from the caps. You can also use a moist sponge, especially if you have many small, round mushrooms to prepare. Fill a cup with water, soak a clean sponge in it, and squeeze out as much water as you can. Then, gently wipe the mushroom caps, making sure to get the underside of the caps and the stems until no dirt or debris remains.

If you want to remove the stems, gently twist them or cut them off with a paring knife. The stems are edible but can be woody and fibrous. The gills are also edible but will turn your dish a dark, unappetizing brown, so it's best to remove them. To do this, use a dessert or small spoon to gently scrape them away, being careful not to go too deep into the mushroom's flesh.

Another method of cleaning portobello mushrooms is to rinse them under cold running water for 10-20 seconds. They will absorb a little moisture, but it won't significantly impact the cooking process. You can then carefully spin them dry in a salad spinner or gently pat them dry with a paper towel.

Marinade ingredients and preparation

To make a marinade for portobello mushrooms, you'll need a combination of ingredients that complement the earthy and umami flavour of the mushrooms. A typical marinade includes balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. You can also add some salt and pepper to taste, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Firstly, clean the mushrooms by removing the stems and gently wiping the caps with a damp paper towel. You can also use a small spoon to scrape away the gills, which are edible but may discolour your dish. Choose mushrooms of a similar size so they cook evenly.

Next, prepare your marinade by combining the ingredients in a small bowl or a sealable plastic bag. If using a bowl, use a whisk to blend the ingredients. If you're using a bag, simply add the mushrooms, seal it, and shake to coat them evenly.

For the marinade, use a ratio of 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and any desired herbs. You can also add a small amount of soy sauce for extra umami flavour.

Coat the mushrooms generously with the marinade, ensuring both sides are covered. Let the mushrooms sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavours. Don't exceed 40 minutes, as the mushrooms may become rubbery.

While the mushrooms are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grease the grate. You can use an indoor or outdoor grill, or a grill pan on your stovetop. Place the mushrooms on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear and they have slightly darkened in colour.

Brush the mushrooms with the remaining marinade as they cook for extra flavour. Remove from the grill when they are tender and slightly charred. Serve immediately while hot, or at room temperature.

Grilling techniques

Before grilling Portobello mushrooms, it is important to prepare them. Start by removing the stems and gently wiping the caps with a damp paper towel to clean them. You can reserve the stems for another use. Using a small spoon, lightly scrape around the underside of the caps to remove the gills, which are edible but can release a dark-coloured liquid and turn your recipe an unappetizing colour.

Once cleaned, you can choose to marinate the mushrooms to enhance their flavour. A basic marinade might include balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. You can also add spices like garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, rosemary, or thyme. Combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl, then use a pastry brush to coat the gill side of the mushrooms with about a third of the marinade. Let the mushrooms marinate for around 30-40 minutes at room temperature. Do not let them sit for longer than 40 minutes, as they will start to become rubbery and the flavours may overpower the natural taste of the mushrooms.

When you are ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grease the grate. Place the mushrooms gill-side down on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side. Brush them with more marinade, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the second side. The mushrooms are done when they have nice grill marks and have slightly darkened in colour. You can adjust the grilling time depending on how soft you want the mushrooms to be.

Portobello mushrooms can be served as a side dish or light main course. They can also be chopped up and added to recipes like pasta or tacos as a healthy substitute for meat.

How long to grill for

The cooking time for grilled portobello mushrooms depends on the heat level of your grill, the size of the mushrooms, and your desired texture. It is recommended that you preheat your grill to a medium-high heat setting. At this temperature, the mushrooms should be cooked for 8 to 10 minutes in total. You can cook them for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, and 2 to 3 minutes on the second side. If you prefer your mushrooms to be softer, you can grill them for a bit longer. For a slight bite, reduce the cooking time.

It is also possible to grill portobello mushrooms at a higher heat setting. At a grill preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, the mushrooms will take around 8 to 10 minutes to cook. At this temperature, you can grill the mushrooms for 5 to 7 minutes on each side.

It is worth noting that the mushrooms will continue to cook for a short period after being removed from the grill due to residual heat. Therefore, it is important to consider this when deciding how long to grill them for.

Additionally, the size of the mushrooms may impact the cooking time. For larger mushrooms, it may be necessary to increase the grilling time, while smaller mushrooms may require less time on the grill.

Serving suggestions

Grilled portobello mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. They can be enjoyed on their own or with various toppings and sides. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your grilled portobello mushrooms:

Hearty Toppings

Grilled portobello mushrooms pair well with hearty toppings like herby avocado sauce. To make this sauce, simply blend together fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, and chives with a ripe avocado, a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This sauce adds a creamy, flavourful dimension to your grilled mushrooms.

Portobello Burgers

For a vegetarian twist on a classic, use grilled portobello mushrooms as burger patties. Stack the mushroom on a toasted bun with your choice of toppings. Some popular options include cheese, arugula, tomato, avocado, and zesty ranch dressing. You can even spray your bun with avocado oil or spread mayonnaise for an extra indulgent bite.

Antipasto Plate

Grilled portobello mushrooms also shine on an antipasto plate. Serve them cold alongside quick pickles, cold meats such as beef jerky, and cheeses. This makes for a delicious and elegant starter or light lunch.

Pasta

Chop up your grilled portobello mushrooms and sprinkle them on top of your favourite pasta dish. The mushrooms add a savoury, umami boost to your pasta and provide a nice textural contrast.

Sides

Keep it simple and serve your grilled portobello mushrooms as a side dish alongside your main course. They pair well with grilled meats, chicken, or fish. You can also enjoy them as part of a vegetarian spread with other grilled vegetables like eggplants and cauliflowers.

Frequently asked questions