Laura Smith
Baked portabella mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side, or main course. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, including baking and grilling, and can be seasoned with a range of spices and sauces to enhance their flavor. Portabella mushrooms are a good source of plant-based protein and can be used as a meat substitute in dishes such as burgers, steaks, and tacos. They have a meaty texture and a savory taste that can be enhanced by spices and sauces. In this article, we will explore different ways to bake portabella mushrooms and highlight their versatility and health benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 350°F (180°C) or 450°F |
| Baking time | 15-20 minutes |
| Baking tray lining | Parchment paper |
| Mushroom preparation | Remove stems, peel skin, slice into 1/3-inch-thick strips |
| Sauce/seasoning | Sesame oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, crushed garlic, garlic powder, ginger powder, cayenne pepper, chipotle in Adobo, paprika, salt, lemon juice |
| Serving suggestions | Appetizer, side dish, sandwich, taco, burrito, Buddha bowl, salad, rice, grains |
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What You'll Learn
Oven-baking vs grilling
Portabella mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including oven-baking and grilling. Both methods can produce delicious results, but there are some key differences to consider when deciding which approach to take.
Oven-baking portabella mushrooms is a convenient option that allows for even cooking and the ability to easily adjust the seasoning and sauce to your preference. To oven-bake portabella mushrooms, you would typically preheat the oven to a temperature between 350°F and 450°F, depending on the recipe. The mushrooms are then placed on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and brushed with a sauce or seasoning mix. Baking times can vary, but generally range from 15 to 20 minutes. One advantage of oven-baking is the ability to control the temperature and cooking time more precisely, ensuring that the mushrooms are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
On the other hand, grilling portabella mushrooms offers a unique "'meaty'" texture and flavour that is difficult to replicate with oven-baking. Grilling also has the added benefit of minimal cleanup compared to oven-baking. To grill portabella mushrooms, you would typically whisk together a marinade of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, and various spices and herbs. The mushrooms are then placed on the grill and brushed with the marinade as they cook, typically for 3-4 minutes on each side. Grilling portabella mushrooms gives them a charred exterior and a smoky flavour that is hard to achieve with oven-baking.
Ultimately, the decision between oven-baking and grilling portabella mushrooms depends on your personal preference and the specific recipe you are following. Oven-baking may be more suitable for recipes where you want to control the cooking temperature and time more precisely, while grilling can impart a unique flavour and texture that enhances the overall dish. Additionally, consider your cleanup preferences, as grilling may require less cleanup compared to oven-baking.
In conclusion, both oven-baking and grilling are viable methods for cooking portabella mushrooms, each with its own set of advantages. Oven-baking allows for more precise temperature control and seasoning adjustments, while grilling imparts a distinctive flavour and texture to the mushrooms, along with a reduced cleanup process. By understanding the characteristics of each cooking method, you can make an informed decision about which technique best suits your culinary needs and preferences.
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Preparing the mushrooms
Once the mushrooms are sliced, it's time to make the seasoning mix. In a mixing bowl or measuring jug, add your chosen seasoning ingredients and stir well to combine. A simple seasoning mix could include oil, chipotle in Adobo, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. You can also get creative and experiment with different spices and ingredients, such as sesame oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, crushed garlic, ginger powder, and cayenne pepper.
After preparing the seasoning mix, it's time to brush it onto the mushrooms. Place the mushroom slices onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and generously brush the seasoning mix onto both sides of the mushrooms. Ensure the coating is even and thorough, as this will result in a more flavourful and evenly baked mushroom. Don't be shy with the spice, as seasoned mushrooms can be quite bland if they are understated.
Finally, once the mushrooms are coated, they are ready to be baked. Depending on your desired level of doneness, bake the mushrooms for around 15 to 20 minutes at a temperature of 350°F to 450°F. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, and consider flipping them halfway through the baking process to ensure even cooking.
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Making the seasoning
To make the seasoning for baked portabella mushrooms, you will need oil, chipotle in Adobo, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Some recipes suggest adding fresh ginger and garlic, swapping honey for syrup, and using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
First, peel the skin from the mushroom caps and remove the stems. Slice the mushrooms into 1/3-inch-thick strips. This thickness is important as it ensures the mushrooms bake and tenderize without drying out or becoming crispy.
Next, place all the seasoning ingredients in a mixing bowl or measuring jug and whisk together. You can also add sesame oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, crushed garlic, garlic powder, ginger powder, and cayenne pepper to the mix. If you want to use fresh garlic and ginger, crush or grate them finely so they mix evenly with the other ingredients.
Brush the seasoning mix onto the mushroom slices, making sure both sides are well coated. You can also flip the mushrooms after coating one side to ensure an even distribution of flavor. Don't be shy with the seasoning—baked mushrooms can be bland if they're not spiced generously.
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Baking the mushrooms
Baked portabella mushrooms are a tasty treat and a great addition to any meal. They can be served as an appetizer, side dish, in a sandwich, on grains, or in a taco/burrito.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Wash and peel 4 large portobello mushrooms, removing the stems and slicing the caps into ⅓-inch-thick strips. This thickness ensures the mushrooms can bake and tenderize without drying out or becoming crispy. Place the mushroom slices onto the prepared baking sheet.
Next, prepare your seasoning mix. In a bowl, whisk together sesame oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, crushed garlic, garlic powder, ginger powder, and cayenne pepper. You can also use fresh ginger and garlic if you prefer. Alternatively, season the mushrooms with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, or use oil, chipotle in Adobo, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
Brush the seasoning mix or sauce onto both sides of the mushrooms. Make sure they are well coated, and don't be shy with the spice! Place the mushrooms in the oven, facing up, and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, flip the mushrooms to ensure even cooking and browning.
Once done, remove any excess water that has collected on top of the mushrooms. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Storage:
Baked portabella mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Serving suggestions
Baked portabella mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can be served as a main or side dish. They can be paired with a variety of cuisines, including Asian, BBQ, Italian, and even tropical flavours.
As a Main Dish
Portabella mushrooms can be served as a delicious and satisfying vegan main course. Try them on a bed of rice seasoned with teriyaki sauce or a bit of extra marinade. You can also stuff them with a Tuscan-inspired mix of wilted spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese for a hearty and colourful option.
For a more indulgent meal, bake the mushrooms with a creamy cheese filling, or serve them with a side of mashed potatoes, cauliflower puree, or parsnip puree.
As a Side Dish
Portabella mushrooms also make a great side dish. Slice and serve them alongside steak, grilled or roasted chicken, or pork chops. They can also be added to soups, salads, or breakfast egg dishes for a savoury boost of flavour and texture.
Other Serving Suggestions
- Use as a "meat" alternative in fajitas, tacos, or burgers.
- Chop and use as a pizza topping.
- Slice and add to a hearty grain pilaf with winter herbs.
- Thinly slice and serve over creamy alfredo pasta.
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