Emma Wilson
Grilled mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or used in vegetarian sandwiches and burgers. They are easy to make and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. The mushrooms are typically skewered and grilled for a few minutes on each side until charred and tender. The key to achieving juicy, meaty grilled mushrooms is in the seasoning and marinade, which can include olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade ingredients | Olive oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, Italian seasoning, soy sauce, rosemary, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, salt, pepper, thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice |
| Marinade method | Combine ingredients in a bowl, toss mushrooms in the mixture, leave to sit for 5-30 minutes |
| Cooking method | Thread mushrooms onto skewers, grill for 3-8 minutes on each side, season, and serve |
| Cooking temperature | Medium-high heat (400-425°F) |
| Cooking notes | Grill until lightly charred, season with salt and pepper, deglaze the pan with wine, soy sauce, or broth |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare mushrooms for grilling
Preparing mushrooms for grilling is a simple process that can elevate your meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare mushrooms for grilling:
Cleaning and Preparation:
Firstly, select mushrooms that are medium-sized and of similar size, as this ensures even cooking. Clean the mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp paper towel or kitchen towel. Avoid rinsing them under running water, as mushrooms tend to absorb water, which can make them waterlogged and affect their texture and ability to absorb seasonings. For portobello mushrooms, remove the stems, but for cremini mushrooms, simply trim off any dried-out ends.
Marinating:
Place the mushrooms on a large plate or in a mixing bowl. Drizzle them generously with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and tamari or soy sauce. You can also add other ingredients like honey, garlic, Italian seasoning, or rosemary to enhance the flavour. Use your hands to ensure the mushrooms are thoroughly coated in the oil and seasonings. Let the mushrooms marinate at room temperature for at least 5 minutes on each side, or up to 30 minutes for a more intense flavour.
Skewering:
If you're using cremini mushrooms, thread them onto skewers, preferably metal or soaked wooden skewers. Portobello mushrooms can be placed directly on the grill without skewers.
Grilling:
Preheat your grill to medium or medium-high heat (around 400-425°F). Place the mushroom skewers or portobello caps on the grill, gill side up. Grill for 4-7 minutes on each side, flipping occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender, juicy, and slightly charred. Keep a close eye on them, as grilling mushrooms cook more quickly than roasting or sautéing due to the rapid evaporation of moisture.
Once they are done to your liking, remove the mushrooms from the grill and season with salt and pepper. You can also deglaze the pan with wine, soy sauce, or broth, and stir in fresh herbs for added flavour. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and taste.
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Marinade recipes
Grilled mushrooms make for a delicious and juicy side dish. Here are some marinade recipes to try out:
Olive Oil, Vinegar, and Honey Marinade
Combine olive oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, and Italian seasoning in a cup or small bowl. In a mixing bowl, toss the mushrooms in this mixture until they are well coated. Let the mushrooms marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, thread the mushrooms onto skewers and grill for about 7-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before serving.
Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, and Tamari Marinade
Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and remove the stems. Place the mushrooms on a plate or baking sheet and drizzle on olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and tamari. Use your hands to ensure the mushrooms are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Sprinkle on salt and pepper. If you are using cremini mushrooms, thread them onto skewers. Place the skewers on the grill and cook until tender and slightly charred.
Butter, Soy Sauce, and Lemon Marinade
In a measuring cup, whisk together butter, soy sauce, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, pepper, and garlic. In a mixing bowl, combine the mushrooms, salt, and half of the butter mixture, tossing to coat well. Cover and let the mushrooms marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. Thread the mushrooms onto skewers, alternating with green onions. Grill for about 7-10 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally. Brush the mushrooms with the remaining butter mixture and sprinkle with thyme before serving.
Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil, and Soy Sauce Marinade
In a shallow baking dish, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, rosemary, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Add the mushrooms and turn to coat. Let the mushrooms sit for 5 minutes on each side, or up to 30 minutes for a more intense flavor. While the mushrooms marinate, prepare the grill. Thread the mushrooms onto skewers and grill until tender and charred.
Butter and Soy Sauce Basting
To keep your mushrooms from drying out, baste them with a mixture of melted butter and soy sauce while they are grilling. This will add moisture and flavor to your mushrooms. You can also use leftover marinade for basting. For larger mushrooms like portobellos, grill over lower heat to prevent burning.
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Seasoning techniques
Seasoning grilled mushrooms is an important step in enhancing their natural, earthy flavour. Here are some techniques to consider:
Marinating
Marinating mushrooms helps to seal in flavour and moisture. A simple marinade can be made by combining olive oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Alternatively, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, rosemary, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne. The mushrooms can then be coated in the marinade and left to sit for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavours to intensify.
Drizzling
Drizzling olive oil and sprinkling salt over the mushrooms is a quick and easy way to add flavour and moisture. This method is especially suitable for small-stemmed cluster mushrooms like enokis, which can be bundled with cooking twine to prevent them from falling apart on the grill.
Basting
Basting mushrooms with butter and soy sauce adds moisture and flavour during cooking. This technique is ideal for larger mushrooms like portobellos, which require a lower temperature and longer cooking time to prevent burning. Leftover marinade can also be used for basting.
Seasoning
After grilling, season the mushrooms with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste. This final step brings all the flavours together.
Skewering
Although not directly a seasoning technique, skewering mushrooms with onions or green onions can enhance their flavour. The onions add a savoury note to the mushrooms, and skewering makes grilling easier by preventing the ingredients from falling through the grill grates.
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Grilling methods
Grilling mushrooms is a straightforward process, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Firstly, it's important to select the right type of mushrooms for grilling. Small-stemmed cluster mushrooms like enokis should be divided into smaller clumps and secured with cooking twine, while thick-stemmed varieties like king trumpets should be sliced about half an inch thick to prevent them from drying out and to ensure even cooking. Large-cap mushrooms like portobellos, shiitakes, and large button mushrooms can be grilled whole, while smaller mushrooms like creminis and white button mushrooms should be skewered for easier grilling.
Once you've selected and prepared your mushrooms, it's time to season them. A simple and effective seasoning for grilled mushrooms is a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and tamari, drizzled generously over the mushrooms. You can also add salt and pepper to taste and use your hands to ensure the mushrooms are thoroughly coated. Another option is to make a marinade by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, rosemary, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne, then letting the mushrooms sit in this mixture for up to 30 minutes to enhance their flavour.
When it comes to grilling, it's important to ensure your grill is clean and well-oiled, and to set it up for indirect heat to prevent excessive dehydration of the mushrooms. Place the mushrooms towards the middle of the grate, where the heat will be moderate, and cook until they are charred on the first side. For whole mushrooms like portobellos, this will take about five to eight minutes, while smaller mushrooms on skewers will take less time, around three minutes per side.
Finally, don't forget to baste your mushrooms during cooking to keep them moist and flavourful. A simple mixture of melted butter and soy sauce works well, and you can brush this on the mushrooms every few minutes and each time you flip them. For an extra flavour boost, you can also brush the grilled mushrooms with the butter mixture once they're done cooking, and sprinkle with fresh herbs like thyme.
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Serving suggestions
Grilled mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or incorporated into a main course. Here are some serving suggestions:
As a Side
Grilled mushrooms make an excellent side dish, especially during the summer. Their savoury, umami flavour pairs well with a variety of grilled meats, such as rosemary steak, chicken skewers, or burgers. For vegetarians, grilled mushrooms can be served over creamy polenta or sliced and stuffed into tacos or sandwiches for a "meaty" texture.
With Sauces
Grilled mushrooms can be served with a variety of sauces, such as herby avocado sauce or a simple mixture of melted butter and soy sauce. For a more complex sauce, you can sauté shallots and add white wine to create a broth, thickening it with cornstarch for the desired consistency.
Skewers
Threaded onto skewers, grilled mushrooms become an easy, tasty treat. They can be grilled alongside other vegetables like onions, red peppers, or green onions, and brushed with butter or leftover marinade to keep them moist and flavourful.
Main Courses
Portobello mushrooms, in particular, can be used as a vegetarian alternative to steak or as a burger patty. They can be served with buns, cheese, and fresh toppings like spinach, tomato, avocado, or grilled onions and peppers.
Types of Mushrooms
Different types of mushrooms may require different cooking methods. Smaller mushrooms like cremini cook well over high direct heat, while larger mushrooms like portobello should be cooked over lower heat to prevent burning. Enoki mushrooms are best grilled in small bunches tied with cooking twine, while king trumpet mushrooms should be sliced thickly to prevent them from drying out.
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