Laura Smith
A mushroom burger is a type of burger that includes mushrooms as a primary ingredient. Mushroom burgers can be made with beef patties and mushroom toppings, or they can be vegetarian burgers with patties made entirely from mushrooms. Mushroom burgers can be cooked on a grill or in a pan and are often served with toppings such as cheese, onions, and sauces like Worcestershire sauce or BBQ sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Burger |
| Main Ingredients | Mushrooms, Beef, Onions, Cheese |
| Variations | Portobello Mushroom Burger, Mushroom Swiss Burger, Wild Mushroom-Cheddar Burger |
| Common Seasonings | Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil, Garlic, Thyme, Worcestershire Sauce, Soy Sauce, Steak Seasoning |
| Common Condiments | Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Mustard, Tzatziki, Guacamole, Pesto, BBQ Sauce |
| Bun Types | Brioche, Homemade, Ciabatta, Toasted |
| Cooking Methods | Grilling, Pan-Frying, Sautéing |
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What You'll Learn
Mushroom types: Portobello, baby bella, shiitake, white button, chestnut
A mushroom burger is a type of burger that uses a mushroom as a substitute for the traditional beef patty. It is a vegetarian option that can be made by using mushrooms that are on the meatier side, such as Portobellos. Portobello mushrooms are thick and meaty and can be grilled, roasted, or sautéed. They are also commonly used as substitutes for bread buns for those following a Paleo, Keto, or low-carb diet.
Portobello mushrooms are one of the many types of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms, which are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America. They are cultivated in more than 70 countries and are one of the most commonly and widely consumed mushrooms in the world. Agaricus bisporus mushrooms have two colour states while immature – white and brown. The white variety is commonly known as white button mushrooms, while the brown strain is known as baby bella or cremini mushrooms. Baby bella mushrooms are slightly older than button mushrooms but are still juvenile compared to portobello mushrooms. They have a firmer texture and a more earthy flavour than white button mushrooms.
Other types of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms include shiitake and chestnut mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms are widely cultivated worldwide, contributing about 25% of the total yearly mushroom production. They grow in groups on the decaying wood of deciduous trees, particularly shii and other chinquapins, chestnut, oak, maple, beech, sweetgum, poplar, hornbeam, ironwood, and mulberry. They are commonly used in Chinese and Japanese cuisine, in dishes such as soups, braises, and stir-fried vegetable dishes.
Chestnut mushrooms, on the other hand, are a species of Pholiota that are native to Europe. They are known for their chewy texture and are commonly used in noodle dishes and salads. They can be identified by the triangular, pointed scales on their caps and stems, and they grow in tufts or clusters.
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Sauces: Worcestershire, soy, BBQ, mushroom sauce, pesto
A mushroom burger is a type of burger that uses mushrooms as a topping or in place of a meat patty. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, sautéing, and roasting. Mushroom burgers can be made more flavourful with the addition of sauces.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a popular choice for adding flavour to mushroom burgers. It can be used as an ingredient in mushroom sauce, or as a seasoning for the mushrooms themselves. One recipe recommends frying mushrooms in butter and oil, then adding garlic, onion, and Worcestershire sauce. The sauce is finished with beef stock, flour, and seasonings.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is another option for seasoning mushrooms. It can be used in place of Worcestershire sauce or in combination with other ingredients like balsamic vinegar and wine.
BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce is a classic condiment for burgers and can be used on mushroom burgers as well. One recipe recommends pairing BBQ sauce with sautéed mushrooms and onions, as well as bacon, for a Western-style burger.
Mushroom Sauce
Mushroom sauce is a savoury addition to mushroom burgers. It can be made by cooking mushrooms in the rendered fat from the burgers, then finishing with beef stock. This creates a gravy-like consistency that is indulgent and satisfying.
Pesto
Pesto is a flavourful sauce that pairs well with mushroom burgers. It can be spread on the bun and used as a base for other toppings like peppers, tomatoes, and arugula or spinach. Portobello mushrooms are a popular choice for pesto mushroom burgers, as they offer a meatiness that can hold up to a generous bun.
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Toppings: Swiss, cheddar, caramelised onions, garlic mayo, pickles
A mushroom burger is a flavourful, umami-rich dish that can be made in a variety of ways. One popular option is to use sautéed mushrooms as a topping, which can be cooked with onions to create a sweet and earthy flavour combination. Another option is to make a mushroom patty, where mushrooms are cooked and mixed with binding agents and other ingredients to form a patty that can be coated in breadcrumbs and pan-fried.
When it comes to toppings, Swiss, cheddar, caramelised onions, garlic mayo, and pickles are all excellent choices that can elevate your mushroom burger.
Swiss cheese is a classic pairing with mushrooms, and it can be added to the burger during the last 1-2 minutes of cook time, allowing it to melt and enhance the overall flavour. If you're using Swiss cheese, consider following a recipe like the Mushroom Swiss Burger, which includes ground beef, steak seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and sautéed mushrooms and onions.
Cheddar is another delicious option for a mushroom burger. The sharpness of cheddar pairs exceptionally well with mushrooms. If you can get your hands on some, a wild mushroom-cheddar burger recipe by Bobby Flay recommends using sharp Tillamook cheddar from Oregon.
Caramelised onions add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavour to your mushroom burger. They complement the earthy notes of the mushrooms and can be easily made by sautéing onions until they soften and begin to brown.
Garlic mayo, or spicy garlic mayonnaise, adds a creamy texture and a kick of flavour to your burger. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for something a little different that will enhance the overall taste experience.
Pickles offer a crunchy texture and a tangy flavour that can cut through the richness of the other toppings. They provide a refreshing contrast and are a classic choice for burgers, offering a satisfying bite.
With these toppings, you can create a mushroom burger that's packed with flavour and texture, taking your burger to the next level.
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Sides: Chips/fries, potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob
A mushroom burger is a flavourful, juicy, and savoury dish. It is a classic combination of a burger patty, sautéed mushrooms, and cheese. The earthy flavours of the mushrooms and the sweetness of onions (when added) make for a great combination.
Chips or fries are a classic side to a burger. They are best when seasoned and can be served with a dip of your choice. Potato salad is another side dish that can be served with a mushroom burger. It is a salad comprising boiled potatoes, vegetables, and a dressing. Coleslaw is also a salad that can be served as a side dish. It is made with raw cabbage and a dressing, such as mayonnaise or vinegar. Corn on the cob is another side dish option. It is made by grilling or boiling corn and can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and butter.
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Bun options: Brioche, ciabatta, homemade,
Bun options: Brioche, ciabatta, homemade, toasted
The choice of bun for a mushroom burger can significantly impact its overall taste and texture. Here are some bun options to consider:
Brioche Buns
Brioche buns are known for their soft and buttery flavour, which pairs deliciously with mushroom burgers. Toasting the brioche bun lightly can enhance its texture and taste.
Ciabatta Buns
Ciabatta buns offer a different texture and flavour profile to brioche. They are often crusty and chewy, providing a satisfying bite to your mushroom burger. Ciabatta buns can also absorb juices and sauces without becoming soggy too quickly.
Homemade Buns
Making your own buns at home allows you to customise the flavour, texture, and size to your preferences. You can find various recipes online for homemade buns, ranging from simple to more complex techniques.
Toasted Buns
Toasting your bun, regardless of type, can be a great way to enhance its flavour and texture. Toasting adds a slight crispness to the bun and brings out its flavour. You can toast your bun on a grill, grill pan, griddle, or in an oven. Just be mindful not to over-toast, as it can affect the texture and make the bun too hard.
Experimenting with different bun options allows you to find the perfect pairing for your mushroom burger. Each bun variety offers a unique experience, and you may find that certain buns complement specific mushroom burger recipes better than others.
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Frequently asked questions
A mushroom burger is a type of burger that typically consists of a beef patty, sautéed mushrooms, and Swiss or cheddar cheese. The mushrooms are often cooked with ingredients like butter, olive oil, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce to enhance their flavour.
Common ingredients include hamburger buns, ground beef, steak seasoning, and various types of mushrooms such as baby bella, cremini, portobello, shiitake, or chestnut mushrooms.
You can slice and sauté the mushrooms in advance. Cook them in butter and olive oil over medium-high heat, adding ingredients like garlic, onion, and seasonings to enhance their flavour. You can also caramelise the mushrooms by cooking them over high heat without salt.
Mushroom burgers can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. Common toppings include caramelised onions, ketchup, mustard, pesto, or mayonnaise. For a spicier option, you can serve it with garlic mayonnaise or add pickled jalapeños. As for sides, seasoned chips or fries are a classic choice.
