Sarah Brown
Grilled mushrooms are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a side or incorporated into larger meals such as tacos, burgers, and sandwiches. When grilling mushrooms, it is important to consider the size of the mushrooms and choose the appropriate cooking method. Medium heat works well for larger mushrooms like portobellos, while smaller mushrooms can be threaded onto skewers and grilled to a golden brown colour. Grilling mushrooms in foil packets or using a grilling basket are also convenient options. The grill temperature for mushrooms typically ranges from medium to medium-high heat (around 400-425°F).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grill temperature | Medium to medium-high heat (400-425°F) |
| Mushroom types | Portobello, cremini, button, white, baby bella |
| Skewers | Metal or soaked wooden skewers |
| Marinade/seasoning | Olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, tamari, herbs |
| Grill time | 4-5 minutes per side, or until tender and browned |
| Foil packets | Can be grilled in foil packets with butter and seasoning |
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What You'll Learn
Grill temperature for mushrooms
Grilling mushrooms is a great way to amplify the richness of a meal with a burst of umami. The grill is the perfect piece of equipment for cooking mushrooms as their high water content means they can remain moist under high, direct heat.
When grilling mushrooms, it is important to first clean them. This can be done by wiping them with a damp paper towel or kitchen towel to remove any visible dirt. Mushrooms act like sponges, so if rinsed under running water, they will become waterlogged and won't absorb seasonings.
The grill temperature for mushrooms depends on the type of mushroom and the cooking method. Medium-heat is generally recommended for grilling mushrooms, but temperatures can be adjusted to medium-high heat (around 400-425°F) for a shorter cooking time.
For larger mushrooms, such as portobellos, the whole caps can be placed directly on the grill grates. Portobellos make a great hamburger substitute and can be grilled like patties. For medium to small mushrooms, threading them onto skewers is a good option, making them easier to control on the grill. Soaking wooden skewers in ice water for 20 minutes beforehand will prevent them from burning. An alternative method is to use a grilling basket, especially for smaller mushrooms or those with tender caps. Sliced or small mushrooms can also be grilled in foil packets with butter and seasonings for a hassle-free cooking and cleanup experience.
Regardless of the cooking method, it is important to baste or brush the mushrooms with olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill and to lock in moisture. Seasonings can be added to the olive oil to enhance the mushrooms' natural umami flavor. The mushrooms should be cooked until they are charred on the outside and juicy on the inside, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
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How to clean mushrooms
Grilling mushrooms is a great way to intensify their flavour. Before grilling, it is important to clean the mushrooms. The method of cleaning mushrooms depends on whether they are cultivated or wild. Cultivated mushrooms are grown in sterile environments and are the bulk of mushrooms available in the market. These mushrooms do not need to be washed, simply brush them off with a dry towel or a mushroom brush. Wild mushrooms, on the other hand, are often covered in dirt and may require a more thorough cleaning process.
If your mushrooms are exceptionally dirty, you can fill a large bowl with cold water and swirl the mushrooms in it for a few seconds to loosen the dirt. Then, place them on a clean, lint-free towel and pat them dry. Ensure that you do not leave the mushrooms in the water for too long, as they will absorb the water and become waterlogged. You can also use a damp paper towel or kitchen towel to wipe off any visible dirt. Be gentle, as mushrooms are delicate and can break easily.
For wild mushrooms with a lot of dirt in their crevices, you may need to soak them in water for a few minutes to properly clean them. You can also use a mushroom brush or a soft toothbrush to gently remove the dirt, especially from the gills or smaller cavities. If you are using portobello mushrooms, remove and discard the stems, and gently rub off any dirt from the caps with a paper towel.
It is important to clean mushrooms right before you plan to use them, as any moisture can create an opportunity for mould to grow. Additionally, make sure your mushrooms are firm and have no soft spots, which could indicate that they are starting to rot.
Once your mushrooms are clean and dry, you can start grilling! Heat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. If you are using smaller mushrooms, thread them onto skewers before placing them on the grill. For larger mushrooms, such as portobellos, you can place the whole caps directly on the grill. Grill the mushrooms until they are charred on the first side, then flip them over. Your mushrooms are ready when they are tender, juicy, and charred on both sides.
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Preparing mushrooms for grilling
Cleaning and Seasoning Mushrooms
First, clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or kitchen towel, wiping away any visible dirt. Avoid rinsing them under running water as they will become waterlogged and won't absorb seasonings as well. If you're using portobellos, remove the stems and gently rub off any dirt from the caps with a paper towel. With a small spoon, lightly scrape around the underside of the caps to remove the gills, which are edible but may discolour your dish. For cremini mushrooms, simply trim off any dried-out ends.
Next, season the mushrooms. Place them on a large plate or baking sheet and drizzle on olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and tamari. Sprinkle on salt and pepper, and use your hands to ensure the mushrooms are thoroughly coated.
Skewering Mushrooms
If you're using cremini mushrooms, thread them onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Portobellos can be placed directly on the grill without skewering. Medium to small mushrooms are best suited for skewering, while smaller mushrooms may be grilled in a basket or foil packet.
Marinating Mushrooms
Mushrooms can be marinated in advance, which helps to lock in moisture and intensify their flavour. An easy marinade can be made by mixing olive oil, garlic, salt, and other seasonings. Marinate the mushrooms for up to a day or for at least an hour at room temperature.
Grilling Temperature
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium to medium-high heat. Place the skewered cremini mushrooms or the portobello caps, gill side up, on the grill. Grill for 5 to 8 minutes per side, flipping once the mushrooms are charred and tender.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or used in tacos, burgers, or sandwiches. They can also be served on their own with toppings such as cheese, tomato, arugula, or avocado.
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Marinades and seasonings
When grilling mushrooms, the key to achieving a juicy and meaty texture and bold flavour is to use the right marinade and seasonings.
Firstly, it is important to clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or kitchen towel, instead of rinsing them under running water, as they will become waterlogged and will not absorb the seasonings.
A popular marinade for grilling mushrooms is a combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and tamari, which enhances the mushrooms' natural umami flavour. Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are often added to this marinade to make the flavours pop and give the mushrooms a kick. This marinade is best suited for portobello mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, which can be grilled directly on the grill grates. For smaller mushrooms, a grilling basket is recommended to prevent them from falling through the grates.
Another option for a marinade is a garlic butter sauce, which can be brushed onto the mushrooms before or after grilling. To make this sauce, melt butter and mix it with garlic, herbs such as parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. This marinade is often used for button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, which are threaded onto skewers before grilling.
It is important to note that mushrooms should not be marinated for too long, as this can affect their texture. Additionally, high temperatures are recommended when grilling mushrooms to achieve a nice char and crunch on the edges with tender centres.
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Grilling times
The grilling time for mushrooms depends on the type of mushroom, the grilling method, and the level of heat. Here are some general guidelines for grilling times:
Grilling Portobello Mushrooms:
Portobello mushrooms are large mushrooms that can be grilled directly on the grates of the grill. Before grilling, remove the stems and clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel. You can also scrape away the gills from the underside of the caps to avoid discolouration. Season the mushrooms with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, tamari, salt, and pepper. Place them on the grill, gill-side up, and cook until charred on the first side. Flip the mushrooms and continue grilling until they are tender, juicy, and charred on both sides. This should take around 10-15 minutes in total.
Grilling Cremini Mushrooms:
Cremini mushrooms are smaller and can be threaded onto skewers before grilling. Soak the skewers in water for 20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Brush the mushrooms with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place them on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until tender and browned.
Grilling Button Mushrooms:
Button mushrooms are small and work well threaded onto skewers. Brush them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until tender and golden brown. You can also grill button mushrooms in a foil packet with butter, garlic, and herbs for 12-15 minutes, turning the packet halfway through.
Grilling Time Considerations:
When grilling mushrooms, it's important to note that they can cook quickly and may only need a total of 10-15 minutes on the grill. The grilling time will depend on the heat level, the size of the mushrooms, and the desired level of doneness. Keep a close eye on the mushrooms to avoid overcooking, and flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even grilling.
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Frequently asked questions
Grill mushrooms at a medium to medium-high heat. If you're using a grill pan, heat it to 400-425°F.
Large mushrooms can be cooked directly on the grates of the grill. Portobello mushrooms are a popular choice for this.
Small mushrooms can be threaded onto skewers and then grilled. This makes them easier to control on the grill. Soak wooden skewers in ice water for 20 minutes before grilling so they don't burn.
Grill mushrooms for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they're tender and browned. Mushrooms that have been marinated will take 10-15 minutes to cook.
