Marinated Grilled Portobello Mushrooms are a hearty vegan and/or vegetarian option for summer barbecues, and this recipe is bursting with fresh, spicy and delicious flavors.
Portobello mushrooms are “meaty.” Really, they are! Just ask my vegetarian husband. As if he’d know, right?
Actually, the truth is, while they certainly can’t compete with a perfect rib-eye or juicy flank steak, they are indeed a very hearty mushroom! These mushrooms can be a super satisfying meal, in and of themselves!
Portobellos have an deep, earthy flavor. That, combined with their ability to soak up most flavors added to them, is a recipe for culinary success.
These marinated grilled Portobello mushrooms marinate for at least six hours in a blend of soy sauce, citrus, garlic, chili paste, and more. The spicy Asian vibe works so well with these earthy mushrooms. Add to that, the smoky flavor the grill imparts, and oh my, what a dish!
Oh, and just in case you’re not going for the vegetarian meat thing, this Grilled Coffee Balsamic Flank Steak is one of my favorites. And better yet, you can serve this with the mushrooms. They’d be fabulous together.
Ideas for using the Marinated Grilled Portobello Mushrooms:
- Chopped and tossed into a salad or stir-fry.
- As a meat substitute in a “burger.”
- As the “bun” of a burger. (Have you seen this? It’s definitely a gluten-free/low-carb, trend these days.)
- In a vegetarian sandwich. Just add tomato, crispy lettuce, and whatever other ingredients suit you.
- Mixed into pasta. I’d use a wide noodle, like Pappardelle — to stand up to the hearty mushrooms.
- Simply as a most delicious side dish.
The possibilities are endless!
The pretty bright green flakes on the grilled mushrooms (top image) are bits of dried scallions I found at my favorite LA Asian market, Nijiya. They brighten up the plate so beautifully.
This was one of the many tasty recipes happening in my kitchen this weekend. I really do love cooking on the weekends! 😉
Please, however you decide to serve up the marinated grilled portobello mushrooms, enjoy!
Marinated Grilled Portobello Mushrooms are a hearty vegan and/or vegetarian option for summer barbecues, and this recipe is bursting with fresh, spicy and delicious flavors.
*Please note that 6 hours of the prep time is marinating time.
- 2 large portobello mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon Tamari or soy sauce, low sodium
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 scallion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (I like Sambal Oelek)
- 1/4 cup grape seed oil
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
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Use a damp towel to gently wipe the mushrooms clean. Then use the dull side of a small paring knife to gently scrape off the gills from the underside of the mushroom. (This little extra step is important because this portion of the mushroom can become quite bitter when it's grilled.)
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In a small mixing bowl, combine the tamari or soy with the lime juice, scallion, garlic and chili paste. Then gradually mix in the oil and blend until smooth.
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Place the two mushrooms in a large zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over them. Use your hands to ensure the marinade is evenly covering both sides of the mushrooms. Place the bag in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 6 hours, and ideally overnight.
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The next day, when you're ready to cook, preheat your BBQ or stove-top grill. Remove the mushrooms from the bag, gently shaking any excess marinade back into the bag. (Save this for later!) Put the mushrooms on a large plate and season both sides with the salt and pepper.
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Place the mushrooms on the preheated grill -- if you don't hear a sizzle, take them off until it's hot enough! They will not grill and caramelize properly unless the grill is hot enough! Grill the mushrooms until they are nicely charred and tender, about 3 or 4 minutes per side.
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After the mushrooms have slightly cooled, cut them into then slices, place them on serving plate and drizzle with the remaining marinade. Unlike when you're cooking "real" meat, this is totally safe to do!
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The mushrooms can be served, hot, warm, room temperature or chilled in a salad!
Looks incredible! And certainly worth trying!
Thanks, Karen! 🙂
Great tip about removing the gills! I had not seen that in any other recipe or blog. Very helpful, Thanks!
Thanks, Jamie. Hope you try it! 🙂
Would you be able to use a different type of oil, I only have at the moment sesame seed, olive and veg?
Hi Sheena. Yes, you can use the vegetable or olive! (I wouldn’t use the sesame because the flavor is quite strong and it’s likely to burn on the grill.) Enjoy!