Introduction
Discover a delicious and hearty vegetarian option with these Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers. Packed with flavors from a savory marinade and topped with a house-made sauce, these burgers are not only satisfying but also easy to prepare. Perfect for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight dinner, they will surely please both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 portobello mushrooms
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt and pepper
4 slices havarti cheese
Shredded lettuce, for serving
Sliced tomatoes, for serving
4 buns, for serving
House Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon your favorite BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon honey
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
4 servings
Directions
1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, a pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Place the portobello mushrooms in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the mushrooms, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the mushrooms from the marinade and place them on the grill, gill side down. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
5. During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of havarti cheese on each mushroom cap to melt.
6. While the mushrooms are grilling, prepare the house sauce by combining mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, BBQ sauce, and honey in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
7. Toast the buns on the grill until lightly browned.
8. Assemble the burgers by spreading the house sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place the grilled portobello mushroom with melted cheese on top, followed by shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes. Cover with the top half of the bun.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy your grilled portobello burgers with house sauce.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, a pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Marinate the Mushrooms
Place the portobello mushrooms in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the mushrooms, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Mushrooms
Remove the mushrooms from the marinade and place them on the grill, gill side down. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
Add the Cheese
During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of havarti cheese on each mushroom cap to melt.
Prepare the House Sauce
While the mushrooms are grilling, prepare the house sauce by combining mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, BBQ sauce, and honey in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
Toast the Buns
Toast the buns on the grill until lightly browned.
Assemble the Burgers
Spread the house sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place the grilled portobello mushroom with melted cheese on top, followed by shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes. Cover with the top half of the bun.
Serve the Burgers
Serve immediately and enjoy your grilled portobello burgers with house sauce.
Notes
Mushroom Selection
Choose portobello mushrooms that are firm and have a smooth surface for the best taste and texture.
Marination Time
For a more intense flavor, consider marinating the mushrooms for a longer period, up to 2 hours.
Alternative Cheese Options
Feel free to substitute havarti cheese with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack if desired.
Grilling Alternatives
If a grill is not available, you can use a stovetop grill pan or broiler in the oven for cooking the mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
You can add other toppings like avocado, onion, or pickles to customize your burgers further.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating is crucial for enhancing the flavor of the portobello mushrooms. The olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and seasonings create a rich profile, allowing the mushrooms to absorb the flavors.
Grilling
Grilling the marinated portobello mushrooms over medium-high heat adds a delicious char while keeping them juicy. Cooking them gill side down first helps to retain moisture, resulting in a tender texture.
Melting Cheese
Adding havarti cheese during the last minute of grilling allows it to melt perfectly on the warm mushrooms, creating a creamy texture that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Preparing House Sauce
Combining mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, BBQ sauce, and honey creates a balanced and tangy house sauce. Mixing these ingredients until smooth ensures a uniform flavor that enhances the burgers.
Toasting Buns
Toasting the buns on the grill until lightly browned gives them a delightful crunch and helps prevent them from becoming soggy when assembling the burgers.
Assembling the Burger
Layering the ingredients properly is vital for a great burger. Start with the house sauce on the bun, followed by the grilled mushroom with melted cheese, then add shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes for added freshness and texture.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese instead of havarti?
Yes, you can use other cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
How long can I marinate the mushrooms?
You can marinate the mushrooms for up to 2 hours for maximum flavor, but even 30 minutes will suffice.
Can I make the house sauce in advance?
Yes, the house sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a stir before using.
Are there any alternative cooking methods for the mushrooms?
Yes, you can also roast or sauté the mushrooms if you don’t have access to a grill. Just ensure they are cooked until tender.
What can I serve with these portobello burgers?
These burgers pair well with side dishes like sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables.
Conclusion
Grilled portobello mushrooms make a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional burgers. Their meaty texture, combined with the rich flavors from the marinade and melting havarti cheese, creates a mouthwatering dish. Paired with fresh toppings and a homemade house sauce, these burgers are perfect for any barbecue or casual meal.
Portobello Mushroom Fajitas
Replace the buns with warm tortillas and serve the grilled portobello mushrooms with sautéed bell peppers and onions, topped with your favorite salsa and guacamole.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Remove the stems from the mushrooms and fill them with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices, then bake until heated through for a healthy, hearty dish.
Portobello Mushroom Salad
Slice the grilled portobello mushrooms and serve them over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a light meal.
Portobello Mushroom and Spinach Pizza
Top a pizza crust with marinara sauce, grilled portobello mushrooms, fresh spinach, and mozzarella cheese, then bake until crispy and bubbly for a flavorful twist on pizza night.
Italian Portobello Mushroom Sandwiches
Layer grilled mushrooms on crusty Italian bread with roasted red peppers, fresh basil, and pesto for an Italian-inspired sandwich that’s sure to impress.
