Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Short description

Juicy, flavorful, and satisfying, these grilled portobello mushroom burgers are a delicious plant-based alternative to beef burgers. Marinated in a tangy balsamic mixture and topped with melty cheese and fresh vegetables, they are perfect for casual dinners or summer barbecues.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These burgers deliver rich umami flavor and a meaty texture, yet remain light and nourishing. The marinade infuses the mushrooms with savory notes, while grilling brings a smoky char. With versatile toppings and easy preparation, it’s a crowd‑pleasing vegetarian recipe that even meat lovers will enjoy

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Portobello mushroom caps

• Olive oil

• Balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar, tamari, soy sauce)

• Garlic (fresh or powdered)

• Dried herbs (such as oregano, basil, rosemary)

• Salt and freshly ground pepper

• Optional: Worcestershire sauce or liquid smoke

• Cheese slices (Swiss, provolone, Havarti, or vegan cheese)

• Burger buns

• Toppings like lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, arugula, aioli or pesto

directions

1. Clean each portobello cap by wiping with a damp cloth or paper towel; remove stems (and optionally scrape out the gills) to prevent excess moisture

2. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic (or vinegar and tamari/soy), garlic, herbs, salt and pepper; optionally include a splash of Worcestershire or liquid smoke for deeper flavor

3. Place mushrooms in marinade, coating both sides. Marinate at least 30 minutes (up to several hours or overnight) depending on how intense you want the flavor

4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium‑high. Oil grates lightly. Begin grilling mushrooms with the smooth side up (gill side down) for moisture to collect; after 5–7 minutes flip and brush with marinade

5. Continue grilling for another 5–8 minutes. During the last minute, top mushrooms with cheese so it melts before removing

6. Grill burger buns and optional onions until lightly charred.

7. Assemble burgers: bun, leafy greens or spinach, mushroom cap with melted cheese, grilled onion, tomato and avocado or other toppings, then finish with aioli, pesto or condiments of choice

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 burgers
Prep time: ~10–15 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes to up to 2 hours (or longer if desired)
Cook time: ~10–15 minutes total (5–7 minutes per side)
Total time: approximately 30–45 minutes depending on marinade duration

Variations

• Switch vinegars: try red wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, or tamari for different acid profiles

• Seasoning blends: use Cajun, fajita, Italian, taco or steak seasoning for varied flavors

• Toppings: go Greek with tzatziki, roasted peppers, vegan feta; or Southwest with guacamole, pineapple salsa, pickled jalapeñosse and use plant‑based mayonnaise or chipotle sauce storage/reheating

• Storage: Store grilled mushroom caps separately from buns and toppings in airtight containers. Refrigerate up to 3–5 days depending on source (3 days commonly, some up to 5)

• Freezing: mushrooms freeze well for up to 1–2 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating

• Reheating: Warm mushroom caps gently in a pan over medium heat or briefly in the oven until hot. Microwave is possible but may soften texture. Reheat toppings separately and assemble just before serving

FAQs

How long should mushrooms marinate?

Marinate at least 30 minutes; leave up to several hours or overnight for deeper flavor

Should I remove the gills?

Optional – gills are edible but removing them can reduce moisture and bitterness

What’s the best grilling order?

Start grill with mushrooms smooth‑side up (gill side down) to manage moisture; flip after 5–7 minutes for even cooking .

Can I cook indoors instead of on a grill?

Yes – use a stove‑top grill pan or skillet with a lid. Grill 4–5 minutes per side over medium heat .

Which cheese works best?

Provolone, Swiss, Havarti, or dairy‑free cheese melt nicely. Use vegan cheese if desired

How do I prevent soggy buns?

Keep mushrooms and toppings separate until serving; toast buns just before assembly

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes – marinade and grill ahead, then store mushrooms separately. Reheat before assembling with fresh buns and toppings

What other toppings work?

Consider arugula, spinach, avocado, grilled onion, tomato, roasted peppers, pickles, aioli, pesto, mustard, or chipotle sauce

How long can leftovers last?

Grilled mushrooms keep refrigerated up to 3–5 days; assembled burgers best eaten within 1 day on texture?

Texture may soften slightly; thaw overnight in fridge, then gently reheat before serving

Conclusion

These grilled portobello mushroom burgers offer a satisfying and flavorful plant‑based alternative to traditional burgers. With a richly flavored marinade, melty cheese or vegan filling, and endless topping possibilities, they are versatile enough for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts. Prepare ahead, mix and match toppings, and enjoy a hearty burger experience that’s both wholesome and delicious

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