Delicious Grilled Mushrooms – Quick & Easy

Are you frequently disappointed by the mushrooms you serve from your barbecue? We’ve all been there—they look promising at first, but end up either disappointingly dry or bland and watery. It’s a frequent barbecue mishap that can relegate a potential star dish to a mere afterthought. But what if we shared our secret to achieving juicy, smoky, and deeply flavourful grilled mushrooms with remarkable ease?

You heard us correctly. We firmly believe that a beautifully grilled mushroom can be the highlight of any culinary spread. It’s an incredibly versatile side that complements everything from a sizzling steak to a fresh summer salad. We’re here to take you through the entire process, from selecting the ideal mushroom variety to mixing the perfect marinade and mastering the grill. Prepare to wave goodbye to uninspired fungi and welcome your new go-to barbecue favourite.

Why We Absolutely Adore Grilled Mushrooms

What is it about the open flame that transforms mushrooms so wonderfully? When cooked on a barbecue, they undergo an incredible transformation. Their natural umami—that profound, savoury, almost meaty quality—becomes more intense, and they readily absorb the smoky character of the grill. The final product is a tender, succulent morsel with a perfectly charred finish.

Beyond their amazing flavour, we also love them for their sheer versatility. You can serve them whole, sliced, or threaded neatly onto skewers. They offer a superb vegetarian and vegan-friendly option that feels both substantial and deeply satisfying. What’s more, they are brimming with nutrients, making them a wholesome addition to any meal.

Choosing the Best Mushrooms for Grilling

While almost any mushroom can be grilled, certain types withstand the intense heat much better than others. The trick is to select mushrooms that are firm and substantial enough to maintain their structure on the grill. Here are our favourite choices for the best mushrooms for grilling.

Portobello Mushrooms: The Classic Choice

There’s a good reason Portobellos are considered the hero of the barbecue. Their large, dense caps have a wonderfully meaty quality and the ideal shape to serve as a vegetarian burger or a hearty side dish. They soak up marinade exceptionally well, and their texture turns incredibly tender and juicy upon cooking.

Cremini (Baby Bella) Mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms are simply young Portobellos. They possess more flavour than the standard white button mushroom and boast a firmer texture that holds up brilliantly to grilling. Due to their smaller size, we find them ideal for threading onto skewers, which helps them cook uniformly without any risk of falling through the grates.

Shiitake Mushrooms

For those seeking a deeper, more earthy taste, Shiitake mushrooms are a fantastic option. The grill amplifies their inherent smokiness, and their chewy, meaty texture is truly delightful. We suggest removing the tough stems before you grill the caps whole.

King Oyster Mushrooms

You mustn’t overlook King Oyster mushrooms! These large fungi with their thick stems have a wonderfully firm and pleasantly chewy texture. We enjoy slicing the stems into chunky, round “scallops” or halving them lengthwise. They absorb marinades effectively and achieve a superb sear on the grill.

The Secret to an Unforgettable Grilled Mushroom Marinade

A superior marinade is what separates a decent grilled mushroom from an exceptional one. Mushrooms are porous by nature, meaning they are fantastic at soaking up any flavours you introduce. Our preferred grilled mushroom marinade is straightforward, savoury, and beautifully balanced.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 120ml balsamic vinegar
• 80ml olive oil
• 60ml soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (use a vegan version if needed)
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
• 450g mushrooms of your choice

Step-by-Step Marinade Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, thyme, onion powder, and pepper.
2. Keep whisking until the oil and vinegar have fully combined and thickened slightly (emulsified).
3. Carefully add your cleaned mushrooms to a large, resealable bag or a shallow dish.
4. Pour the marinade over the mushrooms, making sure each one is coated well. Seal the bag or put a cover on the dish.
5. Allow the mushrooms to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature, or for as long as 4 hours in the fridge. We find that a 1-2 hour soak provides the ideal flavour infusion without compromising the mushroom’s texture.

How to Grill Mushrooms to Perfection: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s get to the best bit! Once your mushrooms have absorbed that wonderful marinade, it’s time to light the barbecue. Just follow our simple guide to achieve flawless mushrooms every single time.

Step 1: Cleaning Your Mushrooms

Mushrooms readily absorb water, so washing them under a running tap can make them soggy when grilled. To avoid this, we prefer to gently wipe them with a damp paper towel or use a soft mushroom brush to dislodge any dirt.

Step 2: Marinating for Maximum Flavour

Simply follow our marinade guide above. If the mushrooms have been chilling in the fridge, we advise taking them out 20-30 minutes before grilling. This allows them to approach room temperature, which promotes more even cooking.

Step 3: Preparing Your Grill

Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal barbecue, you should be aiming for a medium-high heat, which is about 200°C (400°F). Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to stop anything from sticking. You can achieve this by dipping a folded paper towel in a neutral oil (like rapeseed or vegetable oil) and, holding it with tongs, wiping it across the hot grates.

Step 4: The Grilling Process

Learning how to grill mushrooms successfully is all about getting the timing and technique just right. Here is our method:

• For Whole Portobello Caps: Position the mushrooms directly on the grill with the cap-side down (gills facing up). Grill them for about 4-6 minutes on each side. We love to brush them with any remaining marinade while they cook to add extra flavour. They’re ready once they are tender and display distinct grill marks.
• For Skewered Mushrooms (Cremini, etc.): If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least half an hour to stop them from charring. Thread your marinated mushrooms onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between them. Lay the skewers on the grill and cook for around 8-10 minutes, turning them every couple of minutes until they’re tender and slightly charred. This technique is fantastic for creating perfect barbecued mushrooms.

Tips and Tricks for Next-Level Grilled Mushrooms

Are you looking to take your mushroom-grilling skills even further? We have a few expert tips to share with you.

• Give Them Space: Don’t overcrowd the grill with mushrooms. Piling them too close together will cause them to steam instead of grill, which will prevent that delicious char from developing.
• Embrace the Grill Basket: A grill basket is an essential tool for smaller mushrooms or slices. It prevents them from slipping through the grates while ensuring they still get that wonderful smoky taste.
• Salt at the End: You may have noticed we don’t include salt in our marinade. Salt has a tendency to draw moisture out of mushrooms. We find it’s best to grill them first and then finish with a sprinkle of sea salt just before you serve, which helps to keep them exceptionally juicy.
• Add Fresh Herbs to Finish: A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley, chives, or basil just before serving introduces a burst of freshness that wonderfully cuts through the smoky richness.

What to Serve with Your Delicious Grilled Mushrooms

These grilled mushrooms are so delectable, we could happily eat a whole bowl on their own! That said, they also serve as a brilliant accompaniment to a huge variety of main dishes. They are a timeless partner for any grilled meat, contributing an earthy, savoury richness. Try serving them with a perfectly cooked steak or burger. They are also a fantastic partner to a Bobby Flay’s Ultimate Salisbury Steak Recipe, bringing another layer of flavour.

They also pair wonderfully with chicken or pork, and we especially enjoy them alongside some flavourful Garlic Steak Bites And Potatoes for a truly complete and satisfying dinner. For a vegetarian banquet, pile them high on a crusty roll with some goat’s cheese and rocket, or serve them simply with other grilled vegetables and a wholesome grain salad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Grilled Mushrooms

Can I grill mushrooms without a marinade?

Of course! If you find yourself short on time, you can just toss the mushrooms in a little olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper right before they hit the grill. The flavour won’t be quite as complex as with a full marinade, but they will still be utterly delicious.

How do I stop my mushrooms from getting soggy?

The secrets to preventing soggy mushrooms are to avoid washing them under the tap (wipe them clean instead), ensure your grill is sufficiently hot, and be careful not to over-marinate. Soaking for more than a few hours can cause the mushroom’s cellular structure to break down.

Can I prepare grilled mushrooms ahead of time?

Yes, certainly. While they are at their peak when served straight from the barbecue, you can grill them in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. We suggest reheating them gently in a pan or the oven to revive their texture and warmth.

What’s the best way to grill mushrooms on a skewer?

Select mushrooms of a similar size, like Creminis, to ensure they cook at the same rate. Thread them onto the skewer so they are snug but not tightly packed. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate freely around each mushroom for a perfect, even cook.

Are grilled mushrooms healthy?

Yes, they are an exceptionally healthy option. Mushrooms are low in calories and fat while being a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to the Mushroom Bureau, they provide valuable B vitamins and potassium. Grilling is also a healthy cooking technique that doesn’t require much added fat.

Your Go-To Guide for Flawless Fungi

We have now shared everything you need to know to become a confident master of grilling mushrooms. From choosing the best varieties and creating a flavour-packed marinade to perfecting your grilling technique, you are now fully prepared to make a side dish that is far from ordinary. These succulent, smoky, and tender mushrooms are sure to delight your family and friends at your next gathering.

So, it’s time to fire up the barbecue, grab those mushrooms, and prepare to create a dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. We would be thrilled to see how yours turn out! Please share your results in the comments section below or tag us on social media to show off your fantastic grilled mushrooms.