The Ultimate Grilled Portobello Burger Beyond the Bun

Ultimate Grilled Portobello Burger Beyond the Bun

By Jordan AveryOctober 3, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Say Hello to the Best Grilled Portobello Mushrooms!

Ever wondered how to make veggies the star of the show? Let me introduce you to these amazing grilled portobello mushrooms .

Honestly, they're so good, even meat eaters will be reaching for seconds! They're packed with flavour, thanks to a delish balsamic marinade.

What's the Story?

The grilled mushroom recipe is simple but oh-so-effective! Think of it as a quick trip to Italy right in your garden, it is thought that the balsamic vinegar was first produced in Modena, Italy, during the Middle Ages.

This recipe is proper easy, takes about an hour all in, and makes enough for four hungry folks. You can serve it as a portobello mushroom burger , a fancy side dish, or even on top of a salad.

Why You'll Love It

Portobello mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants. Fancy a vegetarian barbecue recipes ? These BBQ portobello mushrooms are just the ticket.

What makes this recipe special? It’s all about the simple balsamic marinade that gives the mushrooms a restaurant worthy flavor. Imagine taking a bite of this grilled portobello with balsamic glaze ? It's like a party in your mouth.

Ready to see what's in store ingredient wise?

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

Right then, let's talk about what you'll need. Honestly, this grilled mushroom recipe is simple. You probably have most of this stuff already! My nan always said "Proper planning prevents poor performance.

" That's especially true with cooking!

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific

Here's what you'll need for this mushroom burger recipe :

Balsamic Marinade Magic:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Balsamic vinegar Get the good stuff if you can. A decent quality makes all the difference.
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Extra virgin olive oil Adds richness and helps the grilled portobello with balsamic glaze caramelise nicely.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh is always best!
- 1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary, chopped Such a lovely aroma.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme, chopped Earthy and delicious.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Adds a bit of tang.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt Sea salt is my go-to.
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper Adds a bit of heat!
Mushroom Time:
- 4 large Portobello mushrooms, stems removed Choose firm, plump ones. Give them a good sniff!
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Olive oil, for brushing Keeps them from sticking to the grill.

If you want to go all out and make a proper Portobello mushroom burger : grab 4 burger buns and your favorite toppings!

Seasoning Notes: Secret Sauce

Seriously, the marinade is where the magic happens. Balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme, garlic... It's basically Tuscany in a bowl! If you're out of rosemary or thyme, dried herbs will do in a pinch.

Just use about a third of the amount. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you're feeling adventurous.

I like to also add a tiny touch of maple syrup (1/4 teaspoon) for an extra sweetness.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Don't need fancy gadgets for this!

Mixing bowl & Whisk - For the marinade, obviously.
Grill Gas or charcoal, your call. I'm a charcoal kinda gal!
Pastry brush (optional) Helps spread the oil.
Tongs Essential for flipping those beauties!

You can totally use a frying pan on the hob if you haven't got a barbie, but try to get it outside in the sunshine, it's better for you.

And remember the most important thing is to enjoy easy grilled vegetables !

Cooking Like a Pro: Grilling Portobello Mushrooms

Honestly, nothing beats the smell of food cooking on the grill. Especially grilled portobello mushrooms . They're so versatile. You know? Perfect for a vegetarian barbecue recipes .

Or as a mushroom burger recipe .

Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Mate

First, get your ducks in a row. This is the essential mise en place. Mix your marinade: 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar , 2 tablespoons olive oil , 2 cloves minced garlic , 1 tablespoon each of rosemary and thyme , 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard , 1/2 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon pepper .

Remove the stems from your 4 large portobello mushrooms . Scrape out the gills with a spoon. Sounds gross, but trust me. It stops them being muddy.

For time saving tips, chop all your herbs at once. Mince the garlic beforehand too. Less faff later. Safety, eh? Don't be using wobbly chopping boards!

step-by-step Grilling Goodness

Marinate those beauties. Put the portobello mushrooms in a bag. Douse with marinade. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours .
Preheat your grill. Medium heat is the name of the game. About 350- 400° F or 175- 200° C . Clean the grates. Nobody wants yesterday's burnt sausages.
Brush with oil. Olive oil. Just a little. Stop them sticking.
Grill gill side up. For 5- 7 minutes per side. Flip once.
Brush with marinade. Do this during the last few minutes. Gives a lovely glaze.

Pro Tips for BBQ portobello mushrooms

Don't overcrowd the grill. This lowers the temp. It steams the mushrooms instead of grilling. No good! Avoid balsamic marinated mushrooms being overcooked.

This is the critical mistake to avoid. Let those grilled portobello with balsamic glaze rest for a bit before serving.

They'll be juicier.

Honestly, these make a fantastic Portobello mushroom burger . Use a decent bun. Sourdough or brioche. Load it up with your fave toppings.

Recipe Notes For the Best Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

Right, so you've got the recipe. Now for the bits and bobs that’ll make your grilled portobello mushrooms absolutely banging! Consider these my little secrets, shared just between us.

Serving Suggestions: Show Off Your Skills

Okay, presentation matters! Plating up these grilled portobello with balsamic glaze is easy peasy.

Think rustic: whack 'em on a wooden board. Or, for extra fancy points, slice them and fan them out on a plate.

You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A vibrant pesto pasta salad is the perfect match. Alternatively, serve with a crisp green salad.

Wash it all down with a chilled Pinot Grigio or a refreshing lemonade.

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh

Leftovers? No worries. Pop those BBQ portobello mushrooms into an airtight container and they'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Freezing isn't ideal they can get a bit soggy. To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave will do.

Or, even better, pan-fry for a few minutes to crisp them up again.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy a change? Try a Mediterranean twist. Chuck in some sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese to the marinade. Honestly, it's lush! Need a vegan option? Just make sure your Dijon mustard is vegan friendly.

Most are, but always check the label. Turn it to a Portobello mushroom burger by serving on a bun.

Nutrition Basics: Good For You, Too!

These easy grilled vegetables are actually pretty good for you. Each serving contains about 150 calories, 5g of protein, and loads of flavour.

They are packed with fibre, so that's a win! Did you know mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D?

So there you have it! My top tips for the ultimate grilled portobello burger and beyond. Get grilling and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop my grilled portobello mushrooms from getting soggy?

Nobody wants a soggy bottom on their 'shrooms! To avoid this, make sure your grill is hot enough (medium heat is best) and don't overcrowd it. Also, scraping out the gills before marinating helps reduce excess moisture. Think of it like giving your portobello a little spa treatment before its big moment!

Can I marinate grilled portobello mushrooms overnight?

While marinating is key for flavour, avoid marinating your portobellos for longer than 2 hours. If you marinate them overnight, they can become too soft and waterlogged, which will make them less enjoyable to grill.

Consider whipping up the marinade the night before, and then adding the mushrooms a few hours before you plan to get grilling.

What are some good toppings or sides to serve with these grilled portobello mushrooms?

These are incredibly versatile! If you're having them as burgers, classic burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, and your favorite sauces (ketchup, mayo, aioli) work a treat. For sides, consider a light pasta salad, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette, or even some grilled asparagus.

For a bit of pizzazz, try a dollop of pesto or some crumbled feta.

Are grilled portobello mushrooms healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Absolutely! Portobello mushrooms are naturally low in calories and fat, while being a good source of fiber and certain vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and B vitamins. They're a great way to enjoy a "meaty" texture while keeping things plant based.

Just remember to keep an eye on any added fats (like oil) in your marinade to keep the dish on the lighter side.

How should I store leftover grilled portobello mushrooms?

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a pan or microwave just be careful not to overcook them, or they'll become rubbery. They're great chopped up in salads, pasta dishes, or even scrambled eggs the next day.

Think of it as Boxing Day turkey, but with mushrooms!

I don't have a grill. Can I still make these? What are my options for cooking grilled portobello mushrooms indoors?

No grill? No worries! You can definitely cook portobello mushrooms indoors. A grill pan on the stovetop works great, giving you those lovely grill marks. Alternatively, you can roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender. You could even pan-fry them in a bit of olive oil.

The key is to still get that nice browning and caramelization for maximum flavor.