Ready for a meatless twist on the traditional burger? This grilled portobello mushroom burger recipe provides a flavorful and healthy alternative. With a delightfully marinated portobello cap serving as the 'patty', this burger is sure to impress both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
All the ingredients in this recipe are generally easy to find in most supermarkets. However, keep in mind that portobello mushroom caps are larger than other mushroom types, so be sure to look for those specifically. The Montreal steak seasoning, a flavorful blend of garlic, coriander, dill, and pepper, may be located with the other seasonings or in the international aisle.
Ingredients for Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
Portobello mushroom caps: They're larger than other mushroom types and have a meaty texture, perfect for a hearty burger.
Balsamic vinegar: It offers a sweet and tangy flavor to the marinade.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami taste to the marinade.
Olive oil: Helps keep the mushrooms from sticking to the grill.
Rosemary: Adds an aromatic, woody flavor to the marinade.
Montreal steak seasoning: A flavorful blend that enhances the taste of the mushrooms.
Red onion slices: Provide a sweet and slightly spicy flavor when grilled.
Reduced-fat swiss: Melts well and adds a light, nutty flavor.
Tomato slices: Add a juicy, fresh element to each burger.
Avocado: Creamy and rich, it balances out the savory elements.
Baby spinach: Adds a bit of crunch and a subtle, slightly bitter flavor.
Whole wheat low calorie buns: The vessel for your burger, adding a bit of fiber and texture.
One reader, Jessica Nixon says:
This grilled portobello mushroom burger recipe is a game-changer! The marinated mushrooms are bursting with flavor, and the combination of grilled onions, avocado, and Swiss cheese is simply divine. Plus, it's a healthier alternative to traditional burgers. I can't wait to make it again!
Key Techniques for Grilling Portobello Mushroom Burgers
How to marinate the mushrooms: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, rosemary, and steak seasoning in a large bowl. Place the mushroom caps in the bowl and toss with the marinade using a spoon to evenly coat. Let the mushrooms stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, turning them a few times.
How to grill the mushrooms: Heat the grill or indoor grill pan over medium heat. When hot, brush the grate with oil or lightly spray the grill pan. Place the marinated mushrooms on the grill, reserving the marinade for basting. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until tender, brushing with the marinade frequently. Top the mushrooms with cheese during the last minute of cooking.
How to grill the onions: While the mushrooms cook, grill the onion slices for about 1 minute on each side.
How to toast the buns: Grill the whole wheat buns until they are lightly toasted.
How to assemble the burger: Place the grilled portobello mushrooms on the buns and top them with the grilled onions, sliced tomato, avocado, and baby spinach.
How To Make Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
You will love this tasty and meatless mushroom burger made with grilled marinated mushrooms topped with melted Swiss cheese, spinach, tomatoes, and avocado.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4portobello mushroom caps
- 2tbspbalsamic vinegar
- 1tbspsoy sauce,low sodium
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1tbsprosemary,chopped
- 1tspsteak seasoning,like Montreal Steak Grill Mates
- 4red onion slices,thick
- 4ozreduced-fat Swiss,sliced thin, Alpine lace
- 4tomato slices,thin
- ½avocado,sliced thin
- baby spinach
- 4whole wheat low calorie buns
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, soy sauce, oil, rosemary, and Montreal steak seasoning.
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Place the mushroom caps in the bowl and toss with a sauce using a spoon to evenly coat. Let stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, turning a few times.
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Heat the grill or indoor grill pan over medium heat. When hot, brush the grate with oil or lightly spray the grill pan.
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Place the mushrooms on the grill, reserving marinade for basting. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until tender, brushing with marinade frequently.
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Top the mushrooms with cheese during the last minute of cooking.
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While the mushrooms cook, grill the onions for about 1 minute on each side and grill the buns until toasted.
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To finish, place the spinach and grilled portobello mushrooms on the buns and top with the grilled onions, sliced tomato, and avocado.
Nutrition
- Calories: 213.81kcal
- Fat: 8.83g
- Saturated Fat: 1.42g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.33g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.55g
- Carbohydrates: 28.53g
- Fiber: 3.51g
- Sugar: 5.92g
- Protein: 5.95g
- Sodium: 436.45mg
- Calcium: 92.16mg
- Potassium: 344.28mg
- Iron: 2.06mg
- Vitamin A: 14.21µg
- Vitamin C: 8.72mg
Expert Technique Tips for Grilling Portobello Mushroom Burgers
When grilling portobello mushrooms, it's important to avoid overcooking them as they can become tough and lose their juicy texture. Keep a close eye on them and remember to frequently baste with the marinade to keep them moist and flavorful. Additionally, grilling the buns until they are toasted adds a nice crunch and can prevent them from becoming soggy from the mushroom's juices.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Marinate efficiently: Combine all marinade ingredients in a resealable plastic bag and add the mushrooms. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the mushrooms, ensuring they are evenly coated. This method saves time and reduces the need for extra dishes.
Prep in advance: Clean and marinate the mushrooms the night before, allowing them to absorb the flavors overnight. This not only saves time on the day of cooking but also enhances the depth of flavor in the mushrooms.
Grill in batches: If you're making multiple servings, grill the mushrooms in batches to ensure even cooking and to prevent overcrowding on the grill, which can lead to uneven cooking.
Use a grill pan: If an outdoor grill isn't available, use a grill pan on the stovetop for convenience and quick cleanup.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, organize all the ingredients and utensils needed for the recipe. This will streamline the cooking process and minimize the risk of overlooking any components.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger Recipe
portobello mushroom caps - Substitute with eggplant slices: Eggplant has a similar meaty texture and can be grilled to provide a similar savory flavor.
balsamic vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar has a similar tangy flavor that can complement the grilled mushrooms.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a rich umami flavor.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it suitable for grilling.
rosemary - Substitute with thyme: Thyme has a similar earthy and aromatic flavor that pairs well with grilled vegetables.
steak seasoning - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor and depth to the dish, similar to steak seasoning.
reduced-fat swiss - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese can provide a creamy and melty texture without the dairy.
whole wheat low calorie buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps can be a lighter and gluten-free alternative to buns, providing a crisp and fresh base for the burger.
Presentation Tips for a Delicious Portobello Mushroom Burger
Elevate the burger buns: Toast the whole wheat low calorie buns to perfection, ensuring they are warm and slightly crispy to provide a delightful texture contrast to the juicy portobello mushrooms.
Artfully arrange the baby spinach: Place the vibrant baby spinach leaves in a visually appealing manner, creating a bed for the grilled portobello mushrooms to rest upon.
Create a symmetrical stack: Layer the grilled portobello mushrooms, red onion slices, tomato slices, and avocado in a symmetrical and balanced manner, ensuring each ingredient is showcased elegantly.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a pinch of freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, over the assembled burger to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Present with precision: Place the completed grilled portobello mushroom burger on the plate with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each component is thoughtfully positioned for an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Grilled Portobello Burger
Grill or indoor grill pan: A grill or indoor grill pan is essential for grilling the portobello mushroom caps to perfection. It provides the smoky flavor and charred marks that enhance the overall taste and appearance of the burger.
Large bowl: A large bowl is used for marinating the portobello mushroom caps in the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, and seasonings. It allows for easy tossing and coating of the mushrooms with the marinade.
Whisk: A whisk is necessary for combining the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, rosemary, and steak seasoning to create the marinade for the portobello mushrooms.
Grill brush or oil spray: A grill brush or oil spray is used to grease the grill grate or indoor grill pan to prevent the mushrooms from sticking during the grilling process.
Spoon: A spoon is used to toss and evenly coat the portobello mushroom caps with the marinade in the large bowl. It helps in distributing the marinade evenly over the mushrooms.
Cheese grater: A cheese grater is used to grate the reduced-fat Swiss cheese, which is then placed on top of the grilled portobello mushrooms to melt and add a delicious cheesy flavor to the burger.
Knife: A knife is essential for slicing the red onions, tomatoes, and avocado for assembling the grilled portobello mushroom burgers.
Grill tongs: Grill tongs are used for flipping the portobello mushroom caps and grilling the onions on the grill. They provide a secure grip and control when handling the ingredients on the grill.
Toaster or grill for buns: A toaster or grill is used to toast the whole wheat low-calorie buns, adding a crispy texture and warmth to the burger buns before assembling the burgers.
Storing and Freezing Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
- To store leftover grilled portobello mushroom burgers, wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the burgers, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped burgers in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen grilled portobello mushroom burgers can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy a frozen burger, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- To reheat a refrigerated or thawed burger, you can either microwave it for a minute or two until heated through or place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. If the bun is stored separately, toast it lightly before reassembling the burger.
- For best results, store the grilled portobello mushrooms, cheese, onions, and buns separately from the fresh toppings like tomato, avocado, and spinach. This will help prevent the buns from getting soggy and the fresh ingredients from wilting or becoming mushy.
How To Reheat Leftover Portobello Mushroom Burgers
The best way to reheat a leftover grilled portobello mushroom burger is to separate the components and reheat them individually. This will ensure that each part of the burger is heated through without becoming soggy or overcooked.
Remove the portobello mushroom cap, cheese, onions, tomato, and avocado from the bun. Set aside the spinach, as it doesn't need to be reheated.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the portobello mushroom cap on a baking sheet and top it with the cheese. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until the mushroom is heated through and the cheese is melted.
While the mushroom is heating, wrap the bun in aluminum foil and place it in the oven for the last 2-3 minutes of the mushroom's heating time. This will warm the bun without drying it out.
In a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of olive oil and reheat the grilled onions for 1-2 minutes or until they are warmed through.
Once all the components are heated, reassemble your portobello mushroom burger. Place the spinach on the bottom bun, followed by the heated mushroom with cheese, grilled onions, tomato, and avocado. Top with the other half of the bun.
Alternatively, you can reheat the entire assembled burger in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, depending on your microwave's power. However, this method may result in a softer bun and slightly overcooked toppings.
If you have access to a panini press or a grill pan, you can reheat the assembled burger for 2-3 minutes, pressing down gently to warm the ingredients and create a crispy exterior on the bun.
Fascinating Facts About Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are an excellent source of selenium, a mineral that supports the immune system and helps prevent damage to cells and tissues.
Is Making Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers at Home Cost-Effective?
This grilled portobello mushroom burger recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Portobello mushrooms are affordable and versatile, making them a budget-friendly option. The additional ingredients like balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and seasonings are commonly found in most kitchens, further adding to the cost-effectiveness. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious taste. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical and satisfying meal choice.
Is This Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger Healthy?
The grilled portobello mushroom burger recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. The use of portobello mushrooms as the main ingredient provides a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals while being low in calories and fat. The whole wheat buns and the addition of vegetables like spinach, tomato, and avocado further enhance the nutritional value of the burger.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The recipe calls for reduced-fat Swiss cheese, which still contains saturated fat and sodium. Opting for a lower-fat cheese or omitting it altogether would further reduce the fat content.
- The marinade contains soy sauce, which is high in sodium. Using a low-sodium soy sauce or replacing it with a healthier alternative like coconut aminos would help reduce the overall sodium content.
- While the recipe uses whole wheat buns, they are still processed grains. Replacing them with lettuce wraps or a whole grain option like a sprouted grain bun would provide more nutrients and fiber.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Add more vegetables to the burger, such as grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or caramelized onions, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use a homemade avocado spread instead of sliced avocado to evenly distribute the healthy fats and make the burger easier to eat
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade, such as garlic, thyme, or smoked paprika, to add more flavor without relying on salt
- Serve the burger with a side salad or roasted vegetables to make it a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal
Editor's Take on This Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger Recipe
This grilled portobello mushroom burger recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The marinade infuses the mushrooms with a rich umami taste, while the grilling process adds a smoky depth. The addition of grilled onions, avocado, and Swiss cheese elevates the burger, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal. The use of whole wheat buns and the incorporation of fresh vegetables make this dish a nutritious and delicious choice for any occasion.
Enhance Your Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
Why trust this Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a flavorful and satisfying meal. The portobello mushrooms are marinated in a blend of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and olive oil, infusing them with rich umami flavors. The addition of rosemary and steak seasoning enhances the earthy taste of the mushrooms. Grilling the mushrooms and red onions adds a smoky char, while the melted reduced-fat Swiss cheese brings a creamy element. The final assembly with tomato, avocado, and baby spinach on a whole wheat bun creates a wholesome and delicious burger experience.
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