If you have an electric or backyard propane grill, grilling mushrooms can be a real treat. They’re naturally buttery, soft, and taste great on their own or when added to burger patties. But here’s the thing: because they have a high water content, they tend to release a lot of moisture when heated up, and this is where they hold most of their flavor. In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the best way to make easy grilled mushrooms while keeping that juiciness intact.
What Type of Mushrooms Should You Choose?
Portobello mushrooms are a popular choice. They’re big and have a meaty texture, which makes them ideal for grilling. You can even use them as a burger patty substitute for your vegetarian sandwich. You can also try Button and Cremini mushrooms. These are smaller but pack a lot of flavor, and they grill up really nicely. If you want something a little different, try Shiitake mushrooms. They have a unique taste that gets even better on the grill. Just remember to remove their stems, as they can be tough.
How to Prepare Mushrooms Before Grilling
To prepare mushrooms for grilling, start by cleaning them. Most store-bought mushrooms come pre-washed, so a gentle brush or a wipe with a damp paper towel or lint-free cloth should do the trick. If they have a lot of debris on them, a quick rinse in a colander under the sink is okay, but don’t soak them in water, as they can become soggy.
Next, it’s time to trim the mushrooms. If you’re using Portobello mushrooms, remove the stems as they can be a bit tough to eat. For button, Cremini, or Shiitake mushrooms, you can keep the stems if they look fresh, or trim the ends if they seem dried out.
If you’re planning to grill smaller mushrooms or have chopped them up, consider using skewers to keep them from falling through the grill grates. Remember that mushrooms tend to shrink when they cook, so keep that in mind when you’re preparing them. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes to prevent them from burning when exposed to heat.
Lastly, give your mushrooms some flavor by marinating them. You can use a simple grilled mushrooms recipe by making a mixture of olive oil, garlic, a touch of soy sauce, and your favorite herbs. Let your mushrooms marinate for about 30 minutes before you start grilling. Alternatively, you can try a mix of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and pepper.
How to Grill Mushrooms
To get started, preheat your grill to medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, it’s time to cook your mushrooms. If you’ve marinated them, give them a quick shake to remove any extra liquid. If you’re using Portobello mushrooms, place them with the gill side down. For button, Cremini, or Shiitake mushrooms, simply spread them out evenly on the grill. If you’re worried about small mushrooms falling through the grill grates, you can use skewers, a grill pan, or wrap them in aluminum foil.
While the mushrooms are grilling, keep a close eye on them and flip them only once. Mushrooms can go from perfectly cooked to overdone pretty quickly. If you want to add extra flavor, you can brush them with a bit of your marinade or some seasoned oil while they’re grilling.
Once your mushrooms are nicely grilled on both sides, carefully remove them from the grill. Allow them to rest for a minute or two. Your mushrooms should be tender, full of flavor, and ready to be enjoyed.
How Long Should You Grill Mushrooms For?
When grilling Portobello mushroom caps, you’ll want to cook them for around 5 to 8 minutes on each side. If you’re using button, Cremini, or Shiitake mushrooms, they cook faster, usually about 2 to 3 minutes per side. If you’ve wrapped your mushrooms in foil packets, it’ll take a bit longer, roughly 20-25 minutes. Don’t forget to flip the packet halfway through the cooking time to ensure they’re evenly grilled.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Mushrooms Every Time
To cook mushrooms on the grill to perfection, consider these handy tips:
- If you’re not using marinades for your mushrooms, you can prevent them from sticking to the grill grates by brushing a bit of olive oil or butter on them.
- Do not marinate mushrooms for more than an hour as it may make them overly soft and mushy.
- If you’re using acidic marinades like vinegar or citrus for your mushrooms, avoid wrapping them in foil packets. This may cause a reaction.
- Since mushrooms release moisture when heated up, they can cause flare-ups. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to manage any flames.
- To check if your mushrooms are cooked, use a fork to pierce them. They should easily pierce through when they’re done.
- Mushrooms are a delicate vegetable to grill and can fall apart if you move them around too much. To keep them intact, flip them only once during grilling.
- Mushrooms get smaller by roughly half when you cook them. So, even if they look big enough to stay on the grill without slipping through, keep this in mind, and use skewers, foil packets, or grill pans.
Summary
Grilling mushrooms is easy when you follow the correct method. With this simple guide, you’ll be able to grill them perfectly every time. And for even more convenience and precision in your grilling, consider using MisterChef’s Electric Grill. Whether you want to make grilled Portobello mushrooms or other grilled vegetables, our grill can handle it all. Shop with us today.