Grilled Mushrooms with Balsamic: A Flavorful and Healthy Dish

Grilled mushrooms with balsamic vinegar is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a side, appetizer, or even a main course for vegetarians. The meaty texture of mushrooms combined with the rich, tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar makes this a perfect complement to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe will impress with minimal effort.




Why Grill Mushrooms?

Mushrooms are a fantastic ingredient for grilling due to their firm texture and ability to absorb flavors. When grilled, mushrooms develop a rich, smoky flavor and a tender bite, making them a hearty addition to any dish. They’re also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.


Which Mushrooms to Use?

You can use a variety of mushrooms for this recipe, depending on your preference:

Portobello: These large, meaty mushrooms are perfect for grilling and can even be served as a vegetarian substitute for burgers.

Cremini: Also known as baby bellas, these smaller mushrooms have a firm texture and earthy flavor, making them great for skewering or grilling whole.

Button Mushrooms: A common, versatile choice that grills up quickly and absorbs balsamic flavors well.

Shiitake: These mushrooms have a distinct flavor and chewy texture, ideal for grilling.


Recipe: Grilled Mushrooms with Balsamic

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) mushrooms (Portobello, cremini, or button mushrooms work well)
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)


Instructions:

Prepare the Mushrooms:

If using Portobello mushrooms, remove the stems and clean the caps with a damp cloth. For smaller mushrooms like cremini or button, simply clean and trim the stems if needed.

If the mushrooms are large, you can slice them into thick strips or halves. If they are small, you can grill them whole or on skewers.


Make the Marinade:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. This marinade will infuse the mushrooms with deep, tangy flavors.


Marinate the Mushrooms:

Place the mushrooms in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the mushrooms, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 20-30 minutes. You can also refrigerate them for up to an hour for even more flavor absorption.


Preheat the Grill:

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.


Grill the Mushrooms:

Place the mushrooms on the grill, making sure not to overcrowd them. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side for Portobello mushrooms, or 2-3 minutes per side for smaller mushrooms, until they are tender and have nice grill marks.

If using skewers, grill the skewered mushrooms for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally.


Serve and Garnish:

Once grilled, transfer the mushrooms to a serving plate. Drizzle any remaining balsamic marinade over the top for added flavor.

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.


Serving Suggestions

Grilled mushrooms with balsamic vinegar can be served in a variety of ways:

Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats or vegetables for a complete, flavorful meal.

Salad: Toss grilled mushrooms with fresh greens, goat cheese, and a sprinkle of nuts for a hearty salad.

Sandwich or Wrap: Use grilled Portobello mushrooms as the star in a sandwich or wrap with fresh veggies and a creamy dressing.

Pasta Topping: Add grilled mushrooms to pasta with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a quick and delicious meal.


Tips for Perfect Grilled Mushrooms

Don’t Overcrowd: Give the mushrooms space on the grill to ensure they cook evenly and get those beautiful char marks.

Marinate for Flavor: The longer you marinate the mushrooms, the more flavor they’ll absorb. However, don’t marinate for more than an hour to avoid mushy textures.

Use Skewers for Smaller Mushrooms: Skewering smaller mushrooms like button or cremini makes it easier to grill them without losing any between the grill grates.


Conclusion

Grilled mushrooms with balsamic vinegar is a versatile and delicious dish that brings out the best in this humble ingredient. Whether you’re a mushroom lover or trying them grilled for the first time, this easy recipe delivers a savory, tangy, and smoky flavor that’s sure to please. Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking for a tasty side or main dish, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your grilling rotation.

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