Discover the rich and savory flavors of marinated grilled mushroom skewers, a perfect addition to any barbecue or family meal.
These tender, smoky mushrooms, infused with a delectable marinade, offer a delightful and easy-to-make dish that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound button mushrooms, cleaned and stems trimmed
- Wooden or metal skewers
How To Make Grilled Mushrooms
1. Prepare the Marinade
Start by creating a flavorful marinade that will infuse the mushrooms with deliciousness. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix them thoroughly to ensure the flavors meld together.
Then, add the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and honey (or maple syrup). Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients. Next, sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and smoked paprika. Season the marinade with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth and well-blended marinade.
2. Marinate the Mushrooms
Place the cleaned and trimmed button mushrooms in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the mushrooms, making sure each mushroom gets coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
Let the mushrooms marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 2–3 hours. This will allow the mushrooms to absorb all the savory and tangy flavors of the marinade.
3. Soak the Skewers
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will prevent them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers don’t need soaking and can be used as they are.
4. Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using a charcoal grill, light the charcoal and let it burn until it’s covered with white ash. For a gas grill, simply turn the burners to medium-high and close the lid to let it preheat.
5. Assemble the Skewers
Remove the mushrooms from the marinade and thread them onto the skewers. If you want to add some variety, you can alternate the mushrooms with other vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini slices. Make sure to leave a little space between each mushroom to ensure even cooking.
6. Grill the Mushrooms
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook the mushrooms for about 10–12 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. You want the mushrooms to be tender and slightly charred. Brush them with any remaining marinade during the grilling process for extra flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the mushrooms are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and sprinkle them with some fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the marinated grilled mushroom skewers as an appetizer, side dish, or a main course for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Mushroom Skewers
- Use Fresh Mushrooms: Choose firm and fresh mushrooms for the best texture and flavor. Avoid using mushrooms that are slimy or have dark spots.
- Even Sizing: Try to use mushrooms that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. If some mushrooms are larger, cut them in half to match the size of the smaller ones.
- Marinating Time: While 30 minutes is the minimum marinating time, allowing the mushrooms to marinate for 2–3 hours or even overnight will yield the best flavor.
- Oil the Grill Grates: To prevent sticking, brush the grill grates with oil before placing the skewers on the grill.
- Watch the Heat: Grilling over medium-high heat ensures that the mushrooms cook through without burning. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent flare-ups.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave some space between the mushrooms on the skewers to allow the heat to circulate and cook them evenly.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or chives over the grilled mushrooms just before serving.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the marinade with your favorite herbs and spices. Adding a dash of hot sauce or some grated ginger can give the mushrooms a unique twist.
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
- Burnt Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soaking them in water is crucial to prevent burning. If they still burn, try wrapping the exposed parts in aluminum foil.
- Mushy Mushrooms: Over-marinating can make mushrooms too soft. Stick to the recommended marinating times to avoid this issue.
- Uneven Cooking: If some mushrooms are overcooked while others are undercooked, check the size consistency and spacing on the skewers. Also, rotate the skewers regularly on the grill.
- Lack of Flavor: If the mushrooms lack flavor, ensure they are well coated in the marinade and that you brush them with additional marinade while grilling.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll create delicious marinated grilled mushroom skewers that are sure to impress. Enjoy the smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors of these delectable skewers at your next barbecue or family dinner. Happy grilling!
