Barbecue gatherings are a cherished tradition, especially during the warmer months. While the spotlight often shines on the meats and main courses, mushrooms side dishes play a crucial role in complementing the feast.
One of the most versatile and delightful ingredients for BBQ side dishes is mushrooms.
Their earthy flavors, meaty textures, and ability to absorb marinades make them a fantastic addition to any barbecue spread. Let’s dive into the best mushrooms for BBQ side dishes and explore how to make them shine.
1. Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are a barbecue favorite due to their large size, meaty texture, and rich flavor. These mushrooms can stand up to grilling and marinating, making them an ideal meat substitute or hearty side dish.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms – Full Recipe HERE
How to Prepare
- Marinating: Marinate Portobello mushrooms in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and your favorite herbs. This enhances their natural umami flavor and keeps them moist during grilling.
- Grilling: Place the marinated mushrooms directly on the grill. Cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side until they are tender and have grill marks.
Portobello Serving Suggestions
Serve grilled Portobello mushrooms sliced over a fresh salad or as a sandwich with your favorite toppings. They also work well as a side dish on their own, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
2. Cremini (Baby Bella) Mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms, also known as Baby Bellas, are essentially younger Portobello mushrooms. They offer a similar meaty texture but are smaller and have a slightly milder flavor. Their size makes them perfect for skewers and mixed vegetable dishes.
How to Prepare
- Skewers: Thread Cremini mushrooms onto skewers with chunks of bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Brush with a marinade of olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic.
- Grilling: Grill the skewers for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and the other vegetables are slightly charred.
Buttery Garlic Mushrooms – Full Recipe HERE
Serving Suggestions
Cremini mushroom skewers are a colorful and tasty addition to your BBQ spread. They pair well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on their own as a vegetarian option.
3. Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms bring a unique, slightly smoky flavor that intensifies when grilled. Their chewy texture and distinct taste make them a standout side dish at any barbecue.
How to Prepare
- Marinating: Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a bit of honey. Marinate the Shiitake mushrooms for at least 30 minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Grilling: Grill the mushrooms for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have developed a nice char.
Serving Suggestions
Shiitake mushrooms are excellent when served alongside grilled fish or chicken. They also make a fantastic addition to a grilled vegetable platter, adding a different texture and flavor profile.
4. Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture that works well with quick grilling. Their unique shape adds visual interest to your BBQ spread.
How to Prepare
- Grilling: Brush oyster mushrooms with a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and thyme. Place them directly on the grill and cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly charred and tender.
- Alternative Method: Wrap the mushrooms in aluminum foil with a drizzle of olive oil and seasonings. Place the foil packet on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Oyster mushrooms can be served as a side dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of sea salt. They also pair wonderfully with grilled seafood.
5. Button Mushrooms
Button mushrooms are one of the most commonly available varieties. They have a mild flavor and firm texture, making them versatile for various BBQ side dishes.
How to Prepare
- Stuffing: Create a stuffing mixture with cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and fill the caps with the stuffing.
- Grilling: Place the stuffed mushrooms on the grill, stuffing side up. Cook for 8–10 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly.
Garlic Mushrooms – Full Recipe HERE
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed button mushrooms are a crowd-pleaser. They can be served as an appetizer or a side dish, adding a touch of elegance to your barbecue.
6. King Oyster Mushrooms
King Oyster mushrooms, also known as King Trumpet mushrooms, have a thick, meaty stem and a mild flavor. Their firm texture holds up well to grilling, making them an excellent choice for BBQ side dishes.
How to Prepare
- Slicing: Slice the mushrooms lengthwise into thick pieces. This allows for even grilling and enhances their meaty texture.
- Marinating: Marinate the slices in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of maple syrup. This combination adds a sweet and savory flavor.
- Grilling: Grill the mushroom slices for about 3–4 minutes on each side until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
Serving Suggestions
King Oyster mushrooms are perfect when served as a side dish with grilled steaks or pork chops. Their texture and flavor also make them a great addition to vegetable platters.
7. Enoki Mushrooms
Enoki mushrooms are unique with their long, thin stems and delicate caps. They have a mild, slightly fruity flavor and add a different texture to BBQ dishes.
How to Prepare
- Wrapping: Wrap small bundles of Enoki mushrooms in aluminum foil with a bit of butter, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce.
- Grilling: Place the foil packets on the grill and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
Enoki Serving Suggestions
Enoki mushrooms make a lovely side dish, especially when paired with grilled fish or chicken. They can also be added to salads or noodle dishes for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Tips for Grilling Mushrooms
- Clean Properly: Always clean mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth or using a soft brush. Avoid soaking them in water as they can become waterlogged and lose their texture.
- Uniform Sizing: Ensure the mushrooms are of uniform size for even cooking. If using different sizes, consider skewering them separately to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- Oil and Season Generously: Mushrooms absorb flavors well. Generously oil and season them to enhance their natural taste
- Watch the Heat: Grill mushrooms over medium heat. High heat can cause them to cook too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside.
Conclusion
Mushrooms are a fantastic ingredient for BBQ side dishes, offering a variety of flavors and textures that can complement any main course. Whether you prefer the meaty Portobello, the tender Cremini, or the delicate Enoki, there’s a mushroom for every palate. So, next time you fire up the grill, consider adding these versatile fungi to your menu. Your guests will surely appreciate the delicious and nutritious addition to the barbecue feast.
