The Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger is a delightful and satisfying dish that appeals to both vegans and meat lovers alike. This burger is perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or a quick weeknight meal. The marinated portobello mushrooms are grilled to perfection and topped with delicious ingredients like Swiss cheese, red onion, tomatoes, spinach, and creamy avocado, making it a flavorful choice that stands out.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Experience: The marinade infuses the mushrooms with rich flavors that elevate your burger experience.
- Healthy Alternative: Packed with nutrients, this burger offers a guilt-free indulgence without sacrificing taste.
- Quick Preparation: With only 30 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this hearty burger, making it great for family meals.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or sauces to make it uniquely yours.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on the recipe, gather your tools for efficient preparation and cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or indoor grill pan
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or indoor grill pan: Essential for achieving those perfect grill marks and smoky flavor on the mushrooms.
- Large bowl: Allows ample space for marinating the mushroom caps evenly.
- Whisk: Helps combine the marinade ingredients smoothly for consistent flavor throughout.
- Basting brush: Ideal for applying the marinade while grilling, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
Ingredients
I set out to make a great tasting grilled portobello mushroom burger that even a meat lover would love. The mushrooms are marinated then grilled and topped with melted Swiss Cheese, grilled red onion, tomatoes, spinach, and avocado β yum!!
For the Burgers
- 4 portobello mushroom caps
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped rosemary
- 1-1/2 tsp steak seasoning like Montreal Steak Grill Mates
- 4 thick slices red onion
- 4 oz reduced fat Swiss (sliced thin)
- 4 thin slices tomato
- 1/2 avocado (sliced thin)
- Baby spinach
- 4 whole wheat low calorie buns (I used Martin)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make The Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, olive oil, chopped rosemary, and Montreal steak seasoning.
Step 2: Marinate the Mushrooms
Place the portobello mushroom caps into the bowl with the marinade. Toss them thoroughly using a spoon to ensure they are evenly coated. Let them stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes while occasionally turning them.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
Heat your grill or indoor grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, brush the grate lightly with oil or spray the grill pan with cooking spray.
Step 4: Grill the Mushrooms
Place the marinated mushrooms on the grill. Reserve some marinade for basting. Grill each side for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender while brushing frequently with reserved marinade.
Step 5: Add Cheese
During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each mushroom cap so it melts perfectly.
Step 6: Grill Onions and Buns
While grilling mushrooms, place sliced red onions on the grill. Cook each side for about 1 minute until tender. Also, toast your whole wheat buns until golden brown.
Step 7: Assemble Your Burgers
To finish assembling your burgers, place baby spinach on each bun followed by the grilled portobello mushrooms. Top with grilled onions, sliced tomatoes, and avocado before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve The Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
Serving your grilled portobello mushroom burger can elevate the entire meal experience. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this hearty and satisfying dish.
Classic Style
- With lettuce and tomato: Simply add fresh lettuce and juicy tomato slices for a classic touch.
- On a toasted bun: Serve on a lightly toasted whole wheat bun to enhance the texture.
Gourmet Touch
- Add gourmet sauces: Try aioli or pesto to give your burger a gourmet flair.
- Top with sautΓ©ed mushrooms: Layer extra grilled mushrooms on top for added flavor.
Fresh and Healthy
- Serve with baby spinach: Incorporate more greens by adding baby spinach directly onto the burger.
- Include avocado slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and healthy fats.
How to Perfect The Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
Perfecting your grilled portobello mushroom burger is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for an unforgettable meal.
- Marinate longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the mushrooms for at least 1 hour instead of just 30 minutes.
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly chopped rosemary and ripe tomatoes will enhance the taste significantly.
- Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is hot before cooking. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- Baste while grilling: Regularly baste the mushrooms with marinade while grilling for maximum flavor retention.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
Pairing side dishes with your grilled portobello mushroom burger can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Sweet potato fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delightful sweetness that complements the savory burger.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the cheese and mushrooms.
- Grilled vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers make for a colorful and nutritious side.
- Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs provides protein and pairs well with earthy flavors.
- Corn on the cob: Grilled corn brings a sweet, smoky element that goes beautifully with any BBQ dish.
- Potato salad: A creamy potato salad offers comfort, making it a classic companion to burgers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making The Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger, itβs easy to go wrong. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
- Over-marinating the mushrooms: Marinating for too long can cause the mushrooms to become mushy. Aim for 20-30 minutes for the best texture.
- Skipping the basting: Forgetting to baste the mushrooms while grilling can lead to dryness. Use the reserved marinade frequently for juicy flavor.
- Using low-quality buns: A weak bun canβt hold up against a hearty mushroom burger. Choose whole wheat or sturdy buns for better support.
- Not preheating the grill: Failing to heat your grill properly may result in uneven cooking. Always preheat for a consistent grill mark and flavor.
- Ignoring vegetable preparation: Cutting vegetables unevenly can affect cooking time and texture. Slice onions and tomatoes uniformly for even grilling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The grilled portobello mushroom burgers will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing The Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
- Wrap individual burgers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating The Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Place the burgers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place the burger on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking regularly to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and warm the burgers for about 5 minutes on each side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make The Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger vegan?
You can easily make this recipe vegan by omitting cheese or using a plant-based alternative.
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes, you can substitute portobello with large shiitake or king oyster mushrooms, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
What toppings pair well with The Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger?
Try adding roasted red peppers, jalapeΓ±os, or different cheeses like feta or vegan cheese for extra flavor.
How do I ensure my grilled portobello mushroom burger is juicy?
Basting with marinade during grilling helps maintain moisture and adds depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or sauces. Whether youβre serving meat lovers or vegetarians, this burger is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try and enjoy its rich flavors!

The Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the deliciousness of the Best Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger, a mouthwatering dish that will win over both vegans and meat enthusiasts. This hearty burger features marinated portobello mushrooms grilled to perfection, topped with melted Swiss cheese, fresh red onion, ripe tomatoes, baby spinach, and creamy avocado. Perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is not only flavorful but also healthy and customizable to suit your taste. With just 30 minutes of preparation time, you can create a satisfying meal that even picky eaters will love.
Ingredients
- 4 portobello mushroom caps
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
- 1.5 teaspoons steak seasoning
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 whole wheat buns
- Baby spinach, sliced tomatoes, red onion, and avocado for toppings
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: Whisk balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, rosemary, and steak seasoning in a large bowl.
- Marinate Mushrooms: Add portobello caps to the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill or indoor grill pan over medium heat; brush lightly with oil.
- Grill Mushrooms: Place mushrooms on the grill; cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with reserved marinade.
- Melt Cheese: In the last minute of grilling, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each mushroom cap.
- Grill Onions & Buns: Grill red onion slices for 1 minute per side; toast whole wheat buns until golden brown.
- Assemble Burgers: Layer spinach on each bun followed by grilled mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and avocado before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For deeper flavor, marinate mushrooms for at least one hour. Use fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and freshly chopped rosemary for the best results. Consider adding gourmet sauces like aioli or pesto for an elevated taste.