If you are looking for a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that will impress friends and family at your next cookout or cozy dinner, this Marinated Grilled Mushroom Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy mushrooms soak up a vibrant marinade full of tangy balsamic, garlicky goodness, and savory soy sauce, then get kissed by smoke on the grill to create a tender, charred bite every time. Whether you follow this as a vegan appetizer or a versatile side, these skewers bring a delicious balance of taste and texture that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Marinated Grilled Mushroom Skewers Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role in enhancing flavor, moisture, and aroma—turning humble mushrooms into a gourmet treat.
- 1 pound whole mushrooms (button or cremini): Firm mushrooms give the best grill texture and soak up marinade amazingly well.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the mushrooms while grilling.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Brings a slight sweetness and tang that brightens the mushrooms’ earthiness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a punch of aromatic flavor that’s essential for any savory marinade.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a deep umami boost that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh): Herbs lend a subtle floral and woodsy note that elevates the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and warmth.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A colorful finishing touch that adds freshness.
- Metal or soaked wooden skewers: Essential for holding those succulent mushrooms in place on the grill.
How to Make Marinated Grilled Mushroom Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
Start by cleaning your mushrooms gently with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. Trim the stems if necessary, especially for larger cremini mushrooms, to ensure they cook evenly and ride comfortably on the skewers. Pat them dry, as excess moisture can dilute your marinade and affect the grilling process.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. This marinade is your mushroom’s flavor bath, so getting it well combined means every bite will be infused with mouthwatering goodness.
Step 3: Marinate the Mushrooms
Drop the cleaned mushrooms into your bowl of marinade. Toss gently but thoroughly until each mushroom is coated evenly. Cover the bowl tightly and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes. Marinating for up to 2 hours is even better, as it allows the flavors to truly soak in. Don’t forget to stir the mushrooms occasionally during this time to redistribute marinade.
Step 4: Skewer the Mushrooms
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the mushrooms evenly onto your skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them so they cook perfectly on all sides.
Step 5: Grill Mushrooms to Perfection
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes. This process ensures the mushrooms develop a lovely char while becoming tender and juicy inside. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as mushrooms can dry out quickly if left too long.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once grilled, remove the skewers from the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste experience.
How to Serve Marinated Grilled Mushroom Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice to brighten up these grilled mushrooms visually and flavor-wise. You could also try a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the charred flavor.
Side Dishes
This Marinated Grilled Mushroom Skewers Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats like steak and chicken, or plant-based options like grilled tofu or tempeh. For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve alongside hummus, couscous salad, or a crisp green salad for refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading the mushrooms with other veggies such as zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for colorful, mixed veggie skewers. You can also serve these mushroom skewers over a bed of herbed rice or quinoa to create a hearty main dish perfect for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the grilled mushroom skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mushrooms will keep their flavor well, though the texture is best when fresh off the grill.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for grilled mushrooms due to their high moisture content, you can freeze the marinated raw mushrooms for up to a month in a sealed freezer bag. Thaw thoroughly before threading onto skewers and grilling fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover skewers on a grill pan or under a broiler for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisped again. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While button and cremini mushrooms are ideal for their size and texture, you can experiment with portobello chunks or shiitake caps. Just adjust grilling time as needed since different mushrooms cook differently.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling will prevent them from burning. If using metal skewers, soaking is not necessary.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Definitely! The marinade can be mixed in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good whisk before using to recombine any settled ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, with one caveat: be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the recipe gluten-free, as regular soy sauce can contain wheat.
How do I prevent mushrooms from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill is well-oiled and properly preheated before adding the mushroom skewers. The olive oil in the marinade also helps create a barrier that prevents sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Marinated Grilled Mushroom Skewers Recipe is a total game changer for anyone who loves a simple yet flavor-packed dish. Its fresh ingredients, easy prep, and smoky grilled finish make it a perfect addition to any meal or party spread. I can’t recommend these mushrooms enough—you have to give them a try and see how quickly they become a new favorite!
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Marinated Grilled Mushroom Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
These marinated grilled mushroom skewers offer a flavorful and healthy vegan appetizer or side dish option. Whole mushrooms are marinated in a tangy blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, soy sauce, and herbs, then grilled to tender, slightly charred perfection. Perfect for BBQs or gatherings, they can also be mixed with other veggies for variety.
Ingredients
Marinade and Skewers
- 1 pound whole mushrooms (button or cremini)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Metal or soaked wooden skewers
Instructions
- Prepare Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth or rinsing quickly under cold water and pat dry. Trim the stems if necessary to create uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Make Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate Mushrooms: Add the cleaned mushrooms to the marinade bowl and toss gently to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-200°C), ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated mushrooms evenly onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each mushroom for even cooking and heat circulation.
- Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes to achieve an even char and to keep mushrooms tender without burning.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skewers from the grill once the mushrooms are tender and slightly charred. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot as a delicious side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- These skewers complement grilled meats, tofu, or other veggies wonderfully.
- Try adding vegetables like zucchini or bell pepper to the skewers for added variety and color.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
- You can adjust the marinating time depending on how strong you want the flavors to infuse, but avoid marinating longer than 2 hours to prevent mushrooms from becoming too soft.
