Grilled or Broiled Mushrooms

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary mushrooms into a sensational grilled or broiled delight! In this recipe, we explore the art of cooking mushrooms over high heat, bringing out their natural flavors and creating a mouthwatering dish that will please even the most discerning palate. While button mushrooms are reliable, we’ll introduce you to a trio of mushrooms that truly shine on the grill or under the broiler: shiitake, cremini, and portobello. Each variety offers its unique taste and texture, ensuring a delightful experience with every bite.

Mushrooms, with their earthy and umami-rich profile, make for a delightful grilling or broiling ingredient. Among the widely available varieties, shiitake, cremini, and portobello stand out for their ability to hold up well to the intense heat and develop a depth of flavor that will captivate your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients and fire up your grill or broiler as we dive into the world of grilled or broiled mushrooms, a recipe that will elevate your culinary prowess and impress your guests at any gathering.

Makes: 4 servings

Time: About 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced shallot, scallion, onion, or garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 large portobello mushrooms, trimmed and cut in half right down the middle (or) 12 to 16 cremini mushrooms, trimmed and cut in half or left whole (or) 12 to 16 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed (reserved for stock), caps left whole or cut in half
• Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Grill or Broiler:
2. Heat a charcoal or gas grill or preheat the broiler until it becomes quite hot.
3. Adjust the grill rack or broiler pan so that it is about 4 inches from the heat source.
4. Create the Flavorful Oil Mixture:
5. In a bowl, mix together the extra virgin olive oil, minced shallot, fresh thyme leaves (if using), and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Brush the mushrooms all over with about half of this oil mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
7. Grill or Broil the Mushrooms:
8. Place the mushrooms on the hot grill or broiler, ensuring the tops of their caps are facing away from the heat source.
9. Grill or broil the mushrooms until they start to brown, which should take approximately 5 to 8 minutes.
10. Brush the mushrooms with the remaining oil mixture, then carefully flip them over to cook the other side.
11. Continue grilling or broiling until the mushrooms become tender and develop a beautiful browned appearance all over, typically taking an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
12. Garnish and Serve:
13. Once cooked to perfection, remove the mushrooms from the grill or broiler.
14. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley leaves for added color and flavor.
15. Serve the grilled or broiled mushrooms hot, warm, or at room temperature, allowing your guests to savor the delightful taste of this exquisite dish.

Enjoy your grilled or broiled mushrooms as a delicious side or incorporate them into a variety of recipes for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Get creative with your presentations and savor the satisfaction of elevating this humble ingredient into a culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for more. Happy grilling and broiling!