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If you are craving a flavorful, juicy, and beautifully charred veggie delight, the Balsamic Garlic Grilled Mushroom Skewers Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. These skewers combine earthy mushrooms with a tangy balsamic glaze and savory garlic notes that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds). Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer barbecue or just want a satisfying vegetarian side, these skewers deliver mouthwatering flavor with minimal fuss. Let me walk you through why this recipe is such a winner in my kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, the ingredients are straightforward but each is essential in bringing out the best taste, texture, and aroma of the mushrooms. The balance of acidity from balsamic vinegar, the richness of olive oil, and a hint of herbal and salty seasoning work together perfectly to elevate this dish.
- 1 1/2 pounds whole button or cremini mushrooms: These firm, meaty mushrooms hold up beautifully on the grill and soak up flavors like a sponge.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Adds a nice tangy sweetness that caramelizes during grilling for a luscious glaze.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Infuses the mushrooms with richness and keeps them moist on the grill.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that unmistakable punch of savory depth you never want to miss.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari: A splash of umami that enhances the natural earthiness of the mushrooms.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a fragrant herbal note that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out the mushrooms’ natural savoriness.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for threading your mushrooms and achieving those perfect grill marks.
How to Make Balsamic Garlic Grilled Mushroom Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Mushrooms
Start by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is where the magic begins, as it infuses the mushrooms with layers of flavor. Once combined, toss in your cleaned mushrooms and stir to coat every nook and cranny. Let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes—this short marinating time is just enough for the mushrooms to soak up all those bold tastes.
Step 2: Prepare Your Grill and Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Meanwhile, preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium heat. This step is key to getting that perfect balance of tender insides and lightly charred outsides on your mushrooms.
Step 3: Thread and Grill the Mushrooms
Once the mushrooms have marinated, thread them snugly but not too tightly onto your skewers. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even grilling. You’re looking for tender, juicy mushrooms with just the right amount of char that brings out their smoky sweetness.
Step 4: Serve While Warm
Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately. These grilled mushroom skewers shine brightest fresh off the heat, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy them beyond just plating them straight away.
How to Serve Balsamic Garlic Grilled Mushroom Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of lemon zest can add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich balsamic glaze. You might also consider a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a handful of toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
These skewers make a perfect companion to grilled corn on the cob, herbed quinoa, or a crisp green salad. They’re also fantastic alongside crusty bread or roasted potatoes if you want to keep the meal comforting and hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, chop the grilled mushrooms off the skewers and toss them into a grain bowl, or stack them onto a toasted baguette with goat cheese for a delicious sandwich. They even make a wonderful topping for pizza or pasta when you’re craving a burst of smoky, garlicky flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the mushroom skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow and meld overnight, making them just as tasty to enjoy cold or warmed up.
Freezing
While freezing grilled mushrooms isn’t ideal because they can lose texture, you can freeze any leftover marinated but uncooked mushrooms. Store them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 1 month, then grill them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat your skewers, simply warm them on the grill or in a grill pan for a few minutes until heated through. This helps restore some of the char and smoky flavor and keeps the mushrooms juicy rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While button and cremini mushrooms are ideal for their firm texture, portobello or shiitake mushrooms can also work wonderfully. Just make sure to adjust grilling time as larger mushrooms may take longer to cook.
Do I need to pre-soak wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill, ensuring your mushrooms cook safely and evenly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! This Balsamic Garlic Grilled Mushroom Skewers Recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use tamari instead of soy sauce if you want to avoid gluten, and stick to plant-based olive oil.
What grill temperature is best for cooking these skewers?
Medium heat is perfect. It allows the mushrooms to cook thoroughly and develop caramelized edges without burning too quickly, resulting in tender, flavorful bites.
Can I bake these mushroom skewers instead of grilling?
Yes, you can! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a lined baking sheet for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through. The flavor won’t have that smoky grilled quality but will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about the combination of balsamic, garlic, and smoky grilled mushrooms in this Balsamic Garlic Grilled Mushroom Skewers Recipe. It’s a dish that brings simple ingredients to life with bold flavors and easy preparation that anyone can master. I encourage you to try it at your next cookout or family dinner and watch how quickly these skewers disappear from the plate!
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Balsamic Garlic Grilled Mushroom Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
These Balsamic Garlic Grilled Mushroom Skewers are a flavorful and healthy vegetarian side dish perfect for any grill session. Marinated in a tangy balsamic and garlic mixture, the mushrooms become tender and lightly charred, making them a delicious addition to salads, grain bowls, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Main Ingredient
- 1 1/2 pounds whole button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and stems trimmed
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce or tamari, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Mushrooms: Add the cleaned and trimmed mushrooms to the marinade. Toss well to evenly coat all mushrooms. Let them marinate for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure even absorption of flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill or a grill pan over medium heat to get it hot enough for grilling the mushrooms.
- Thread Mushrooms onto Skewers: Thread the marinated mushrooms onto the skewers, packing them snugly but not too tightly to allow even cooking and easy turning.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating every few minutes to ensure all sides are evenly cooked and mushrooms develop a tender texture with light char marks.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve warm. They make a perfect side dish or a tasty addition to salads, grain bowls, or sandwiches.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- These mushroom skewers also work well as a flavorful topping for salads, grain bowls, or sandwiches.
