Prepare to be amazed by a vegetarian dish that will make even meat lovers do a double-take! Donna's Mushroom Steaks are not just another vegetarian recipe – they're a culinary revelation that transforms humble portobello mushrooms into a mouthwatering, steak-like experience. With a perfect balance of balsamic marinade and expert grilling technique, these mushroom steaks promise to tantalize your taste buds and challenge everything you thought you knew about plant-based cooking.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large portobello mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Clean the portobello mushrooms carefully by gently wiping them with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Avoid washing them directly under water as mushrooms absorb moisture easily.
- Remove the stems from the portobello mushrooms and carefully scrape out the dark gills using a spoon to create a clean, smooth surface for marinating.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Place the cleaned portobello mushrooms in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each mushroom is evenly coated. Let them marinate for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, lightly brush with additional olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove mushrooms from the marinade and gently pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper grilling and caramelization.
- Grill the mushrooms for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop nice grill marks and become tender. The mushrooms should look slightly charred and have a meaty texture.
- Transfer the grilled mushroom steaks to a serving plate and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. These can be enjoyed as a main course with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Mushroom Selection: Choose large, firm portobello mushrooms with smooth, intact caps for the best "steak" texture.
- Cleaning Technique: Always use a damp paper towel to clean mushrooms – never soak them, as they'll become waterlogged and lose their meaty texture.
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Let the mushrooms sit in the balsamic mixture for at least 10-15 minutes to absorb maximum flavor.
- Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill or grill pan is at medium-high heat to achieve those beautiful caramelized grill marks without burning.
- Moisture Management: Pat the mushrooms dry before grilling to ensure proper caramelization and prevent steaming instead of grilling.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair these mushroom steaks with a fresh herb salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
- Flavor Boosters: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary in your marinade for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
