Now that Memorial Day Weekend has come and gone, summer (in my book) is officially here.. as is grilling season! Wahoo!
Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in a burger rut (is there such thing? Surely there is…), so I wanted to share another option for those backyard grilling nights.
Garlic Herb Portabella Burgers
These vegetarian delights only require a simple ingredient list, beginning with the portabella mushrooms themselves.
I grabbed four caps for Hubbs and me. Use a knife to cut out the stems.
Then, grab a spoon and use it to scoop out the gills. They come out easily, though I wasn’t in perfectionist mode, so some caps ended up cleaner than others.
In a small side bowl, mix about 1 Tbsp of olive oil with 2 minced garlic cloves, oregano, Kosher salt and pepper.
Bathe the front and back of the mushroom caps with the mixture. Add more oil or spices if necessary.
Let the mushrooms sit while you whip up a delicious Greek style salad. Mine included spinach, romaine, feta, kalamata olives, Roma tomatoes, cucumbers and onions. I added some Newman’s light balsamic vinaigrette and tossed to coat.
You can then grill the mushrooms outdoor style for about 4 minutes per side, or use the indoor method- my beloved panini press!
I let the shrooms sizzle for 4-5 minutes, then loaded a cap onto a toasted whole wheat deli thin with some salad.
I loved the fresh taste and meaty texture of this ‘burger’ and even Hubbs ate 2! You won’t mistake them for a cheeseburger, but they make a delicious light alternative.
For one garlic herb ‘bella burger on a deli thin with a spoonful of salad, the nutrition stats are:
Calories 166.84
Carbs 25.26
Fat 6.17
Protein 7.1
Sodium 235.04
Pretty impressive, right?
Are you a portabella burger fan?
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
I am definitely going to have to try that. Growing up.. I hated mushrooms, but lately, I have begun to develop more of a taste for them. I suppose a big old portabella burger will put that to the test!!!
Michelle @ Lifewithacrazypup says
These look awesome! I wish my husband liked mushrooms. Maybe I can dress them up so they look like burgers? He’ll have no idea!! I definitely think mushrooms are something that people realize that they like once they taste them — you just have to get over that whole fungus thing!
Brittany says
Go ahead and dress them up! If I wasn’t feeling so lazy I probably would have added some fun topping- roasted red pepper? Hummus? Or good ‘ol burger toppings 🙂
Rachel @ NotRachaelRay says
Looks great! Unfortunately, hubs would never go for this….he needs his meat! I’ll have to remember it for a night when I’m “single.”
Kristin says
We’ve tried a recipe similarl to this, and they’re a bit hit here! We’ve topped them with a bit of cheese, red pepper, red onion, or just had them plain. Is it bad, though, that I didn’t know you were supposed to scoop out the gills??
Brittany says
I don’t know if removing the gills is necessary… I’ve just seen it done. I’d imagine if it hasn’t killed you yet, it’s a-ok 🙂
Love your topping ideas though- jazzing them up is a great idea!
Brooke @ Veggie Table says
Ahhh – mushrooms! I used to be a huge fan but my husband hates them (not just bella but all shrooms) and his “smack-talk” has brain washed me, haha – sadly, I’m not a fan of the mushroom anymore. Those Bella burgers DO look good tho!
Mac says
I’ve never had a portabella mushroom, but have always wanted to try them… I guess I’m intimidated because it’s a totally new thing to me1
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I’ve eaten bella burgers but I’ve never made my own! They sure do look easy to make though!
Donna @ Love, Run & Travel says
You almost make me want to like mushrooms but i’m still a hater 😀
Love the idea of grilling them in a griddler though!
Chad @ thebreakupnote says
I stinking love bella-burgs and practically anything with those tasty mushrooms!
Kelly says
Oooh those do look good! Too bad I can’t have mushrooms or I would eat them up 🙂 Maybe I will try it with a Turkey Burger? Hubbs love Mushrooms so I might make them for him and T-Burger for me 🙂 And of course that salad!
Hannah (Culture Connoisseur) says
These look divine! I love a healthy burger…and I’m not a big fan of red meat unless it comes in the form of a Filet Mignon! 🙂 Great recipe and wonderful blog!
Kate @ NaturaStride says
I’m definitely gonna try these. I have been looking for vegetarian grilling options since I like to “take a break” from meat now and then. I’ll probably throw some avocado on top of these – avocados seem to creep their way into most of my summer cookin’ 🙂 Thanks!
Brittany says
avocado is a great topping idea!! if only I could go back in time… YUM!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I’m a huge portabella mushroom burger fan! Rachael Ray has some great recipes for them. These look simple and tasty though! Your salad looks especially fresh and tasty.
Jen says
i love grilled portobellos! my husband usually grills one for me when he’s doing steak for himself.
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
I think I’m the only vegetarian in the world that hasn’t tried a portobella burger!! I need to try this!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I am sitting here shocked at myself for never actually making a “Bella Burger.” Clearly I will have to remedy that soon. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have scraped out the gills though. Are they poisonous? I’m just lazy. 🙂
Of course, this “recipe” really couldn’t be any easier, could it? [Well, except not scraping the gills.]
Brittany says
They’re deadly. Be sure to get them all out.
…nah 🙂 I’ve seen people leave them in and take them out, I just opted for removal. So make it easier by skipping the scooping!
Sarah for Real says
I love portabella burgers in restaurants but haven’t made my own just yet. Thanks for reminding me! I also love my panini press for indoor grilling, though mine is just a pan-lid thing, not an electric.
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
Yum, what a tasty looking meat alternative!
Shannon says
I like most mushrooms but have shied away from the “bellas” out of fear that they might be too MUSHROOM-y for me. In burger form, do they taste like most other ‘shrooms?
Brittany says
Yup- they are still pretty shroomy. You could try adding fun toppings (some great ideas in above comments) or just skip this one 😉
Heather @ girlyeverafter says
My favorite BBQ place has smoked bella burgers and it’s to die. The smokiness makes them really meaty! I have yet to try them on my own, but a garlic rub wouldbe great!
Allison @ PickyEatingRD says
I am soooo not a portobello girl. I am not sure why but mushrooms in general make me cringe. What does look fantastic is the garlic, oregano, and olive oil mix!
Karlee @olivewineandfood says
i love portobello burgers! i don’t even scrape out the “gills”.
Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good says
I haven’t tried portabella burgers yet. I did broil them with some diced tomatoes and herbs, and we enjoyed that. Before my hubby made me try mushrooms, I wouldn’t eat them at all, but now I really like them. They seem so unappetizing, but they are surprisingly good. 🙂
Corey @ the Runner's Cookie says
I’m not usually a big mushroom fan…but you made these look so good, I might want to try them now!
McKayla @ Green Groats says
Oh yes – So impressive! I used to dislike portabella burgers growing up, but their unique taste has grown on me over the years. These burgers look tastyyyy.
Roz says
We are big portobella fans here. And these look fantastic. Have a great day Brittany!!!
Tina says
LOVE ‘bella burgers…but you know what? I have never thought to scrape out the gills. I bet that makes them even better. That marinade looks amazing too. Love me some garlic and herbs.
Melissa says
Hahah–I’m so embarrassed because when I tried to do this a few months back I was completely unaware the gills had to be removed. No wonder our bread and plates were dripping in black dirty liquid and we didn’t eat it. Now I know. Sheesh!
Amanda Jewell says
Love me some portobello mushrooms! They’re definitely a vegan’s “meat” 🙂