Portobello mushrooms are the fully mature form of button mushrooms, and their large size and meaty texture make them ideal as a vegetarian main course. These impressive fungi can replace meat in many dishes while providing substantial flavour and satisfaction.
What Are Portobello Mushrooms?
Portobello mushrooms are simply mature cremini mushrooms (themselves mature button mushrooms). As they grow, their caps open to reveal dark gills, and their flavour intensifies. Their large size - often 10-15cm in diameter - makes them perfect for filling and grilling.
Selection and Preparation
Choosing the Best Portobellos
- Large, flat caps (10-15cm diameter)
- Firm, fleshy texture
- Dark brown caps, not too dark or slimy
- Intact stems
- Fresh, earthy aroma
Cleaning Portobellos
Remove the stem if it's tough or woody. The gills can be removed by scraping with a spoon - this prevents dishes from turning dark, though it's optional. For grilling, keeping everything intact is fine.
Marinating
- Basic marinade: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper
- Asian style: soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, rice vinegar
- Mediterranean: olive oil, lemon, herbs, garlic
- Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours
Cooking Methods
Grilling
Grilling is arguably the best way to cook portobellos: 1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat 2. Brush caps and gills with marinade or oil 3. Grill gill-side down for 4-5 minutes 4. Flip and grill cap-side down for 3-4 minutes 5. Look for grill marks and tender texture
Grilled portobellos develop a wonderful smoky, charred flavour that makes them perfect for burgers or as steaks.
Roasting
- Preheat oven to 200°C
- Place portobellos on a baking sheet
- Brush with oil and season
- Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender
- Great for meal prep and batch cooking
Stuffing
- Remove stems (chop and use in stuffing)
- Fill with breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, vegetables
- Bake at 180°C for 15-20 minutes
- Popular fillings: spinach and feta, Italian breadcrumbs, quinoa and vegetables
Pan Searing
- Heat pan until very hot
- Add oil and mushrooms
- Cook 4-5 minutes per side without moving
- Develops a beautiful golden-brown crust
Popular Dishes and Recipes
Portobello Burgers
Grilled portobellos make excellent vegetarian burgers. Serve on buns with your favourite toppings - they have a meaty texture that satisfies burger cravings.
Portobello "Steaks"
Marinate and grill large portobellos like steaks. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a rich sauce for a hearty vegetarian main.
Stuffed Portobellos
The large caps are perfect vessels for stuffing. Fill with vegetables, grains, cheese, and herbs, then bake until tender.
Pizza Toppings
Thick slices of grilled or roasted portobello add substantial flavour and texture to pizzas.
Why They Work as Meat Substitutes
- Size: Large enough to be a centre-of-plate item
- Texture: Meaty and substantial when cooked
- Umami flavour: Rich, savoury taste that satisfies
- Versatility: Work in many traditional meat dishes
- Nutrition: Lower in calories than meat but still filling
Grilling Tips for Success
- Don't overcook: They should be tender, not mushy
- High heat: Develops better char and flavour
- Oil generously: Prevents sticking and improves flavour
- Marinate well: Helps tenderize and adds flavour
- Let rest: Like meat, let them rest a few minutes after cooking
Storage and Leftovers
- Store fresh portobellos in the refrigerator in a paper bag
- Use within 3-5 days
- Cooked portobellos keep well for 3-4 days
- Reheat gently to maintain texture
- Great cold in salads or sandwiches
Nutritional Profile
- Low calories and fat
- Good source of B vitamins
- Contains selenium and potassium
- Some vitamin D (when UV-exposed)
- Dietary fibre
Culinary Pairings
- Garlic and herbs (rosemary, thyme)
- Balsamic vinegar and olive oil
- Grilled vegetables
- Whole grains (quinoa, farro)
- Rich sauces (mushroom gravy, pesto)
- Cheeses (blue cheese, feta, parmesan)
Portobello mushrooms offer a satisfying, flavourful alternative to meat that's delicious, versatile, and impressive enough to serve guests. Master these techniques and you'll have a reliable vegetarian option that everyone will enjoy!