Grilled Portobello Mushrooms are the ultimate vegetarian dish that packs a punch of flavor while being simple to prepare. Known for their meaty texture, Portobello mushrooms are ideal for grilling, absorbing smoky flavors and becoming tender with a rich, savory taste. Whether you’re making them the star of the meal or using them as a hearty side, these mushrooms are a delicious, healthy, and satisfying choice.
The beauty of grilled Portobellos lies in their versatility. The mushrooms themselves have a natural umami flavor that deepens when grilled, especially when marinated beforehand. A simple marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of thyme or rosemary enhances their flavor and infuses them with a rich, savory taste. After a brief soak, they’re ready to hit the grill, where they’ll cook to perfection in just a few minutes.
The grilling process adds a wonderful smokiness to the mushrooms, while the inside stays juicy and tender. The texture is so meaty that grilled Portobellos are often used as a substitute for burgers. For a lighter take, serve them as a side dish alongside grilled vegetables, or slice them up and toss them in a salad. For a satisfying main course, place them on a toasted bun and top with cheese, avocado, or even a dollop of homemade basil pesto for a gourmet veggie burger.
Grilled Portobello mushrooms are quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ. Their earthy flavor and satisfying texture will leave you feeling full and happy, and they’re a great addition to any vegetarian or plant-based meal plan.
Whether you’re grilling them for a casual meal or serving them as part of a more elaborate feast, Grilled Portobello Mushrooms are a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dish that anyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
- 4 portobello mushrooms large,
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp thyme dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place the Portobello mushrooms in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure to coat both sides. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the mushrooms from the marinade and place them on the grill. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have grill marks.
- Serve the grilled Portobello mushrooms as a side dish or on a bun as a burger.
Nutrition
5 stars! 🥇 Me and the family loved it, even the kids who never eat mushrooms!
So glad to hear that your kids liked them! Gotta love a recipe that gets everyone to eat their veggies. 🍄
I don’t even like mushrooms, but this turned out surprisingly good! Gonna make it again.
Grilled mushrooms? Really? It’s just fungus on the grill. Didn’t impress me at all. 😒
These mushrooms turned out amazing! So juicy and full of flavor. Definitely making them again! 🌟
I don’t know about these mushrooms… they sound kinda weird to me. How can they be juicy tho? Aren’t they just gonn be spongy?
I tried this recipe too and they were super yum! I added some cheese on top – totally worth it! 🧀
Grilling is hard! Mine got burnt. Better luck next time?
Delicious! My kids even liked it, and they usualy dont eat veggies. Grilling is the way to go!
I didn’t have thyme so I used oregano instead. Still came out pretty decent! Yum!
These mushrooms are DELICIOUS! I can’t believe how much flavor they have. Thanks for this easy recipe!
These mushrooms were delicious! I added some cheese on top and it took them to another level!
Cheese on mushrooms? That’s a genius idea! Can’t wait to try it out myself.
I think grillin mushrooms is stupid. Why not just fry them in a pan? Less mess.
This is the best mushroom recipe I’ve ever tried! So flavorful! 😍
I used white vinegar instead of balsamic and they were still good! Get creative!
Well, I tried it and it was ok, doesn’t compare to real meat tho lol.
Yum! The balsamic vinegar really makes em pop! Will definitely make again!
So good! I made these for a party and everyone loved them. Balsamic is life!
I thought the vinegar was too strong! Did you use the same amount?
These mushrooms are delicious! I made them just like the recipe says and my family loved them. 5 stars!
Yummy! I love grilled mushrooms too, but I just toss them on the grill without marinating. They still taste great!
Too much garlic for my liking. I would cut down on that next time.
I don’t know, I think the garlic is what makes it awesome! Maybe try using less but not too little!
Mushrooms taste like dirt. Never again!!!!!
Imo, the thyme was too much, maybe just a pinch next time? Also, what’s the point of vinegar in a mushroom? 🤔
Not bad but I halved the oil and it still was oily. Might not make again.
Too much balsamic!! I couldn’t finish it..
I love grilling but this made my kitchen smell like a science experiment gone wrong.
I couldn’t find portobello, so used button mushrooms. It totally didn’t taste the same. 2 stars.
Grilled ‘shrooms! Yum! My kids didn’t even know they were eating mushrooms. 🙌
Grilled mushrooms? Sounds weird! I don’t think my kids would eat them even if I tried. 🤔
That’s awesome! I love when kids enjoy healthy food without knowing it. What a sneaky way to get them veggies! 🌱
Is it just me or are Portobello mushrooms kinda like meat? I put cheese on top and wow!
Totally! They really do have a meaty texture. Love them on the grill with cheese! Yum!
Isn’t balsamic vinegar a bit too strong for mushrooms? I prefer a lighter marinade.
Holy moly! Best veggie burger ever! I used them instead of meat and was blown away! Highly recommend!
Wow, I can’t believe a veggie burger can taste that good! Gonna try this recipe for sure!
I giv it a 3, they were kinda rubbery. Maybe was my grill idk??
I’ve had that happen too! If your grill’s too hot, they can get rubbery. Maybe try a lower temp next time?
Did you know portobellos are just big button mushrooms?? I learned that recently lol.
Good simple rec! I added cheese on top late in cooking, was delish!
Quick and easy! My kids actually ate them, shocker! Will make again for sure. 😊
I don’t know… mushrooms? My kids only eat chicken nuggets. But maybe I’ll give it a shot.
That’s awesome to hear! Getting kids to eat healthy can be tough. Glad they liked it! 🍄
I dunno, they were kinda chewy and bland. Maybe I did something wrong?
I think the marinade needs a bit more salt if they were bland. Also, make sure to let them marinate longer next time!
Yum! Had them on a bun like a burger, delicious! My kids even liked it!
That sounds awesome! Grilled mushrooms on a bun? I gotta try that!
I don’t know… mushrooms as burgers? Sounds weird to me.
Don’t get why people like mushrooms, but my partner loved these. I guess if you like mushrooms, this may be for you.
I think mushrooms are amazing! They add so much flavor. If you don’t like them, that’s okay, more for the rest of us! 😂
I can’t stand mushrooms either! 🤢 But if your partner liked it, maybe you can just make it for them. Not everythin has to be for everyone.
I didn’t have thyme, so I used rosemary. Still turned out great! Enjoyed them on burgers, yum!
I love how simple this recipe is! Made it for my vegan friends and they devoured it! Will try again!
I know right! It’s super easy and delicious. I made a version for my non-vegan family, and they loved it too!
Not sure if this really sounds that good, mushrooms can be kinda weird. Maybe I’ll just stick to regular burgers.
I tried this and it was just bland. Not enough flavor for me, maybe I did something wrong. Didn’t wow me.
Had trouble getting the mushrooms to cook evenly. One side was a bit burnt while the other was undercooked. Anyone else have this issue?
Gotta say I was skeptical but these mushrooms made a great burger! 5 stars from me!
Had to substitute thyme with basil. Still turned out decently good! Next time I’ll get thyme tho.
5 stars! I just love the balsamic marinade, it’s a game changer.
I agree! The marinade is just fantastic!
Not for me. Not sure why people love those mushy things. I’d rather have a real burger.
I followed the recipe but they turned out mushy. Maybe I marinated them too long? Idk.
So delicious! I used it as a burger and my friends were super impressed. Yumm!
Skeptical about mushrooms being a burger sub… but these were pretty tasty!
I was skeptical too, but I gave it a try and OMG! So good! Have you tried it on a bun?
Mushrooms as burgers? I dunno, sounds weird to me. I stick with beef. But you liked it? Hmm.
I don’t understand why anyone would want to eat mushrooms. But my sister loved it. So, I guess it’s ok for mushroom lovers.
I don’t get it either. They taste all rubbery. But some people swear by them, I guess?
Mushrooms are amazing! Full of flavor and nutrients. You should give them another try!
These mushrooms were just amazing! I made them for my family and they all loved it. Will definitely make again!
Grilled portobello is like a vegan burger! Very tasty, I didn’t miss beef at all. 5 stars!
Honestly, i was skeptical. Mushrooms as burgers? Really?? But wow, I was wrong!
Can you even grill mushrooms? I was a bit skeptical but gave it a shot…they were ok. 😐
I dunno, mushrooms on a grill sounds weird. How’d they even stay on the grates? 🤔
Grilling mushrooms is totally doable! They absorb flavor really well. Maybe you just needed a bit more seasoning! 🌿
Easy recipe, but i forgot the thyme! Still tasted alright, I guess. Next time.
How long do u grill them? I did 5 mins and they were burnt 🙁. Need to pay more attention!
Grilled mushrooms?! Sounds weird but tasted great! Would do again.
Mushrooms are weird, I don’t like them at all… But my cousin loved it.
I expected more from this recipe. The marinade was too strong for my taste. Not bad but not great either.
I didn’t have thyme so I used oregano instead and it was still yum! Thanks for the recipe!
So good! Simple and quick. I could eat these every day. Perfect for summer grilling!
I totally agree! These mushrooms are the best! Great flavors and super easy to make.
OMG! So simple yet so good! Took these to a BBQ and everyone loved em! Will def make again!
Grilled it for too long and turned into a black pancake… 💀 Next time ha!
These mushrooms were amazing! So flavorful and juicy! Will make them again.
Easy recipe! But how can you call them portobello? They look like normal mushrooms to me, just bigger!
I tried this, but my mushrooms turned out mushy. What did I do wrong? Got a 2.
Tried this recipe and they caught on fire! Make sure to keep an eye on ’em.
Didnt have balsamic vinegar, used soy sauce, turned out amazing anyway!
Just made these for my BBQ and everyone loved them. A great vegetarian option!
I tried this once but the mushrooms were all soggy. Maybe I marinated them too long? 🤔
Sounds delicious! I love grilling mushrooms, too. What other sides did you serve at your BBQ?
Super easy! Even my kids liked it, and they usually won’t eat anything green. Lol.
That’s awesome! I’ve been trying to get my kids to eat healthier too. This sounds like a great option!
I like mushrooms, but these turned out a bit too chewy for my taste. Maybe I cooked them too long?
Yeah, I think you might’ve overcooked them. Just a few minutes per side does the trick!
Just okay. It was just mushrooms with some seasoning and people are acting like it’s magic. I don’t get it.
Can somebody tell me why we need to marinate them? They taste fine on their own.
Marinating adds flavor! It makes them juicier and more delicious. Give it a try 👍
But why bother? They’re mushrooms, not steak. I think they taste fine without all that fuss.
Grilled Mushrooms need spices!!! This recipe is bland.
Way too garlicy! Next time I will cut down on the garlic for sure.
Grilling mushrooms? Never thought of that! But my grill caught fire, now I’m scared to try again. 😬
These mushrooms are so tasty! I grilled them exactly as you said and they came out perfect. My family loved them!
So glad to hear that! Mushrooms are the best! I love grilling them too!
They looked good but I’m not sure if I’d grill mushrooms. They might be too squishy on the grill? 🤔
Mushrooms? Really? I thought this was gonna be a meat recipe. Not for me. Sorry.
Mushrooms can be super tasty! You should give them a try, they soak up flavors well.
Meat is great, but mushrooms bring a whole different flavor! You might be missing out!
So easy to make, my kids loved it too! Perfect for summer BBQs! ☀️
I tried this and it was a hit! My kids went for seconds. Thanks for sharing! 😊
This was like… ok. I expected more flavor honestly. Need more spices?
Easy to make but mine caught fire on the grill. 😩
Mushrooms?!? No thanks, I’ll stick to burgers.
This recipe is amazing! The mushrooms turned out so flavorful and juicy. Definitely a hit at my barbecue!
I made these as burgers and wow! They tasted like meat but healthier!
Not a fan of the texture. They were too mushy for me. Can’t really recommend.
I don’t know about this. Mushrooms on a grill? Sounds weird. I prefer meat, no thank you!
Honestly, I wasn’t sure about grilling mushrooms. They just seemed too soft. But wow, they were delicious! Will make again.
Grilling mushrooms? Who woulda thought! Glad it worked out for ya! They can be super tasty! 👍
I used fresh herbs instead of dried. Much better!
These were amazing! I can’t believe how good they turned out. The marinade is perfect.
I followed it mostly, but I accidentally used apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic. Still tasty though—kinda tangy. Would recommend if that happens again (lol).
I made these for my family and they thought they were actual meat burgers. The grill marks looked legit. 10/10.
OMG so good. I put them on a bun with mayo and caramelized onions and it was basically a steakhouse moment (for vegans/vegetarians).
Pretty good, but 10 minutes of marinating felt short for me. Next time I’ll do closer to 30 so the flavor sinks in more.
Counterpoint: portobellos are pretty porous but they also burn if you take too long. I’d rather add more marinade to the grill time (or brush it on while cooking) than wait 30 min.
I get what you mean—10 min is more like a quick coat than a real soak. I did 20–30 once and they tasted way deeper. Great call!
Pretty solid recipe. I only marinated for ~8 minutes because I was hungry, but the thyme still really showed up. Would make again.
I forgot to remove them from the marinade right away and it got kinda messy on the grill (still tasty though).
Pretty good, but mine were a little too tangy. Next time I’ll use a bit less vinegar or marinate shorter than 10 mins.
Totally agree—balsamic can get sharp fast. I usually cut the vinegar to like 2–3 tbsp and it’s way more balanced.
Grilled mushroom texture is my favorite and this recipe nailed it. The grill marks looked great. I used fresh thyme though—probably even better.
This tastes like balsamic vinegar in a good way, but I wanted more seasoning. Salt/pepper “to taste” is a little vague when you’re cooking for real people lol.
The thyme amount is perfect. I used fresh thyme and it smelled amazing.
So good to hear! Fresh thyme really makes a difference—glad the aroma came through.
I’m skeptical of marinades on mushrooms, but okay… this one worked. Next time I’ll add a tiny splash of soy sauce or something.
Wait… 10 minutes only? I always end up marinading mushrooms like 2 hours or they taste bland (maybe I’m doing it wrong lol). Still, grilling 5 min per side sounds about right.
Honestly, I’m usually team “no marinade,” but these have so much flavor. I like your idea—soy sauce next time would add that extra savoriness.
These came out super flavorful—balsamic + garlic is a winning combo. I did 10 minutes max marinating and still loved it.
Good as a burger topping, but I wouldn’t eat them plain. Need a sauce or cheese or something.
Too vinegary for my taste. Also thyme amount felt random—1 tsp is fine but I think it needed fresh herbs or less balsamic.
Bummer: mine stuck to the grates. Maybe I should oil the mushrooms or clean the grill more—recipe is fine, execution wasn’t.
Not sure about the 10 minutes—seems too short for balsamic to do much. Still, the mushrooms tasted nice and garlicky.
Not bad! I did forget to remove them from the marinade first (oops), and they still turned out fine. Next time I’ll follow that step better.
Ehh. Too vinegary for my taste. I think I’d cut the balsamic in half next time or add more oil.
Totally get that—balsamic can be punchy. Cutting it in half or adding a bit more oil should mellow it out nicely. I usually add a touch more salt too so the flavors balance.
umm i forgot to add pepper lol, but they was still good. maybe should season more tho.
Honestly that sounds like a win—grilled mushrooms can still be super flavorful even without pepper. I’d just add it at the end for a little extra bite next time.
I think you’re right. Salt/pepper are doing a lot there—10 minutes marinade might not be enough either. But “still good” = acceptable 😄
So easy! I’m not even a grill person and it worked. The grill marks looked fancy for something so basic.
Right?! I’m usually intimidated by grilling but these were super easy. The balsamic + garlic smell is amazing and the grill marks really do look fancy.
I tried it but mine came out kind of soggy/soft, not really “meaty.” I left them 10 min marinating tho… maybe I should’ve dried them more before grilling? Still tasted good.
These were good, but I think 1/4 cup balsamic is a lot. Next time I’ll cut it down a bit and add a little soy sauce or Worcestershire for extra depth.
I tried them on a bun and it was actually delicious. Kinda smoky, kinda sweet. My partner went back for seconds.
I followed it closely, but mine stuck a little to the grill. Next time I’ll oil the grates first. Flavor was still good though!
Made these last night—so fast and the balsamic/garlic combo is legit. I cooked them a tiny bit longer until they were really juicy. Great side!
Eh. Mushrooms taste like mushrooms no matter what. Also I only had acv not balsamic and it was… fine. Didn’t blow me away.
I don’t grill much, but this tastes like restaurant food. 10/10 would make again!
Not bad at all. I added a squeeze of lemon at the end and it brightened everything up.
Grill marks after 5 minutes a side? Mine barely browned. Could’ve been the grill temp, or my mushrooms were thicker. Tasted fine, just not pretty.
Yeah, 5 min/side can be hit or miss depending on grill temp and thickness. If your grill wasn’t truly medium-high, you’ll get pale mushrooms—tender, but no marks.
I had this too. Mine didn’t brown unless I patted the mushrooms dry a bit before grilling. Also I kept them a little longer—like 6-7 minutes—then they looked way better.
Not bad, but I’m skeptical about using dried thyme—fresh would be way better. Also, I added a pinch of chili flakes and it really woke it up.
I’m skeptical of “5 minutes each side” for large portobellos. Mine took longer, but once they softened it was worth it.
Yeah I agree—those “5 minutes each side” times feel optimistic for big portobellos. Mine usually need more like 7–10 per side depending on thickness. The marinade still makes them delicious though.
Hmm idk. I tried this exact timing with “large” ones and they were kinda raw in the middle. Maybe medium-high is too hot/too fast? I also didn’t let them marinate long enough, but still… I’m skeptical of that 5 min claim.
I don’t get it—mushrooms taste like mushrooms. But these at least smell amazing and the garlic gives them personality. So yeah, decent.
Totally fair—“mushrooms taste like mushrooms” is still true 😄. I like these more because the balsamic + garlic makes them way less bland and more savory. I always end up grilling a little longer if they’re extra meaty.
These came out so flavorful—balsamic + garlic is a cheat code. I grilled mine a bit longer and they were perfectly tender.
I’m usually skeptical of quick marinades, but this worked. I wouldn’t call them super “burger-y,” but on a bun they were tasty and juicy.
5 minutes per side on medium-high was too fast for me—mine stayed a bit chewy. I ended up lowering the heat and cooking longer.
Tried this tonight—super flavorful even with only a short 10-minute marinade. The balsamic + garlic combo really pops. Mine needed about 6-7 minutes per side, but that might’ve been my grill.
Glad it worked for you! I also love that balsamic + garlic—10 minutes is totally enough for mushrooms.
I tried this but mine were still a bit chewy after 5 min/side. I ended up doing closer to 7-8 minutes each, so your grill theory makes sense.
Balsamic vinegar is a cheat code, honestly. This tasted restaurant-level and went perfectly with some grilled onions. Would make again for sure.
Tried this tonight—super fast and flavorful. The balsamic/garlic combo really makes the mushrooms taste “steaky” on the grill. I salted a bit more than the recipe says and it worked great.
5 minutes per side was a little undercooked for my grill. I ended up adding another minute and they were perfect. If your grill runs hot, keep an eye on them.
Not sure about removing the mushrooms from the marinade—wouldn’t that waste flavor? I just tossed them on with some of the marinade left and it turned out fine. Maybe less steps for lazy people 😅
Solid recipe, but 10 minutes of marinating felt a little short for me. Next time I’ll do closer to 30 minutes. Still came out tender though.
I love portobellos, but grilling them can be tricky. Mine stuck a little because I didn’t oil the grate—maybe that’s why. Flavor was good, just not the clean grill marks.