If you are ready to elevate your grilling game with a side dish that bursts with flavor and irresistible aroma, this Garlic Butter Grilled Mushrooms Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy mushrooms coated in a luscious garlic butter marinade and kissed by smoky grill marks create a perfect blend of savory and earthy notes. Whether you’re a mushroom lover or just looking for a simple yet impressive appetizer or side, this recipe transforms humble fungi into a star dish that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly simple, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of rich butter, robust garlic, and fresh herbs that make this dish shine. Every item contributes to a harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that bring these grilled mushrooms to life.
- 1 lb whole mushrooms: Choose cremini, button, or portobello for their meaty texture and ability to soak up flavors beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Acts as the luxurious base of the marinade, adding richness and helping the garlic infuse the mushrooms.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides an aromatic punch and deep flavor that defines this dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: (Optional) Adds a pop of fresh green color and a gentle herbal brightness when garnishing.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Helps balance the butter and keeps the mushrooms juicy while grilling.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the mushrooms.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: (Optional) Brings subtle earthiness that pairs perfectly with mushrooms.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: (Optional) Gives a gentle kick of heat for those who like a little spice.
How to Make Garlic Butter Grilled Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
Start by gently wiping the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt without soaking them in water, which can make them soggy. If you’re using larger portobellos, remove the stems and slice them to ensure even grilling, while smaller button or cremini mushrooms can be left whole to keep their juiciness.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
Melt your unsalted butter gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until just liquid. Then stir in the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This garlicky butter mix is what will generously flavor every bite, so be sure to mix it thoroughly.
Step 3: Marinate the Mushrooms
Place the mushrooms in a shallow dish or large bowl and pour the garlic butter mixture over them. Toss well to make sure every mushroom is evenly coated. Let this marinate for about 15 to 20 minutes; this gives the mushrooms time to soak up the bright, buttery flavors before grilling.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
While the mushrooms marinate, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat somewhere around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). This temperature ensures great searing without drying the mushrooms out.
Step 5: Grill the Mushrooms
If cooking smaller mushrooms, place them directly on the grill or use a grill basket to prevent any from falling through. Larger mushrooms can be grilled directly on the grates or threaded onto skewers for easy flipping. Grill for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until tender with beautiful grill marks. The butter will sizzle and caramelize slightly, adding an irresistible smoky richness.
Step 6: Serve
When grilled to perfection, remove the mushrooms from heat and transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve these delightful mushrooms hot to enjoy their full garlicky, buttery glory.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Grilled Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just decorative; it adds a bright herbal note that cuts through the richness of the butter. Consider also using freshly grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice to add a tangy finish that lifts the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Grilled Mushrooms Recipe pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a bed for steak or chicken. They also make a fantastic addition atop toasted bread or alongside a fresh green salad to add depth and indulgence without overwhelming your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy touch, thread the marinated mushrooms onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and bell peppers before grilling. Serve them as elegant appetizer bites at your next gathering or toss them into warm pasta or grain bowls for a luxurious boost of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover garlic butter grilled mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to maintain their texture and fresh flavors.
Freezing
While freezing can be done, it’s not the best option for this dish as mushrooms tend to become watery and lose some texture after thawing. If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low to medium heat to avoid drying them out, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep their delicious texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this Garlic Butter Grilled Mushrooms Recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini, button, and portobello mushrooms work best because of their size and texture, you can experiment with shiitake or oyster mushrooms for different flavors and shapes. Just adjust the grilling time if needed.
Is it necessary to use butter, or can I use oil instead?
Butter is key in this recipe because it provides that rich, velvety flavor and helps infuse the garlic into the mushrooms. You can use oil if needed, but the taste and texture won’t be quite the same.
How do I prevent mushrooms from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill is well-oiled and hot before placing mushrooms on it. Using a grill basket or skewers can also help prevent small mushrooms from falling through and sticking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian and vegan?
To keep this recipe vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or oil. The flavor might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious and full of garlicky goodness.
What is the best way to serve these mushrooms for a crowd?
Skewering the mushrooms and grilling them in batches is a crowd-pleaser and makes serving easier. Keep them warm in a low oven until everyone is ready to eat, and consider offering garnishes like fresh herbs or lemon wedges on the side.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Grilled Mushrooms Recipe is a wonderful way to turn something simple into a sensational treat. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough to impress guests at any barbecue or dinner party. I promise once you try these mushrooms, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation forever. Grab your grill, butter, and garlic, and start savoring the magic!
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Garlic Butter Grilled Mushrooms Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Butter Grilled Mushrooms are a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish perfect for grilling season. Whole cremini, button, or portobello mushrooms are marinated in a rich garlic butter mixture and then grilled to tender, smoky perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley, they make a delicious addition to any meal or a tasty vegetarian appetizer.
Ingredients
Mushrooms
- 1 lb (16 oz) whole mushrooms (cremini, button, or portobello)
Garlic Butter Marinade
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. For larger mushrooms like portobello, remove the stems and slice if desired; for smaller button or cremini mushrooms, leave them whole.
- Make the Garlic Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave or on the stovetop, then stir in minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Marinate the Mushrooms: Place the mushrooms in a shallow dish or large bowl and pour the garlic butter mixture over them. Toss gently to coat evenly and let marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C), ensuring it is clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Mushrooms: For smaller mushrooms, place directly on the grill or use a grill basket to avoid falling through grates. Larger mushrooms can be grilled directly or skewered. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until tender and marked by grill lines.
- Serve: Remove mushrooms from the grill and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot as a delicious side or appetizer.
Notes
- Use a grill basket if using small mushrooms to prevent them from falling through the grill grates.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for spiciness preference.
- If you don’t have a grill, mushrooms can be cooked under a broiler or on a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Marinating longer than 20 minutes can enhance flavor but avoid marinating too long as mushrooms can become soggy.
- Unsalted butter is used to control the salt level; you can substitute with salted butter by reducing added salt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
