Marinated Grilled Mushroom Skewers

Marinated grilled mushroom skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser when you want something smoky juicy and full of savory flavor My friends and family beg for these at every cookout and they always disappear before the burgers are even ready

Every time I make these they remind me of the backyard birthday parties where we lined the skewers up like soldiers and tried not to eat them all before dinner was served

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Adds a luscious mouthfeel and helps the flavors soak in Choose extra virgin for the best taste
• Soy sauce: Brings deep savory notes Use low sodium if you prefer a lighter salt touch
• Balsamic vinegar: Gives the marinade brightness and tang Opt for a good aged variety if you can
• Worcestershire sauce: Rounds out the umami Make sure it fits your dietary needs
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic really boosts the aroma and depth
• Dijon mustard: Gives a little sharpness and makes the marinade cling
• Honey or maple syrup: Adds a gentle sweetness and balances out the acidity Maple syrup makes it vegan
• Dried thyme and dried rosemary: Earthy herbs that complement mushrooms beautifully Rub them in your palms before adding to release extra oils
• Smoked paprika: Gives a rich smoky backbone and color Look for Spanish smoked paprika if you want a real punch
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Finishes the flavor Dont be shy but taste first
• Button mushrooms: The star of the show Try to pick even sized ones for perfect skewering
• Wooden or metal skewers: Wooden should be soaked in water for thirty minutes to avoid burning Choose sturdy metal ones for repeated use

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the marinade:

Whisk olive oil soy sauce balsamic vinegar Worcestershire sauce garlic Dijon mustard honey or maple syrup thyme rosemary smoked paprika salt and pepper together in a large bowl Make sure everything is well blended so the flavors will coat every mushroom

Prep the mushrooms:

Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and trim just the woody ends of the stems You want them to hold their shape on the skewer Avoid soaking them in water which makes them soggy

Marinate the mushrooms:

Add the trimmed mushrooms to the marinade and toss to coat them evenly Let them sit for at least thirty minutes but an hour or two is even better Stir occasionally so all sides soak up the flavor

Prepare the skewers:

Thread the marinated mushrooms snugly onto your skewers but not too tight or they wont grill evenly If using wooden skewers soak them ahead of time so they do not burn on the grill

Grill the skewers:

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium high Brush with a little oil Place the skewers on the hot surface and cook for about ten minutes turning every two or so until the mushrooms are tender juicy and nicely charred

Serve:

Slide the grilled mushrooms off the skewers onto a platter Spoon any extra marinade over for a finishing touch if you like Enjoy hot off the grill or at room temperature

Save

Balsamic vinegar has always been my secret weapon with mushrooms The way it caramelizes as they grill reminds me of late summer evenings with my sister when wed try to steal one extra skewer before the adults noticed

Storage Tips

Store any leftover grilled mushroom skewers in an airtight container in the fridge They keep their flavor for up to three days Reheat gently in a skillet or pop under the broiler for a minute to restore some of that charred smokiness

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap tamari for soy sauce to make these gluten free For an herby punch try adding fresh rosemary instead of dried and double up on the garlic if you love it Maple syrup works beautifully if you are serving vegan friends or simply want a different twist

Serving Suggestions

These skewers shine on their own as an appetizer or work beautifully next to any grilled protein I love adding them to summer salads or wrapping them in pita with a smear of hummus Toss any leftovers into omelets or grain bowls for a quick upgrade

A Bit of History

Grilled skewers have always been a celebration food in different cultures from Asian yakitori to Mediterranean kebabs Making these mushroom skewers is my little nod to that global tradition while keeping things simple and plant based at home

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should mushrooms marinate for best flavor?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for richer taste, let them soak up flavors for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

→ Can other mushroom types be used?

Crestini, portobello, or cremini mushrooms work well. Choose firm varieties that hold up on the grill and absorb marinade.

→ Should wooden skewers be soaked before grilling?

Yes, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking on the grill.

→ What grill temperature is recommended?

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. This sears the mushrooms quickly, giving them a smoky flavor without overcooking.

→ Are these skewers suitable as a main course?

While often served as a side, they can shine as a light main when paired with grains, salads, or grilled vegetables.