Balsamic Garlic Grilled Mushroom Skewers are a savory, smoky, and umami-packed vegetarian delight. Marinated in a bold blend of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs, the mushrooms soak up flavor before being grilled to perfection. Juicy and tender with lightly charred edges, these skewers are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or main course for a summer barbecue or cozy dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These skewers are quick, simple, and bursting with rich flavor. The marinade infuses the mushrooms with a tangy, garlicky kick that pairs perfectly with the natural earthiness of the mushrooms. Whether you’re cooking for vegetarians or just love a good grilled veggie, these skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re also low-carb, vegan-friendly, and great for meal prepping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Whole mushrooms (button or cremini)
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- Black pepper
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Directions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper.
- Add mushrooms to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated mushrooms onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until mushrooms are tender and lightly charred.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people as a side dish. Total time is about 45 minutes, including 10–15 minutes of active prep and 30 minutes of marinating.
Variations
- Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Fresh herbs: Swap dried herbs with fresh thyme or rosemary for a brighter flavor.
- Add veggies: Include chunks of bell pepper, zucchini, or red onion on the skewers for variety.
- Asian-inspired: Use rice vinegar and sesame oil with ginger and scallions for a fusion twist.
- Oven-baked: Roast skewers at 400°F for 15–20 minutes if grilling isn’t an option.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F, or microwave briefly until warmed. Avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
What type of mushrooms work best for skewers?
Button or cremini mushrooms are ideal due to their size and firmness, which hold up well on the grill.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate and skewer the mushrooms a day ahead. Grill them just before serving.
Are these skewers vegan?
Yes, they are fully plant-based. Just ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly.
Can I use other vegetables in the marinade?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work well.
How do I keep mushrooms from falling off the skewer?
Use whole mushrooms and skewer them through the center to keep them secure.
Can I use metal skewers?
Yes, metal skewers work great and don’t require soaking.
Do I need to clean mushrooms before marinating?
Yes, wipe them clean with a damp cloth or brush. Avoid soaking them in water.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
Can I serve this as a main dish?
Yes, pair with rice, salad, or flatbread for a light and satisfying main course.
How do I prevent mushrooms from sticking to the grill?
Make sure the grill is hot and lightly oiled before placing the skewers down.
Conclusion
Balsamic Garlic Grilled Mushroom Skewers are a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a savory side or a light main, these juicy, marinated mushrooms deliver a delicious burst of umami with every bite. Fire up the grill and let these skewers steal the show.
PrintBalsamic Garlic Grilled Mushroom Skewers
Savory, smoky, and packed with flavor—these balsamic garlic grilled mushroom skewers are a simple and delicious addition to any summer BBQ or dinner spread. The marinade is full of rich, garlicky goodness with just the right amount of tang.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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1 lb cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned and stems trimmed
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3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
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¼ tsp salt
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½ tsp ground black pepper
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Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
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Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
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Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Marinate the Mushrooms: Add mushrooms to the bowl and toss to coat. Let them marinate for 20–30 minutes at room temperature.
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Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. Soak wooden skewers in water if using (to prevent burning).
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Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated mushrooms onto skewers, leaving a little space between each.
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Grill: Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning occasionally and basting with leftover marinade, until mushrooms are tender and lightly charred.
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Serve: Remove from the grill, sprinkle with parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
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Don’t over-marinate—30 minutes is perfect or mushrooms may get too soft.
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For extra flavor, grill over charcoal or wood chips.
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Great as a side, on salads, or in wraps!