Name: Grilled Mushroom Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz (1 lb) baby portabello mushrooms (crimini or button mushrooms also work); ¼ cup olive oil; ¼ cup lemon juice; Small handful of parsley; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; 1–2 garlic cloves; 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar; 10 10-inch bamboo or wooden skewers

These grilled mushroom skewers are the perfect side dish—quick, easy, and packed with flavor. With a marinade made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a dash of cayenne, the mushrooms take on a smoky, savory taste that’s irresistible.

Grilled Mushroom Skewers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple this recipe is while still delivering amazing flavor. The mushrooms absorb the marinade perfectly, resulting in a tender, savory bite. Grilling them on skewers makes it easy to cook them evenly and adds that delicious smoky flavor. Plus, they’re great for BBQs and even as a snack.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

16 oz (1 lb) baby portabello mushrooms (crimini or button mushrooms also work)
For the marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- Small handful of parsley
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1–2 garlic cloves
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
10 10-inch bamboo or wooden skewers

directions

Soak the skewers in a baking dish filled with water for at least 15 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
For the marinade, add olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, sugar, salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic, and balsamic vinegar to a food processor. Pulse until nearly smooth.
Rinse the mushrooms and pat them dry. Cut each mushroom in half, ensuring each half has part of the stem.
Place the mushroom halves in a large ziplock bag or a bowl, then pour in the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.
Preheat the grill to around 300˚F.
Skewer the marinated mushrooms onto the soaked bamboo or wooden skewers. I find it easiest to twist the mushrooms onto the skewers to avoid cracking.
Grill the skewers for about 3 minutes on each side until the mushrooms are tender and soft. Remove from the grill and cover with foil to keep them warm until serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8–10 skewers. Prep time is about 55 minutes (including marinating), and cook time is around 6 minutes. The total time is just over an hour, making it a quick option for a weeknight meal or a BBQ.

variations

I sometimes switch up the mushrooms for a mix of different varieties, like shiitake or oyster mushrooms, to add a variety of textures.
For a smoky flavor, I’ve added a little smoked paprika to the marinade.
If I’m craving a bit more heat, I’ve increased the cayenne pepper or added chili flakes.
You can also grill vegetables alongside the mushrooms—think bell peppers, zucchini, or onions—to complement the flavors.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze after grilling adds an extra layer of flavor.

storage/reheating

I store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I prefer to warm them on the grill or in a skillet for a couple of minutes to get that grilled texture back. They can also be reheated in the microwave, but the texture may not be as good.

FAQs

### Can I use a different type of mushroom?

Yes, I’ve used cremini, button, and even shiitake mushrooms with great results. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to skewer without falling apart.

### How do I keep the mushrooms from burning on the grill?

I recommend cooking the skewers over medium heat (about 300˚F) and flipping them every 3 minutes. Avoid placing them directly over high heat, as that could cause them to burn.

### Can I marinate the mushrooms overnight?

Yes, marinating them overnight will infuse the mushrooms with even more flavor, but 30–45 minutes is usually enough to get great results.

### How do I prevent the mushrooms from falling off the skewers?

Make sure to skewer the mushrooms through the stem for better stability. I also twist them onto the skewers rather than pushing them through, which helps avoid cracking.

### Can I cook these in the oven instead of the grill?

Yes, I’ve roasted them in the oven at 400˚F for about 10 minutes. Just make sure to flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.

Conclusion

These grilled mushroom skewers are a quick and easy way to add a flavorful side dish to any meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you get a tender, smoky treat that’s perfect for BBQs, picnics, or a weeknight dinner. Plus, they’re a great vegetarian option everyone will love!