If you’re craving a juicy burger but want to skip the beef, this Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe is going to be your new go-to. These mushrooms soak up an incredible marinade and grill up tender and flavorful, making them a fantastic vegetarian alternative.

A close-up view of a sandwich held by a woman's hand, made with a soft golden top bun. Inside, from bottom to top, there is a layer of fresh green leafy arugula, a juicy dark brown grilled patty topped with melted light yellow cheese, a slice of ripe red tomato, thick rings of purple onion, and sliced green pickles. Creamy orange sauce drips slightly down from the top bun. The background is dark and blurred, with the sandwich as the clear focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I seriously adore how easy these burgers come together and how the marinade transforms simple portobello mushrooms into something rich, savory, and satisfying. You can absolutely taste the difference a good soak makes!

Deep Flavor Boost: The marinade blends olive oil, soy sauce, and spices to infuse every bite with savory goodness.
Meaty Texture: Portobello mushrooms mimic a burger’s texture beautifully when grilled just right.
Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite fresh veggies and condiments to make it your own.
Quick & Simple: From prep to plate, it takes just 50 minutes including marinating time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you shop for this recipe, look for fresh, firm portobello caps with no bruising. The marinade ingredients are pantry staples but combined they create something magic for these mushrooms.

Flat lay of fresh whole portobello mushroom caps with dark brown gills visible, two soft golden hamburger buns, a small mound of vibrant green spring mix leaves, one ripe red tomato sliced in half showing juicy interior, thin rings of crisp purple-red onion, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth pale mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of amber apple cider vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing dried oregano leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of fine garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl of deep red smoked paprika powder, and a small white ceramic bowl holding freshly cracked black peppercorns—all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Acts as the base for the marinade, helping flavors adhere to the mushrooms while adding healthy fats.
Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a touch of saltiness to balance the sweetness.
Apple cider vinegar: Brings a mild tang that brightens the marinade and tenderizes the mushrooms.
Brown sugar: Gives a subtle sweetness that caramelizes nicely when grilled.
Oregano: Offers an herby note that pairs well with the earthiness of mushrooms.
Garlic powder: Sprinkles mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the other spices.
Onion powder: Adds an aromatic foundation to the seasoning mix.
Smoked paprika: Provides a gentle smoky warmth that elevates the burger vibe.
Freshly cracked pepper: Brings freshness and subtle bite to the marinade.
Portobello mushroom caps: The star ingredient that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Buns: Soft and fresh to cradle the mushrooms and toppings nicely.
Spring mix (optional): Adds crisp, fresh greens for extra texture and color.
Tomato (optional): Brings juicy sweetness that complements the savory mushrooms.
Red onion rings (optional): Give a sharp, fresh crunch to balance the rich mushrooms.
Mayonnaise (optional): Adds creaminess to round out every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes. Whether you’re craving a smoky twist, a spicy kick, or a fresh herbaceous note, there’s plenty of room to play around with flavors and toppings!

Variation: Smoky Chipotle Kick – I like adding a pinch of chipotle powder to the marinade for a smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the earthy mushrooms. It gives the burger a subtle smoky warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
Variation: Mediterranean Twist – Swap the soy sauce for balsamic vinegar and add fresh chopped basil and oregano to the marinade. Top your burger with feta cheese and roasted red peppers for a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired bite.
Dietary Variation: Vegan-Friendly Swap – Use a vegan mayo or smashed avocado on the buns instead of regular mayonnaise to keep it plant-based while maintaining creaminess.
Seasonal Toppings – When tomatoes aren’t in season, try roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini slices. They add sweetness and texture to complement the juicy mushrooms.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe

The image shows a white plate with a veggie burger open-faced. The bottom bun is topped with fresh green lettuce, then a thick, dark brown grilled portobello mushroom patty with visible grill marks sits on top. Above the patty are two bright red tomato slices and two rings of purple-red onion. The top bun lies open on the side, spread with a smooth light cream sauce. On the left side of the plate, there is a small pile of seasoned golden-brown potato chips. In the background, there is a wooden board with extra sliced red onions and tomato, and a small wooden bowl with more cream sauce, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip Up a Flavorful Marinade

Start by mixing 2 tablespoons of olive oil, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and a blend of oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and freshly cracked pepper in a small bowl. This marinade is the heart of the recipe – it infuses the mushrooms with a savory, slightly tangy, and smoky flavor. Stir well until the brown sugar dissolves and the spices evenly blend together.

Step 2: Marinate the Mushrooms

Gently remove the stems from your portobello mushroom caps, then place the mushrooms gill side up in a shallow dish. Pour some of that delicious marinade directly into the gills—this allows the flavors to seep deep into the mushrooms. Flip them over, pour the rest of the marinade on top, and let them soak up all that goodness for 30 minutes. Remember to flip them occasionally during this time so they absorb the marinade evenly on both sides. You’ll notice the mushrooms soften slightly as they soak.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

While your mushrooms are marinating, heat up your grill or grill pan to medium or medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot to get those beautiful grill marks and to help caramelize the marinade as the mushrooms cook.

Step 4: Grill the Mushrooms

Place the marinated portobello mushrooms on the grill and cook for about 7 minutes on each side. As they cook, you’ll see the mushrooms soften and release their liquid—this moisture helps keep them juicy and tender. When they’re beautifully charred and cooked through, they’re ready to come off the grill. If you want an extra touch of richness, you can lightly toast the buns on the grill while the mushrooms finish cooking.

Step 5: Assemble Your Burgers

Now comes the fun part—building your burger to your liking! Place each grilled mushroom cap on a fresh bun and add your favorite toppings. I love a classic combo of creamy mayonnaise, crisp spring mix, juicy tomato slices, and sharp red onion rings to balance the savory mushroom flavor. Serve immediately for the best warm, juicy bite.

Top Tip

Making the perfect Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe isn’t just about following the steps — these tips really help elevate the flavors and texture.

Marinate Thoroughly: I always let the mushrooms soak in the marinade for the full 30 minutes, flipping them a few times. It makes a huge difference in how deeply the flavors penetrate and how tender they become.
Don’t Skip Toasting the Buns: Toasting the buns lightly on the grill adds a lovely crunch and keeps them from getting soggy once you add the juicy mushrooms and toppings.
Watch the Grill Temperature: Grill over medium to medium-high heat to get that beautiful char without burning the mushrooms. Too hot, and they’ll cook too fast and lose their juiciness.
Save Those Stems: Instead of tossing them, chop the mushroom stems into an omelet or freeze them for later use in vegetable stock — waste not, want not!

How to Serve Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe

In a white rectangular baking dish, there are two large, dark brown cooked mushrooms sitting in a shallow pool of golden brown liquid with some darker specks around the edges. The mushrooms have a slightly wrinkled texture and a rich, glossy look from the sauce. The white marbled surface beneath the dish adds a clean contrast to the warm colors of the mushrooms and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These burgers shine with classic, fresh toppings. I love layering on creamy mayonnaise, crisp spring mix, juicy tomato slices, and sharp red onion rings. You can also add avocado slices for richness or a zesty mustard to brighten things up. The beauty is how versatile these mushrooms are—they pair well with just about any fresh veggie you fancy!

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, try serving your Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers with crispy sweet potato fries or a light coleslaw for crunch. A simple cucumber salad with vinaigrette also complements the smoky, savory mushrooms beautifully. And if you want to keep it hearty, baked beans or grilled corn on the cob make a great match!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover grilled portobello mushrooms and buns separately in airtight containers and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping the buns and mushrooms separate helps prevent sogginess, so your burgers stay delicious when you reassemble them later.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked mushrooms by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the buns separately or use fresh ones when serving after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the mushrooms gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them rubbery. Toast the buns separately in a toaster or on the grill briefly before assembling. This way, your Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers stay juicy and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! If you don't have a grill, a grill pan or even a regular skillet works great. Just cook the marinated portobello mushrooms over medium to medium-high heat for about 7 minutes per side until tender.

Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?

Portobello mushrooms are ideal because of their large size and meaty texture, but you could try large flat caps like shiitake or cremini. Just note the cooking time and marinade absorption may vary slightly.

How long should I marinate the mushrooms?

For best flavor, marinate the mushrooms for 30 minutes, flipping occasionally. This helps them soak up the delicious marinade evenly and become tender.

Are these burgers suitable for vegans?

The recipe is vegetarian by default; however, to make it vegan, simply swap the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative or exclude it altogether.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe inspires you to enjoy a flavorful and hearty vegetarian meal that feels comforting and satisfying. These mushrooms soak up the marinade beautifully, grill up with a lovely smoky char, and are just begging to be topped with your favorite fresh veggies. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking for a delicious meatless option, these burgers are sure to become a household favorite. Happy grilling!