If you’re craving a burger that’s juicy, packed with flavor, and completely vegetarian, you’re going to love this Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe. Trust me, these mushrooms soak up a tangy, smoky marinade that’ll satisfy even the biggest burger fans.

A close-up image of a burger held by a woman's hand, showing five visible layers: a soft golden bun on top with creamy orange sauce drizzled unevenly, two round slices of dark green pickles just below the sauce, thick red tomato slices beneath the pickles, a melted pale yellow cheese layer on a dark brown grilled patty, a fresh bright green leafy layer underneath the patty, and a soft golden bottom bun. The background is dark and blurred, highlighting the burger's colors and textures. 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’ve made these marinated portobello mushroom burgers more times than I can count because they’re an easy way to elevate a simple meal into something special. Plus, they’re super healthy and full of bold flavors that you won’t forget.

Fully Loaded Flavor: The marinade blends olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices for a perfect savory punch.
Healthy & Satisfying: These mushrooms provide a meaty texture without the heaviness of beef.
Quick Prep, Big Impact: Just 5 minutes prep and a 30-minute marinade make them weeknight-friendly.
Customizable Toppings: Add spring mix, tomato, onion, and mayo to build your dream mushroom burger.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this recipe, look for the freshest portobello mushroom caps you can find. The marinade ingredients are pantry staples but make all the difference by blending savory, tangy, and smoky notes to bring out the best in the mushrooms.

Flat lay of two fresh whole portobello mushroom caps, a small handful of vibrant spring mix leaves, one ripe red tomato sliced in half, a few thin rings of bright red onion, two soft hamburger buns with golden crusts, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear apple cider vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl with light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl holding dried oregano leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of fine garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of pale onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl of deep red smoked paprika, and a few freshly cracked black peppercorns scattered elegantly—all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Helps carry the flavors of the marinade and keeps the mushrooms juicy while grilling.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness that complements the mushroom’s natural richness.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings bright acidity to balance the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Brown Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to mellow out the marinade.
Oregano: Gives a subtle herbal note for complexity.
Garlic Powder: Imparts gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering.
Onion Powder: Enhances the savory base flavors.
Smoked Paprika: Offers smoky undertones that mimic the grill’s char.
Freshly Cracked Pepper: Adds a punch of spice and freshness.
Portobello Mushroom Caps: The star of the show – their meaty texture makes them perfect for grilling and topping buns.
Buns: Choose your favorite burger buns to hold all that saucy goodness.
Spring Mix (Optional): Fresh greens add crunch and color.
Tomato (Optional): Juicy slices that bring brightness.
Red Onion (Optional): Adds sharpness and texture.
Mayonnaise (Optional): Creamy richness that ties the toppings together.

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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 parts about this Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe is how easy it is to customize! Whether you’re craving something extra cheesy, need a vegan twist, or want to add some seasonal flair, these mushrooms are incredibly versatile and open to your favorite toppings and tweaks.

Vegan Variation: Swap out the traditional mayonnaise for a creamy vegan mayo or avocado spread. I’ve tried this for friends who avoid dairy, and they couldn’t believe how tasty and satisfying it was!
Cheesy Upgrade: Add a slice of your favorite cheese—like provolone, gouda, or mozzarella—onto the mushrooms during the last couple of minutes on the grill. The melted cheese adds a rich, indulgent layer that’s pure comfort food.
Seasonal Spin: In the fall, I like to top these with roasted red peppers or caramelized onions for a sweet, smoky touch. In spring, fresh herbs like basil or arugula add a bright, peppery finish.
Gluten-Free Option: Simply use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing the fun of handheld burgers.

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

A white plate with a burger and chips on a white marbled surface. The burger has a white bun base with green lettuce leaves on top, then a dark grilled mushroom patty, a bright red slice of tomato, and two purple rings of onion stacked on it. The top bun is open and spread with smooth white mayonnaise. Next to the burger, there is a small pile of crispy orange potato chips. In the background, there is a wooden board with some onion rings and a small brown bowl with white sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade Magic

Start by combining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon each of oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus about 10 cranks of freshly cracked pepper. Give it a good stir until everything’s blended. This marinade is where all the deep, smoky, slightly sweet flavors build, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Marinate Those Mushrooms

Gently remove the stems from your 2 portobello mushroom caps. Set them in a shallow dish, gill side up, and pour some marinade right into the gills. Flip them over and drizzle the remaining marinade on top. Let the mushrooms soak up all those flavors for 30 minutes, flipping occasionally so every bit absorbs that goodness evenly. You’ll notice the mushrooms start to soften and smell amazing as they marinate—this is a sure sign you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium to medium-high heat until it’s hot and ready. This usually takes just a few minutes. You want a nice sear on those mushrooms without burning, so moderate heat is key.

Step 4: Grill to Juicy Perfection

Place the marinated mushrooms on the grill and cook for about 7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for tender mushrooms that have released most of their liquid but still hold their shape beautifully. As they cook, you’ll notice that smoky aroma intensify—that’s the hallmark of a perfectly grilled portobello.

Step 5: Assemble Your Dream Burger

Once grilled, place each mushroom cap on your favorite bun and pile on fresh toppings. I love spreading 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, then layering slices of tomato, crisp red onion rings, and a handful of spring mix for that fresh crunch. Feel free to dress it up with any extras from your pantry or fridge—this burger is all about making it your own!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most out of your Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe, ensuring juicy, flavorful mushrooms every time and a truly satisfying vegetarian burger experience.

Marinate Thoroughly: I always make sure to let the mushrooms soak up that marinade for the full 30 minutes; it really deepens the flavor and helps keep them juicy on the grill.
Flip Occasionally: During marination, flipping the mushrooms a few times ensures both sides absorb the marinade evenly—something I learned after my first bland batch!
Grill Over Medium Heat: Cooking the mushrooms over medium to medium-high heat lets them release their natural juices gradually without drying out.
Don’t Skip the Buns: Toasting the buns lightly on the grill adds a nice texture contrast and prevents them from getting soggy from all the delicious mushroom juices.

How to Serve Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe

Two large roasted mushrooms sit in a white rectangular baking dish filled with a brown, oily sauce that has some herbs and spices mixed in. The mushrooms are dark brown and shriveled from cooking, with visible gills facing up, soaking in the sauce around them. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a classic and fresh finish, I like to pile on spring mix for a crisp bite, juicy tomato slices to add a little sweetness, and thin rings of red onion for mild sharpness. A smear of mayonnaise ties everything together perfectly, but you can easily swap in vegan mayo if you prefer. Feel free to add other favorites like avocado slices, pickles, or even a slice of your favorite cheese for extra richness!

Side Dishes

These mushroom burgers pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them alongside classic crispy baked fries, a refreshing cucumber salad, or even grilled vegetable skewers. For a more wholesome approach, a quinoa salad or roasted sweet potato wedges complement the earthy mushroom flavors nicely.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your mushrooms have been grilled, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the mushrooms separate from the buns and fresh toppings to maintain their perfect texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, place the grilled mushrooms in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Note that buns and fresh toppings usually don’t freeze well, so it’s best to assemble the burgers fresh after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the mushrooms in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep them from becoming too soft or dried out. Toast your buns fresh and add your toppings just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the mayonnaise for your favorite vegan mayo, and double-check that your buns are vegan-friendly. The rest of the recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan.

What’s the best way to clean portobello mushrooms before marinating?

Use a damp paper towel or a soft brush to gently wipe off any dirt. Avoid soaking mushrooms in water, as they can absorb moisture and become soggy.

Can I cook these mushrooms indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Yes! A grill pan or a cast-iron skillet works well on the stovetop. Just heat it over medium-high heat and cook the mushrooms for about 7 minutes per side, just like you would on a grill.

How can I make these burgers gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular buns for gluten-free buns. The marinade and mushrooms themselves are naturally gluten-free, but always check the ingredients on soy sauce as some brands contain wheat; opt for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.

Final Thoughts

Making this Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe is such a rewarding way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful vegetarian meal that feels indulgent without being heavy. I love how the mushrooms soak up the marinade and turn wonderfully juicy after grilling. Once you try it, I’m sure these burgers will earn a spot in your regular meal rotation — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout with friends. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite toppings and sides to make it truly yours. Happy grilling!