Marinated Grilled Mushroom Skewers

If you’re craving a smoky, flavorful vegetarian dish that captures all the essence of summer grilling, these Marinated Grilled Mushroom Skewers are your new go-to. Juicy, umami-packed mushrooms soak in a bold marinade of olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and herbs — then hit the grill for a perfect caramelized finish.

Whether you’re firing up the barbecue for a weekend cookout or looking for a quick weeknight side that feels special, these mushroom skewers never disappoint. They’re meaty in texture, rich in flavor, and versatile enough to complement almost anything — from grilled tofu and veggies to juicy steaks or hearty salads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Umami: Mushrooms naturally soak up flavor, and the savory-sweet marinade turns them into flavor bombs.
• Easy & Quick: The marinade takes 5 minutes to whisk together, and grilling takes under 10 minutes.
• Perfect for Vegetarians: A meatless dish that still delivers that satisfying “grilled” depth of flavor.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite mushrooms or adjust seasonings to match your mood.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These skewers are perfect as an appetizer, BBQ side, or even a light main course.

The Secret to Perfectly Grilled Mushrooms

The magic lies in the marinade — a balanced mix of oil (to prevent drying), acid (for brightness), and umami boosters (like soy sauce or Worcestershire). The key is to marinate long enough for the mushrooms to absorb flavor but not so long that they get soggy.

Ideally, 30 minutes to 1 hour is the sweet spot. The mushrooms drink up all those rich notes, becoming tender, juicy, and irresistibly aromatic once they hit the grill.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Skewers:

• 1 pound whole cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak for 30 minutes)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
2. Marinate the Mushrooms:
   Add cleaned mushrooms to a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over them and toss gently to coat. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring once or twice.
3. Preheat the Grill:
   Heat your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Thread the Skewers:
   Remove mushrooms from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Thread them onto skewers snugly but without crowding, leaving a little space between each one.
5. Grill the Skewers:
   Place the skewers directly on the grill grates. Cook for 8–10 minutes total, turning every few minutes, until the mushrooms are golden brown and slightly charred at the edges.
6. Brush with Extra Marinade (Optional):
   For a deeper flavor, brush the mushrooms lightly with the leftover (unused) marinade during the last minute of grilling.
7. Serve and Garnish:
   Transfer skewers to a serving plate, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Marinated Grilled Mushroom Skewers

Juicy, smoky, and packed with umami, these marinated grilled mushroom skewers make the perfect vegetarian BBQ side or appetizer.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Vegetarian

Calories: 140

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Marinade

• 0.33 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp salt

Skewers

• 1 lb cremini or button mushrooms cleaned and trimmed
• wooden or metal skewers soak wooden skewers 30 minutes

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Grill or grill pan
• Tongs
• Skewers

Method

 

1. Whisk olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add mushrooms to the marinade and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil grates.
4. Thread marinated mushrooms onto skewers.
5. Grill 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until mushrooms are tender and lightly charred.
6. Brush with reserved marinade if desired and serve hot.

Notes

For a bolder flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Tips for Success

• Use Even-Sized Mushrooms: This ensures consistent cooking and even browning.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give each skewer enough space to allow the heat to circulate and caramelize properly.
• Add Vegetables: For colorful skewers, alternate mushrooms with chunks of bell pepper, zucchini, or red onion.
• Finish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving adds brightness.
• Make Ahead: You can marinate the mushrooms up to 24 hours ahead — just keep them refrigerated until grilling time.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the marinade.
• Asian-Inspired: Swap balsamic for rice vinegar and add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Sprinkle with sesame seeds after grilling.
• Garlic Butter Upgrade: Brush grilled mushrooms with melted garlic butter before serving for a luxurious touch.
• Herb Explosion: Replace parsley with rosemary and thyme for a more earthy Mediterranean flavor.
• Balsamic Glazed: Reduce balsamic vinegar on the stove and drizzle over the skewers before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Marinated grilled mushroom skewers are incredibly versatile. Try these pairing ideas:

• As an Appetizer: Serve them with a small bowl of garlic aioli or creamy tzatziki for dipping.
• On a Grain Bowl: Pair with quinoa, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of tahini dressing.
• With Grilled Protein: They make an excellent side to grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
• In a Wrap or Sandwich: Slice mushrooms off the skewers and layer them into pita bread or wraps with greens and hummus.
• Party Platter: Add them to an antipasto board with olives, roasted peppers, and cheeses.

Storing and Reheating

• To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes or microwave briefly until heated through.
• To Freeze: It’s best not to freeze grilled mushrooms as they lose texture, but you can freeze the raw marinated mushrooms for up to 1 month.

Fun Fact

Did you know that mushrooms are one of the only plant-based foods that naturally contain vitamin D when exposed to sunlight? Grilling them outdoors is not only delicious — it’s literally nourishing your body with extra nutrients from the sun!

Final Thoughts

These Marinated Grilled Mushroom Skewers are proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. The combination of smoky char, garlicky marinade, and tender bite makes them a dish you’ll crave all year round. Whether you’re vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based sides to your BBQ spread, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing, mouthwatering result every single time.