Savory Grilled Portabella Gouda Burger with Garlic Aioli
Elevate your lunchtime experience with this Savory Grilled Portabella Gouda Burger. Bursting with flavor, this burger features marinated portabella caps that become tender and juicy when grilled or sautéed, infused with the earthy aroma of garlic and thyme. Topped with creamy gouda cheese that melts perfectly, each bite is an indulgent experience. Add fresh, ripe tomatoes for a summer burst of freshness and creamy garlic aioli for an irresistible twist. Perfect for grilling season or a quick weeknight meal, this burger pairs beautifully with toasted bakery rolls or crusty French bread, and can be enhanced with fresh avocado slices for extra creaminess. Whether you're a vegetarian or simply looking to enjoy something deliciously different, this burger is sure to satisfy your cravings.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Portabella mushroom caps
2 large (cleaned and stem removed)
Gouda cheese
3-4 slices (thin slices, smoked is good)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon (for marinating and sautéing)
Garlic
1 clove sliced, 1 clove minced (for marinade and aioli)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon or 1 teaspoon fresh (for marinade and aioli)
Fresh ripe tomatoes
2 slices (thick slices)
Bakery rolls or French bread
2 rolls or 4 slices (lightly toasted)
Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (for garlic aioli)
Lemon juice
1 teaspoon (for garlic aioli)
Bermuda onions
2 teaspoons (minced for garlic aioli)
Dried parsley
1/2 tablespoon or 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh (minced for garlic aioli)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sliced garlic, and dried thyme. Pour the mixture into a zipper-lock bag.
2
Add the cleaned portabella mushroom caps to the bag, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 to 45 minutes to enhance the flavors.
3
While the mushrooms are marinating, prepare the garlic aioli by combining mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, minced Bermuda onions, dried or fresh thyme, and parsley in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Once the mushrooms have marinated, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the mushrooms in the skillet stem-side down, allowing them to sauté for about 5 minutes. Make sure to include any leftover garlic and thyme from the marinade for added flavor.
5
Carefully flip the mushroom caps and place the gouda cheese on top of each one. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
6
Alternatively, for a smoky flavor, preheat a grill and cook the marinated mushroom caps for a few minutes on each side before adding the gouda, ensuring it melts over the caps.
7
To assemble, spread the garlic aioli generously on toasted bakery rolls or French bread. Top with the melted portabella gouda burgers and fresh tomato slices. For a delightful addition, you could also add sliced avocado.
8
Serve immediately, and enjoy this flavorful burger experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient of this burger?
The main ingredient is large portabella mushroom caps, cleaned with stems removed.
Is this Savory Grilled Portabella Gouda Burger vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses mushrooms as the patty.
How long should I marinate the portabella mushrooms?
You should marinate the mushrooms in the refrigerator for at least 30 to 45 minutes to enhance the flavors.
What ingredients are used in the mushroom marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, sliced garlic, and dried thyme.
How do I make the garlic aioli?
Mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, minced Bermuda onions, thyme, and parsley in a bowl and refrigerate.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this burger?
Gouda cheese is recommended, and using smoked Gouda adds a nice flavor depth.
Can I cook these mushrooms on a grill?
Yes, you can preheat a grill and cook the marinated caps for a few minutes on each side until tender.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What type of bread is best for this burger?
Toasted bakery rolls or crusty French bread are the best options for this recipe.
What are the suggested toppings?
Fresh tomato slices are suggested, and you can also add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
How long do I sauté the mushrooms in a skillet?
Sauté them stem-side down for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes after adding the cheese.
Should I include the marinade garlic in the skillet?
Yes, include any leftover garlic and thyme from the marinade bag in the skillet for extra flavor.
What is the purpose of covering the skillet with a lid?
The lid helps trap heat to melt the Gouda cheese completely over the mushroom caps.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme instead of the specified dried amounts.
What kind of onions are used in the aioli?
The recipe calls for minced Bermuda onions for the garlic aioli.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
You will need 3 tablespoons total: 2 for the marinade and 1 for sautéing.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe perfect for a quick weeknight meal or grilling season.
How should the garlic be prepared for the marinade?
The garlic for the marinade should be sliced into thin pieces.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes 2 burgers, typically serving one burger per person.
Can I use dried parsley in the aioli?
Yes, use 1/2 tablespoon of dried parsley or 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh minced parsley.
What is the role of lemon juice in the recipe?
Lemon juice provides a bright, acidic balance to the creamy garlic aioli.
How do I prevent the mushrooms from burning?
Keep a close eye on the heat level and ensure you only cook for about 5 minutes per side.
Are portabella mushrooms healthy?
Yes, they are a nutritious, low-calorie alternative to meat and the recipe is tagged as healthy.
How do I assemble the burger?
Spread aioli on the bread, add the cheesy portabella, and top with tomato and optional avocado.
Can I prepare the aioli in advance?
Yes, refrigerating the aioli allows the flavors of the garlic, onions, and herbs to meld together.
What makes this burger 'savory'?
The combination of garlic, thyme, marinated mushrooms, and melted Gouda creates a deep savory profile.
Is this recipe suitable for summer?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a summer recipe perfect for grilling season.
How many mushroom caps are required?
You need 2 large portabella mushroom caps.
What type of mayonnaise should I use?
Standard mayonnaise is used as the base for the garlic aioli.
Can I use this recipe as a snack?
While it is a full burger, it is tagged for both lunch and snack categories depending on your appetite.