Introduction
Vegetarian burgers are a delicious and hearty alternative to traditional meat patties, and they can often be just as satisfying. This recipe focuses on substantial mushrooms that act as the centerpiece of the burger, complemented by sautéed onions and a creamy pink sauce. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home, these mushroom burgers are packed with flavor.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4+ BIG mushrooms – like portobello or BBQ flat mushrooms (20% larger than buns, or buy multiple per burger)
30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
1/2 tbsp olive oil
4 slices swiss cheese (or any other cheese slice of choice)
Onions
3 onions, cut into 0.7cm / 1/3″ rings
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
Pink Burger Sauce
2/3 cup mayonnaise (or sour cream + pinch of salt)
2 tbsp ketchup
1 – 3 tsp Sriracha (adjust spiciness to taste)
Burgers
4 buns or rolls (brioche is recommended)
8 – 12 lettuce leaves
2 tomatoes
On the side
French fries
Baked potato wedges
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers
The juicy mushrooms elevate the classic burger experience, while the creamy pink sauce adds a delightful kick. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings for a dish that suits your taste perfectly!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C/450°F (200°F fan).
Prepare Garlic Butter
In a heatproof jug, combine the unsalted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Microwave the mixture until the butter is melted, then stir to combine all ingredients.
Brush Mushrooms
Take the big mushrooms and brush the smooth side of each mushroom cap with the prepared garlic butter. Place the mushrooms on a tray with the gills side facing up (stalk facing up). Use the remaining butter to brush the rims and gills of the mushrooms, ensuring to scrape up all the garlic from the jug.
Add Olive Oil
Drizzle olive oil over each mushroom.
Roast the Mushrooms
Roast the mushrooms in the oven for 25 minutes. After this time, flip them over and brush the mushrooms with their own juices. Continue roasting for an additional 10 minutes or until the centers are tender.
Top with Cheese
After the mushrooms are tender, place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each mushroom. Return them to the oven for 3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Toast Buns
While the cheese is melting, slice the buns in half and place them in the oven to lightly toast.
Cook the Onions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Add the cut onion rings and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they are golden and floppy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Prepare Pink Burger Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise (or sour cream and pinch of salt), ketchup, and Sriracha. Adjust the spiciness to taste.
Assemble the Burgers
To assemble each burger, start by spreading a dollop of the Pink Burger Sauce on the base of the toasted bun. Layer with lettuce leaves, followed by sliced tomato, the roasted mushroom with melted cheese, and finally, the cooked onions. Spread a lesser amount of Pink Sauce on the top bun and place it on the assembled burger. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Mushroom Size
Look for mushrooms that are approximately 15% larger than the bun. If large mushrooms are unavailable, you can use 2 smaller ones per burger or 1 and 1/2 smaller mushrooms per burger.
Small Mushrooms Alternative
If you can only find regular button or Swiss Brown/Cremini mushrooms, use about 200g/7oz per burger, slicing them to 0.5cm / 1/5″ thickness. Cook in two batches in a large skillet with 60g / 4 tbsp of butter and 2 minced garlic cloves until golden. Top with cheese and melt under a grill or cover to melt.
More Burger Options
Consider adding extras such as avocado, beetroot, sunny-side-up fried egg, bacon, pineapple, or BBQ marinated vegetables for enhanced flavor. You also have various sauce options like ketchup, sriracha, any chili sauce, plain mayo, aioli, or mustard.
Nutritional Note
The nutrition information per burger assumes all the Pink Sauce is used, which may not be the case. It is a conservative estimate, as some of the butter and juices brushed onto the mushrooms may remain on the tray, which you can mop up with the cut side of the burger bun for added flavor.
Cook techniques
Melting Garlic Butter
Melt unsalted butter in a heatproof jug using a microwave, then mix in finely minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Brushing Mushrooms
Brush the smooth side of the mushroom cap with the melted garlic butter and place it gills side up on a tray. Ensure to coat the rims and gills with the remaining butter.
Drizzling with Olive Oil
Drizzle olive oil over the prepared mushrooms to enhance flavor during roasting.
Roasting Mushrooms
Roast the mushrooms in a preheated oven, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The mushrooms should be tender by the end of roasting.
Topping with Cheese
After roasting, place a slice of cheese on each mushroom and return to the oven to melt the cheese for a few minutes.
Toasting Buns
Split the burger buns and lightly toast them in the oven at the same time as the mushrooms to achieve a crisp texture.
Cooking Onions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat, and cook the onion rings until they are golden and tender, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
FAQ
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
Opt for big mushrooms like portobello or BBQ flat mushrooms, approximately 20% larger than your burger buns.
Can I substitute the butter with something else?
Yes, you can use olive oil instead of butter if you prefer a dairy-free option.
How long do I roast the mushrooms?
Roast the mushrooms for 25 minutes, flip them, and roast for an additional 10 minutes or until tender.
What if I can’t find large mushrooms?
If large mushrooms aren’t available, use small button or cremini mushrooms, slicing them and cooking in batches.
What alternatives can I use instead of Pink Sauce?
You can use sour cream, plain mayo, or any other sauce of your choice, such as aioli or mustard.
How should I store leftover cooked mushrooms?
Store any leftover cooked mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This mushroom burger recipe provides a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional beef burgers, perfect for anyone looking for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly meal. The combination of roasted mushrooms, melted cheese, and flavorful pink burger sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy experimenting with various toppings and side dishes to personalize your burger experience!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Avocado
Scoop and smash avocado to use as a creamy topping, replacing the pink sauce for a fresh twist.
Beetroot
Incorporate sliced canned beetroot for a sweet and earthy flavor, a classic addition to Australian-style burgers.
Sunny side up fried egg
Add a perfectly cooked sunny side up egg on top of the mushroom for an extra layer of richness.
Bacon
Crispy bacon can enhance the flavor and add a savory crunch to the burger.
Pineapple
For a sweet and tangy contrast, grill pineapple slices and use them as a burger topping.
BBQ marinated vegetables
Roasted or grilled barbecue marinated vegetables make a delicious and colorful addition.
Alternative sauces
Experiment with various sauces like ketchup, sriracha, chili sauce, plain mayo, aioli, or mustard for different flavor profiles.
