Mushroom steak

Mushroom steak is a fantastic, flavorful vegetarian alternative to traditional steak. It features large, meaty mushrooms, often portobello or shiitake, that are seasoned and cooked to create a satisfying and hearty dish. Here’s a recipe for a delicious mushroom steak that can be served as a main course:

Mushroom Steak

Ingredients:

  • 4 large portobello mushrooms (or large cremini/shiitake mushrooms)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Mushrooms:

    • Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt.
    • Remove the stems and use a spoon to gently scrape out the gills if desired (this is optional but helps create a more “steak-like” texture and appearance).
  2. Make the Marinade:

    • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme or rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  3. Marinate the Mushrooms:

    • Place the mushrooms in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
    • Pour the marinade over the mushrooms and ensure they are well-coated.
    • Let the mushrooms marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
  4. Cook the Mushrooms:

    • Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • If using a grill, brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. For a skillet, add a little olive oil.
    • Grill or cook the mushrooms for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are tender and have a nice caramelized surface. Baste occasionally with the remaining marinade during cooking for extra flavor.
  5. Serve:

    • Transfer the mushrooms to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
    • Serve the mushroom steaks with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes.

Tips:

  • Texture: Portobello mushrooms are particularly well-suited for this recipe due to their large size and meaty texture, but other large mushrooms can work as well.
  • Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the flavor to your liking. Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra umami kick.
  • Cooking Method: You can also bake the mushrooms in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes if you prefer not to grill or pan-fry.

This mushroom steak is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a main course and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Enjoy!