What are Portobello Mushrooms?
A portobello mushroom, also called a portobella or portabella mushroom, is a mature cremini mushroom. When not picked, the small cremini mushroom continues to grow to the size of a portobello. A portobello mushroom is tan or brown with visible dark-colored gills on the underside of the cap. The cap of a portobello mushroom usually reaches 5 inches in diameter. This type of mushroom does not retain much moisture and has a firm, meaty texture.
What Do Portobello Mushrooms Taste Like?
Portobello mushrooms have a distinct meaty flavor with hints of earthiness.
How Do You Eat Portobello Mushrooms?
Eat portobello mushrooms raw or cooked. Do not wash the mushrooms before cooking because the mushroom will absorb the water and become soggy. Instead, wet a washcloth, wring out the excess water, and lightly clean the mushroom cap. Slice raw portobello mushrooms for salads, soups, or serve drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Many people enjoy portobello mushrooms as a substitute for meat in burgers, steaks, fajitas, and sandwiches. Another common way to enjoy portobello mushrooms includes stuffing them with delicious fillings.
Where Can You Buy Portobello Mushrooms?
Look for portobello mushrooms year-round in the produce section of a well-stocked grocery store. The caps are typically shrink-wrapped in pairs.
How Do You Store Portobello Mushrooms?
Remove portobello mushrooms from any packaging and wrap them in dry paper towels to absorb moisture. Then, place the portobello mushrooms in a paper bag and store them in the refrigerator. They may last up to a week when stored this way.
Fun Facts About Portobello Mushrooms
It only takes around 5 to 6 days for a cremini mushroom to fully mature to a portobello mushroom.
Did You Know?
Portobello mushrooms have a stronger flavor than cremini mushrooms because the portobellos contain less moisture.
Recipes Using Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello Burgers
Switch out your regular beef patty for a portobello mushroom. Marinade portobello mushroom caps in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika. Place marinated portobello caps on a preheated grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until tender. Baste the portobello caps with the marinade while cooking and serve on a bun with cheddar cheese.
Portobello Mushroom Salad
Cut portobello mushrooms into strips for your next salad. Add the slices to spinach, goat cheese, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinegar vinaigrette.
Portobello Pizzas
Skip the traditional fluffy pizza crust and replace it with a portobello mushroom! Start by seasoning portobello caps with salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. Turn them over so the gill side is up. Add pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and any desired toppings. Place the mushroom caps on a baking sheet and broil until the cheese melts.
Portobello Fajitas
Add sliced portobello mushrooms to your fajitas in place of steak. Prepare and season portobello slices. Saute bell peppers and onions in a skillet. Combine pepper mixture with portobello mushrooms. Scoop pepper mixture onto tortillas and top with pepper jack cheese.
Stuffed Portobellos
One of the best ways to enjoy portobello mushrooms is to stuff them. Common stuffings include goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and artichoke, and pizza toppings.
