Chipotle peppers can be used in a portobello burger.
Suitable for vegetarians, a portobello burger is a type of burger that uses portobello mushroom caps instead of patties. Portobellos are large, meaty mushrooms, so a single cap is about the size of a beef patty. Although they are sometimes found in restaurants, they are often made at home.
Versions of the portobello burger vary widely. Mushrooms are usually marinated before cooking. Marinades usually consist of vegetable oil or olive oil and balsamic vinegar. A variety of spices and other aromas are also included, depending on the version.
Pepper jack is good on a portobello burger.
Garlic and onion are popular additions to the marinade, and other spices such as thyme, oregano, or basil are often included as well. Salt and pepper are almost always added to taste. Mustard is sometimes added as well, and spicier versions may even include jalapeno or chipotle peppers.
Easy to prepare, the marinade ingredients are simply whisked or mixed together. The caps of the mushrooms are then placed in a container with the liquid and left to macerate between 15 minutes and two hours. Once complete, the mushrooms are removed and the marinade is set aside and used to baste the portobellos as they cook.
The mushrooms are then placed on a grill or in a pan and cooked for several minutes on both sides. Many versions place cheese on top of the mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking to allow the cheese to melt. Some versions wait to add the cheese until the mushrooms are removed from the grill.
Hamburger buns or any type of rustic bun are used to make a portobello burger. Breads can be heated or toasted first. Also, you can spread mustard or mayonnaise on the buns. Mixing some of the reserved marinade into a tablespoon of mayonnaise and using it as a flavored paste is also an option.
Once cooked, the mushrooms are placed on the bottom half of the bread or bun. If the cheese did not melt over the mushrooms during cooking, add it now. Cheese options also vary considerably, although they are often white cheeses. Pepper jack, provolone, gouda, and even brie are possible cheese options that pair well with a portobello burger.
In addition to cheese, other ingredients are often included. Similar to a traditional burger, lettuce, sliced tomato, and onion often top a portobello burger. Avocados are also a popular topping for this sandwich. These burgers can be served with the same toppings as any burger.