Portabella Garlic Mushroom Burgers

I was in need of a delicious, healthy, filling, fast dinner (on our way out the door). One that the kids would eat quickly and enjoy. Solution: Portabella Garlic Mushroom Burgers.

It's actually one of the best things I have ever put on a bun. Here is how it breaks down...

Portabella Garlic Mushroom Burger with tomato, cilantro, and caramelized red onions on a toasted ciabatta bun.

RECIPE: Portabella Mushroom Burgers

Ingredients:
1 (or 2) portabella mushroom caps per person (find them in the fridge at Costco)
garlic powder
butter
salt & pepper

Burger Ingredients:
buns
mayo
tomato
cilantro
cheese (preferably something good)

Letting the marble cheddar melt after flipping the mushrooms back over.

Method:
> bring a cast iron skillet (or bbq) up to medium heat
> put the mushroom caps on, cap side up
> spread butter into the gills of the mushroom then sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper
> once the butter starts melting (about 3 minutes), flip the mushroom over, gill side down
> cook another 2-3 minutes
> flip back over, gill side up, and if it looks like it has softened, it's ready

Sliced tomato and cilantro leaves.

I always assemble the burgers all the same for the whole family, so there is no arguing over the presence (or lack thereof) of ketchup on a gourmet burger. This way, we all have the same experience at the same time.

My five-year-old declared that this was his favourite burger and, "The meat is super good today, Mommy."
"There is no meat in this burger, honey."
"Oh... well then, the CHICKEN is super good today, Mommy."
"There is no chicken. That (pointing at the mushroom) is one mushroom cap."
Long pause.
"Oh... Mommy, I like this burger. The... chicken... <furrows his brow>... is really yummy."

Yesterday, we had another community lunch at the church we attend. Chris and I brought portabella mushroom caps as the vegetarian alternative to the beef burgers. They were gone in a heartbeat.

Well, it's that simple - now you can make them at home too!!

Caramelized red onions waiting for the burgers.

Burger Ideas
cheese - crumbled feta, aged cheddar, goat cheese, cream cheese, fresh mozzarella, asiago, etc. (can be added right after flipping the mushroom back to gill side up so that it melts a little)
greens - fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, parsley, tarragon, sage), celery greens, arugula, mustard greens, water cress, spinach
other veg - tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, shaved carrots, red onions (fresh or caramelized), etc.
sauces - mayo, mustard, sweet chili, pesto, capers, bar-be-que sauce, hp, hot sauce, salad dressing, flavoured cream cheese, etc.
bun - cut open & toast, toast with garlic butter, melt cheese onto bun, a pita pocket, use several leaves of leaf lettuce instead of a traditional bun