Summertime is finally here! Many of us are vaccinated against COVID and ready to get back to gatherings with family and friends. For most Minnesotans, that means lake days and outdoor events, including a ton of barbecues.
Of course, we all know the BBQ staples: burgers, steaks, grilled corn on the cob, and maybe some fresh fruit for dessert. But if you’re ready to try something new this grilling season, consider incorporating gourmet mushrooms into your next barbecue’s menu. Here are several ways to include this versatile food.
Make Mushrooms the Star of the Show
Barbecues and meat are nearly synonymous. If you asked 100 people to name a barbecued food (top five answers on the board!), you could count on very few mentions of plant-based foods. Ask most grill masters about meatless options, and they’ll point you toward the potato salad. What’s a grill-loving vegetarian to do? Use mushrooms as your meat substitute, of course!
Placing a griddle or cast iron skillet on your grill creates endless possibilities for dinner without having to heat up your oven on a warm summer day. One of our favorite main dishes for mushroom lovers is these Tex-Mex inspired smoky grilled mushroom tacos; they can easily be made on the grill on a warm summer’s day. And who says you can only grill dinner? For a savory brunch option, try these crepes with Oyster mushrooms.
If you really want to try something new, consider grilling a mushroom pizza! You can use a cast iron skillet, pizza stone, or griddle to cook the entire pizza right on your grill. Try our “ugly mushroom” farmers market pizza the next time you want to try a nontraditional BBQ recipe.
For Your Side Dish: A Barbecue Classic
Maybe you’re not ready to forego the steaks and burgers quite yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t include mushrooms in your meal. Vegetable and mushroom skewers are a classic barbecue side dish. They’re easy to prep ahead of time, and they can be thrown on the grill at a moment’s notice. If you’re searing a nice steak or grilling up some burgers for dinner, consider adding some mushroom skewers to your meal to turn the umami up a few notches! For even more out-of-this-world flavor, you can always marinate the mushrooms in balsamic vinegar before grilling or pair them with caramelized onions or bleu cheese.
Are you ready to give one of these BBQ-friendly gourmet mushroom recipes a try? R&R Cultivation’s many varieties or gourmet mushrooms would all be a delicious addition to your meal. Here’s where you can find our products.
