How To Easily Prevent Mushrooms From Sticking To The Grill

Grilling mushrooms sounds easy enough, until half of them end up fused to the grates. The problem, however, isn't the mushroom, but the lack of oil and moisture. Mushrooms are very porous, and if you toss them straight onto a hot, dry grill, they may dry out and stick to the grates for dear life. So, how do you keep them from sticking?

Begin by seasoning your grill grates similar to how you'd season a wok or cast-iron skillet. A fast swipe of a high-heat cooking oil (like canola, avocado, or grapeseed oil) can create a barrier between food and metal. You can dip a folded paper towel in oil and use tongs to rub it over the grates while they're hot, or use a grill-safe spray before you turn the grill on. If you're using a charcoal grill, oil your grill once the coals are ready and just before placing the mushrooms on. 

You can also marinate your mushrooms in an oil-based mixture for a different approach. It enhances the taste and also provides moisture and lubrication, so they will not stick. Olive oil and a little balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, or herbs will do great in this case. Leave them for at least 15 minutes before knocking off the excess and grilling.

Whether you choose to oil your mushrooms or your grill, either way, you're only halfway there. For little or thinly sliced mushrooms, try grilling in a basket or on skewers. This keeps them from dropping through the grates and enables you to flip everything at once without breaking a sweat. For larger mushrooms, a silicone baster brush works. As the mushrooms sear and start drying out, a little extra marinade or some oil brushed on prevents them from drying out and sticking.  

Also, an important tip is not to fuss with your mushrooms constantly. Mushrooms will release themselves naturally once they have been seared sufficiently. So instead of flipping them too early or constantly tampering with them, allow them to form that gorgeous golden crust on their own. Use a wide, thin spatula to lift them cleanly when you're ready to flip. If they're sticking, they're probably not done yet. Also, don't crowd the grill. Mushrooms need space to release their steam and caramelize. Overcrowding is one of the common mushroom mistakes people make.

Mushrooms soak up marinades like a sponge, hold their form longer than most vegetables, and give that meaty umami flavor that both meat-eaters and vegetarians can totally get on board with. So when you're hosting a grill-out, don't skip out on them. Just treat them like you would a steak or burger, with similar prep and care, and you'll be enjoying juicy, charred mushrooms in no time.