Name: Charcoal-Grilled Marinated Portobello Mushrooms
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons lemon juice from 1 lemon; 6 cloves garlic , minced fine (about 2 tablespoons); 1/4 teaspoon table salt; 4 portobello mushrooms , each 5 to 6 inches (or about 6 ounces each), stems removed and discarded, caps wiped clean

Why This Recipe Works

When grilled, portobello mushrooms often turn limp and flaccid, burning on the outside before the inside fully cooks. We solved this problem when developing our grilled portobello mushroom recipe by digging out an old tool of the campfire trade: aluminum foil. By wrapping each mushroom in a packet of foil, we were able to cook it through till perfectly done, in about 10 minutes. We then unwrapped each mushroom and set it directly over the fire for 30 to 60 seconds to sear in the grilled flavor.

Before You Begin

We prefer large 5- to 6-inch portobellos for grilling because they are sold loose—not prepackaged—and are typically fresher. However, if you cannot find large ones, use six 4- to 5-inch portobellos, which are usually sold three to a package; decrease their grilling time wrapped in foil to about 9 minutes.

Instructions

Combine oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt in large zipper-lock plastic bag. Add mushrooms; seal bag and gently shake to coat mushrooms with marinade. Let stand at room temperature until seasoned, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, cut four 12-inch-square pieces of foil (or six 9-inch-square pieces if using smaller mushrooms); begin building medium-hot fire (you can hold your hand 5 inches above grill surface for three to four seconds).

Remove mushrooms from marinade. Place a foil square on work surface and set mushroom on top, gill-side up; fold foil edges over to enclose mushroom and seal edges. Spread coals evenly over grill bottom, position grill rack; scrub rack with wire grill brush. Grill mushrooms, with sealed side of foil packet facing up, until juicy and tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Using tongs, unwrap mushrooms and discard foil; set unwrapped mushrooms on rack gill-side up and cook until grill-marked, 30 to 60 seconds. Remove from grill and use in one of the related recipes.