Portobello mushrooms are a crowd favorite for a reason, and figuring out what to serve with them can really elevate your meal to the next level.
These mushrooms bring a rich, meaty texture to the plate, making them perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just spicing up your weeknight dinner routine, the right side dishes can turn your portobello mushrooms into a meal to remember.
From light salads to hearty grains, we’ve got you covered with seven unbeatable side dishes that will compliment your portobellos perfectly.
Keep reading to discover your next go-to kitchen pairings!
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Portobello Mushrooms?
No matter how much you love mushrooms, eating them alone can be complicated.
They feel weird. Anything goes as an extra – even a plain sauce.
On the other hand, the necessity of a side dish is even more obvious when you expect someone over.
No matter how you cook these mushrooms, a side dish will enhance their taste and aroma, but it will also make them feel lighter.
Fortunately, there are lots of good options out there – some of them stand out in the crowd, though.
What to Serve with Portobello Mushrooms? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Here are some interesting choices when not sure what works with portobello mushrooms.
1. Silky Fettuccine
Pasta with mushrooms has always been a winner.
Just because portobello mushrooms are a bit special, it does not mean that they cannot go in your pasta.
Chop them, so they can blend in.
The result? A fulfilling meal that will combine the grainy and hearty aromas of pasta with the strong umami flavor of mushrooms.
Preparing the pasta is a matter of minutes only.
You can also enhance the dish with a bit of cheese – stick to Parmesan if you want the meal to look more sophisticated.
2. Shiitake Salad
Mix in some of your favorite veggies and top them up with the right dressing.
Whether you chop and mix the mushrooms in or you cook them separately, you cannot go wrong with this combo.
The salad adds a bit of crunchiness to your meal, as well as a little color and lots of vitamins – and different aromas, of course.
Mushrooms will be the main players in this dish, though.
Their unique flavor will not disappoint, regardless of how you cook them.
Their soft texture works well with the crunchy veggies.
It is refreshing, fulfilling and delicious, but without being heavy.
3. Crunchy Spring Rolls
You can find spring rolls in most grocery stores – especially frozen.
But then, it pays off doing everything yourself.
Preparing the ingredients will take a few minutes, and then each spring roll will take a few more, so get ready to waste a bit of time.
However, you get a cocktail of veggies well mixed together in each bite – they are crunchy and can easily contrast the tender texture of portobello mushrooms.
In terms of taste, the umami flavor is complemented by the refreshing and slightly sour taste of veggies.
While simple, this dish is tasty, and that is what makes the difference.
4. Garlicky Leeks
Whether you want to replicate the meaty texture or you simply love mushrooms, bring in some veggies, and you will have a great mix of textures.
Leeks are naturally crunchy, and even if you cook them a little, they will still maintain some of their crispiness.
The tangy aroma will blend in perfectly with the umami savor.
On the other hand, garlic has always been a top choice for mushrooms – feel free to exaggerate a little.
The combo may not look very posh, but it will definitely impress with its taste – a homey experience that everyone will appreciate.
5. Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus is a trendy vegetable these days.
Mixed with portobello mushrooms, it makes one of the most popular combos for vegetarians.
Now, asparagus must be cooked accordingly if you want to lose its natural bitterness.
Roasting it will give it a slightly crunchy texture to contrast the soft mushrooms.
Besides, it looks good, too with that golden green nuance.
The umami savor in portobello mushrooms can do with a bit of bitterness for taste and flavor.
All in all, this dish takes around 15 minutes to prepare, and it feels extremely light, yet fulfilling.
6. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Interested in turning your portobello mushrooms into an actual meal? They can replicate the texture of meat, so they work wonders close to some mashed potatoes.
Ideally, you should use real potatoes for the dish – rather than powders.
Mix in some grated cheese while crushing the potatoes – it will blend in nicely while it melts.
It pays off using a mild cheese – such as mozzarella.
At the end of the day, you want everyone to focus on your mushrooms.
Textures are soft and blend well together.
Plus, mashed potatoes are hearty and work well with the mushrooms, while cheese complements them with its salty aroma.
7. Soft Poached Eggs
This is the ideal dish for breakfast, but it is just as handy for a light dinner or perhaps a brunch – suitable for vegetarians too.
Poached eggs are strong in flavor and look great.
Pair them with portobello mushrooms, and you have the perfect combo – especially when the yolk in poached eggs invades the mushrooms.
Everything is soft, so you may need to add an extra – perhaps a slice of bread or something harder in texture.
All in all, soft poached eggs take about 10 minutes to prepare, so the dish is great when you run out of ideas too.
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