Spicy jerk mushrooms? Oh HECK yeah! đ„đ
Let me tell you, Iâve been on a mission to veganize ALL the classic Caribbean dishes lately, and these smoky, spicy âshroom recipes are absolute game-changers. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a wild ride!
Iâve teamed up with some amazing Jamaican vegan chefs to bring you 8 mouthwatering ways to get your jerk fix â no animals harmed in the making. Weâre talking tender, meaty mushrooms soaking up all that fiery, aromatic jerk seasoning goodness.
From hearty portobello steaks to bite-sized button mushroom poppers, thereâs a jerk mushroom dish here for every craving and occasion. The best part? These recipes are stupid easy to whip up on busy weeknights OR for impressing your friends at summer cookouts.
So grab your favorite apron (mine says âKale Yeah!â) and letâs get jerkinâ! (The mushrooms, I mean. Get your mind out of the gutter!) đ
Jerk Portobello Steaks
Video Recipe
Alright, letâs kick things off with a true vegan classic â the mighty portobello steak!
For this bad boy, youâll want to marinate some thick portobello caps in a zesty jerk seasoning blend. Think allspice, thyme, garlic, scotch bonnet peppers⊠all the good stuff.
After a nice soak, grill those âshrooms up until theyâre perfectly charred and tender. Slice âem up and serve over rice and peas for the full Jamaican experience.
I first tried these at a Caribbean vegan popup and nearly fell off my chair. The meaty texture is INSANE. Even my carnivore friends canât resist stealing bites off my plate!
Pro tip: Save the marinade to drizzle over the finished steaks for an extra flavor punch. Youâre welcome. đ
Jerk Mushroom Skewers
Video Recipe
Next up, weâve got these irresistible jerk mushroom skewers that are perfect for summer BBQs.
Thread some chunky button mushrooms, bell peppers, and red onions onto skewers. Then slather on that fiery jerk marinade and grill âem up until everythingâs nicely charred.
The smell alone will have your neighbors peeking over the fence! (Tell Karen she can come over, but only if she brings her famous rum punch.)
I love serving these skewers with a cooling coconut lime dipping sauce on the side. The creamy sweetness balances out that jerk heat beautifully.
Jerk Mushroom Tacos
Video Recipe
Taco Tuesday just got a serious upgrade, my friends!
SautĂ© up a mix of sliced mushrooms (I like using cremini and shiitake) with jerk seasoning until theyâre nice and caramelized. Pile that spicy goodness into warm corn tortillas and top with a tangy pineapple salsa.
Add some creamy avocado slices if youâre feeling fancy. Or donât. Iâm not the boss of you.
These tacos are so good, you might forget itâs only Tuesday. Donât say I didnât warn you when you show up to work in your weekend clothes. đșđ
Jerk Mushroom Pizza
Video Recipe
Pizza night, but make it Caribbean! This fusion masterpiece combines two of lifeâs greatest pleasures â pizza and jerk seasoning.
Start with your favorite pizza dough (store-bought is fine, no judgment here). Spread on a spicy jerk-seasoned tomato sauce, then top with sautéed jerk mushrooms, bell peppers, and red onions.
Finish it off with some vegan cheese if thatâs your jam. I wonât tell the pizza purists if you donât!
Pro tip: Drizzle some scotch bonnet pepper sauce on top for an extra kick. But maybe warn your guests first⊠unless you enjoy watching people sweat. No judgment. đ
Jerk Mushroom Stuffed Peppers
Video Recipe
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer? These stuffed peppers have got you covered.
Hollow out some mini bell peppers and stuff âem with a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms sautĂ©ed in jerk seasoning. Top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and bake until golden and crispy.
Fair warning: these little flavor bombs are dangerously poppable. Donât be surprised if you âaccidentallyâ eat the whole tray before your guests arrive. (Been there, done that, no regrets.)
Jerk Mushroom Burger
Video Recipe
Who needs a boring old veggie patty when you can have a juicy jerk mushroom burger?
Marinate a big portobello cap in jerk seasoning, then grill it up to perfection. Serve on a toasted bun with all your favorite burger fixings â lettuce, tomato, avocado, the works!
I like to add a dollop of vegan mango chutney for a sweet-spicy twist. Itâs a flavor explosion thatâll have you saying âMcDonaldâs who?â
Just be prepared for some messy eating. This burger requires a stack of napkins and zero shame. Embrace the mess, my friends!
Jerk Mushroom Fried Rice
Video Recipe
Got leftover rice? Time for a Caribbean-inspired stir-fry extravaganza!
Sauté up some mushrooms and veggies in jerk seasoning, then toss with day-old rice for that perfect crispy fried rice texture. Add a splash of coconut milk for extra richness.
This is my go-to âclean out the fridgeâ meal. Throw in whatever veggies youâve got lying around â carrots, peas, corn, whatever! Itâs like a delicious game of vegetable roulette.
Bonus points if you serve it in a hollowed-out pineapple. Because why be subtle when you can be fabulous? đâš
Jerk Mushroom Lettuce Wraps
Video Recipe
Last but not least, weâve got these light and refreshing lettuce wraps for when you want that jerk flavor without the heavy carbs.
Sauté up some finely chopped mushrooms with jerk seasoning, then serve in crisp lettuce cups. Top with diced mango and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for some crunch.
These are perfect for those sweltering summer days when you canât bear the thought of turning on the oven. (Or, letâs be real, any form of movement beyond reaching for your mojito.)
I like to set out all the components and let everyone assemble their own wraps. Itâs like a DIY jerk mushroom party in your mouth!
And there you have it, folks! 8 mouthwatering ways to get your jerk mushroom fix. From hearty mains to light appetizers, thereâs a spicy âshroom dish here for every mood and occasion.
Remember, the key to great jerk seasoning is finding the right balance of heat and aromatics. Donât be afraid to adjust the spice level to your liking. (Unless youâre cooking for my Jamaican grandma. Then you better bring the heat or face her disappointment. Trust me, itâs not worth it.)
So what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and start jerkinâ those mushrooms! (I will never get tired of that joke. Sorry not sorry.)
And hey, if you come up with any creative jerk mushroom recipes of your own, hit me up in the comments. Iâm always down to try new flavor combos. Who knows, maybe weâll collaborate on â8 More Spicy Jerk Mushroom Recipesâ next time!
Now if youâll excuse me, all this talk of jerk seasoning has me craving some spicy goodness. Time to raid the fridge for leftover mushrooms. Catch you on the flip side, fellow plant-based food lovers! âïžđđ„