Description

These Miso Mushroom & Halloumi Burgers are a delightful vegetarian twist on classic burgers, featuring savory miso-butter glazed portobello mushrooms, grilled red onion slices, and perfectly charred halloumi cheese. Served with fresh tomatoes, peppery rocket leaves, and your choice of burger sauce in lightly toasted buns, this recipe offers a deliciously smoky, umami-packed meal perfect for summer barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale

Miso Butter

100g softened butter
2 tbsp white miso paste
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 large garlic clove, grated

Main Ingredients

4 large portobello mushrooms, stalks removed
1 large red onion, cut into 4 thick slices
250g block halloumi, cut into 8 thick slices
4 burger buns, split
2 tomatoes, sliced
4 handfuls of rocket or other peppery leaves
Burger sauce of your choice, to serve

Instructions

Prepare the Miso Butter: In a small bowl, beat together the softened butter, white miso paste, light soy sauce, and grated garlic until smooth and well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Preheat the Barbecue: Light the barbecue and wait until the coals are ashen. Arrange the coals to have two heat zones: one hotter side with concentrated coals and one cooler side for gentle warming.
Grill the Mushrooms and Onions: Brush the portobello mushrooms and thick red onion slices generously with some of the miso butter. Place them on the hotter side of the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning and basting occasionally. When turning the onions, use a spatula carefully to keep the slices intact. Cook until the vegetables are softened and charred, then move them to the cooler side of the grill to keep warm while occasionally basting with remaining butter.
Cook the Halloumi: Place the thick halloumi slices directly on the grill over the hotter side. Grill until they develop a golden-brown crust and slight charring, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Toast the Buns: Brush the cut sides of the burger buns with the remaining miso butter. Toast them on the grill until lightly browned and crisp.
Assemble the Burgers: Layer the grilled mushrooms, onions, halloumi, tomato slices, and rocket leaves into the toasted buns. Add your preferred burger sauce to finish and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

You can substitute portobello mushrooms with large button mushrooms if preferred, but portobellos provide a meatier texture.
For a vegan version, replace halloumi and butter with plant-based alternatives and use miso-based vegan margarine.
Use a spatula carefully when flipping onions to keep the slices intact and prevent separation into rings.
Adjust the amount of burger sauce to suit your taste; a spicy mayo or smoky BBQ sauce pairs well.
Ensure the grill is properly preheated for effective charring and flavor development.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Fusion

Keywords: Miso mushroom burger, halloumi burger, vegetarian BBQ, grilled mushroom burger, miso butter, summer grilling, halloumi cheese, portobello mushrooms