Don’t get me wrong, veggie patties can be quite mouthwatering.

Hearty black bean burgers and well-seasoned soy patties do have a special place in my heart. (Please, hold back the snickering.)

But sometimes I want something a little different.

No no, not beef.

I’m talking about a juicy grilled portobello mushroom!

Even if you’re a mushroom hater, once you sink your teeth into this meat-free burger all of those mushroom hating thoughts will dissipate, never to return again.

Really, it’s true.

I used to be one of those tools who picked out all of the mushrooms from my curry/stir-fry/pasta and shoved them to the very edge of my plate.

I’ll admit, occasionally I fall back to my old ways and reject all ill-prepared flavorless shrooms that make their way into my dinner.

But everyone knows, grilling transforms pretty much any edible solid substance into guaranteed deliciousness.

Including large mushrooms.

(And cheese and fruit, but we’ll save that for another day.)

So, all you have to do to prepare a quick and easy meatless burger is…

Marinate your shroom in a bit of balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, give your mushroom a few minutes of grill time, melt a fat slice of provolone cheese on there (if you’re into the cheese scene), then smother your shroom with sweet caramelized onions before topping it off with a couple slices of summery vine tomatoes and crisp red leaf lettuce. A perfectly toasted whole grain bun slathered in creamy vegan mayo holds all of this flavorfulness together.

P.S. Don’t forget to season your marinade and your tomatoes! A little salt and fresh ground black pepper will do.

P.P.S. You could use fresh spinach, mixed greens, or even arugula in place of the red leaf lettuce.

P.P.P.S. Feel free to experiment with your cheeses. Vegans, this burger is pretty darn tasty without the cheese, so don’t feel too left out.

P.P.P.P.S. You can’t see much of the caramelized onions in the photo, but I promise they’re in there.