Portabella Sandwiches with Umami Sauce

Umami is the Japanese term for deliciousness. The umami flavor in certain foods comes from glutamic acid, an amino acid associated with savory or meaty flavors. Mushrooms contain a significant amount of glutamic acid and are considered an umami-rich food. Other umami-rich foods include tomatoes, aged cheeses like Parmeggiano Reggiano, and fermented foods like fish sauce and soy sauce. This recipe aggregates a number of umami-rich foods to create a savory, meat-free sandwich.

Portabella Sandwiches with Umami Sauce

portabella mushrooms
Serves 4
Ingredients:
  • For umami sauce
    • ¼ cup mayonnaise
    • 1 ½ teaspoons reduced sodium or “lite” soy sauce
    • ½ teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
  • For caramelized onions
    • 1 medium white or yellow onion, sliced
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • For portabella mushrooms
    • 4 large portabella mushroom caps, stems removed
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 3 teaspoons reduced sodium or “lite” soy sauce
    • 3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
    • 4 whole grain rolls, toasted or warmed on the grill
Preparation:
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high.
  2. In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, soy sauce, and mustard. Set aside
  3. In a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat combine the onions and olive oil. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until onions are brown and have developed caramelized flavor. Add the thyme, cook for additional 30 seconds, remove from heat, and set aside
  4. Brush the portabella mushroom caps with olive oil on both sides. Grill 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until tender.
  5. Assemble your sandwiches by placing a mushroom cap on the bottom of each bun. Top the mushroom with about ¼ cup caramelized onions and 1 tablespoon of the umami sauce. Place the top bun on each sandwich and serve.

Nutrition facts:

Per 1/4 of recipe 280 calories 6 grams of protein 24 grams of carbohydrates 4 grams of fiber 450 milligrams of sodium 450 milligrams of potassium 18 grams of fat ( 3 grams of saturated fat 8 grams of monounsaturated fat 7 grams of polyunsaturated fat ) 5 milligrams of cholesterol

Terms of Use

The contents of this website are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The Nutrition Source does not recommend or endorse any products.