Grilled Halloumi & Portobello "Steaks" with Smashed Avocado & Chili-Lime Rum Glaze

 As "vegetarian BBQ mains" searches surge 120% and "halloumi burger recipes" trend on TikTok, this dish redefines meatless grilling with smoky portobellos, seared halloumi, and rum-kissed glaze. Perfect for summer entertaining or tropical-themed cookouts, it delivers bold textures in under 30 minutes.  

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the "Steaks":

• 4 large portobello mushrooms (stems removed)
• 8 oz halloumi cheese (cut into ½-inch slices)
• 3 tbsp balsamic glaze
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder

For the Smashed Avocado:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 jalapeño (finely diced)
• ¼ cup red onion (minced)
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)

For the Chili-Lime Rum Glaze:

• ¼ cup dark rum
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 garlic clove (grated)

Assembly:

• 4 brioche buns (toasted)
• Quick-pickled red cabbage
• Microgreens

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate Mushrooms
Whisk balsamic glaze, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Brush portobello caps generously. Marinate 10 minutes while preheating grill to 425°F.

2. Sear Halloumi
Pat halloumi slices dry. Grill over direct heat for 90 seconds per side until golden grill marks form. Transfer to indirect zone.

3. Char Portobellos
Place mushrooms gill-side down on grill. Cook 4 minutes. Flip and brush with reserved marinade. Cook 3 more minutes until tender.

4. Craft Glaze & Avocado
Simmer rum, honey, lime juice, chili flakes, and garlic until syrupy (4 minutes). Meanwhile, smash avocados with jalapeño, red onion, lime zest/juice, and cilantro.

5. Assemble Burgers
Spread smashed avocado on bun bases. Top with portobello, halloumi, pickled cabbage, and microgreens. Drizzle with warm glaze.

Pro Tips for Flawless Execution

• Halloumi Hack: Freeze slices for 20 minutes pre-grill for extra caramelization
• Mushroom Trick: Scrape gills with spoon to prevent bitterness
• Glaze Safety: Remove pan from heat before adding rum to avoid flare-ups
• Avocado Hold: Press plastic wrap directly on surface to prevent browning

Vegetarian Grilling Perfected with Take Fire

Our Ceramic Grill Mats prevent delicate halloumi from sticking while creating perfect char marks. The Adjustable Grill Basket secures portobellos during flipping, and Infrared Side Burners give precise control for reducing glazes without scorching.

Discover Plant-Powered Kits:
🌐 Explore the Mediterranean Vegetarian Bundle at www.tfgogogo.com – includes halloumi press and smoke-free chips
🛒 Shop the Amazon Top Rated Grill Set for essential tools: Take Fire Store

Join the #TakeFire Green Grill Society:
• Access virtual classes with award-winning vegetarian chefs
• Get seasonal plant-based recipe drops
• Download the "5-Step Smoke-Free Flavor" guide

Adventure Awaits. Fuel It. 🥑🔥