Five of the Best Vegetables For Grilling

best vegetables for grilling

Vegetables that grill well can be the real star of any cookout. In fact, they can be sleeper hits! Here are five of the best vegetables to grill. You may be surprised at what your guests will not know! Grilled vegetables are easy to prepare and are a tasty and healthy alternative to fatty burgers. Read on for more! Weigh out the pros and cons of each vegetable before you start grilling it.

Artichokes

When you prepare artichokes for grilling, you’ll need to gently steam them first. Although artichokes can be tough, steaming them first will make them pliable. Steam them either on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker. While steaming, you should rub the cut side with infused oil. Then, grill them for about ten minutes to develop their flavor.

Before you grill artichokes, you’ll want to choose the best type for your cooking needs. Look for artichokes that are medium to large, heavy for their size, and squeak when squeezed. They should also have tiny thorns on their petals. Without thorns, artichokes will be smaller and less meaty. They won’t be as enjoyable to eat.

First, wash the artichokes well and trim the top 1/3. Remove the choke, if any. Next, slice them in half, lengthwise, and discard the stems. To make them easier to peel, cut them in half and scrape the choke out with a small spoon. Place the artichokes in a large saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook them for about 10 minutes, checking to see if they are tender. After cooking, drizzle the artichokes with olive oil or lemon juice.

While barbecue pros discourage parboiling meat, this process can make some vegetables easier to cook. When you use a marinated oil, you can also use it to cook other ingredients. This method will reduce the amount of oil you waste and will make vegetables taste better. Once grilled, artichokes are the most delicious vegetables for grilling. The extra marinated oil will enhance the flavor of the veggies and make them a sleeper hit at your cookout.

Grilled Artichoke Recipe

Grilled artichokes make for a delicious and flavorful appetizer or side dish. Here’s a simple guide on how to prepare and grill artichokes:

Ingredients

  • Fresh artichokes (as many as you need)
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice (for flavor and to prevent browning)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Garlic cloves (optional, minced for added flavor)
  • Your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., aioli, melted butter, or balsamic vinaigrette)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Artichokes
    • Start by preparing the artichokes. Cut off the top third of the artichoke to remove the spiky tips. Trim the stem, leaving about half an inch attached to the base. Trim any small, tough leaves from the bottom.
  2. Steam the Artichokes (Optional)
    • To ensure the artichokes cook evenly, you can choose to steam them briefly before grilling. Place the trimmed artichokes in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for about 20-30 minutes or until they begin to soften. This step is optional but can help speed up the grilling process.
  3. Prepare the Dipping Sauce
    • While the artichokes are steaming, you can prepare your favorite dipping sauce. Common choices include aioli, melted butter with garlic, balsamic vinaigrette, or any other sauce you prefer.
  4. Cut in Half
    • Cut the artichokes in half lengthwise. If they are too tough, you can use a spoon to scoop out the fuzzy choke in the center.
  5. Season and Preheat the Grill
    • Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the cut side of the artichokes. Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic if desired. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C).
  6. Grill the Artichokes
    • Place the artichoke halves on the grill, cut side down. Grill for about 5-7 minutes or until they develop grill marks and the cut side is nicely caramelized. Check them frequently to avoid burning.
  7. Flip and Continue Grilling
    • Flip the artichoke halves over to grill the other side for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and cooked through. The artichokes should be easily pierced with a fork.
  8. Serve and Enjoy
    • Remove the grilled artichokes from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve them hot with your prepared dipping sauce. You can also squeeze additional lemon juice over the top for added zest if desired.

Grilled artichokes are a delicious and visually appealing appetizer or side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. They are a perfect addition to your summer grill menu or a great way to enjoy artichokes in a unique and tasty way.

Peppers

When it comes to grilling, bell peppers are a great choice. They have a high level of antioxidants and can be used to make delicious dips. You can also add them to scrambled eggs and omelets, or add them to your favorite sandwich. Hummus and peppers go great together! To prepare peppers for grilling, cut them in half or quarters, and remove the seeds.

Before grilling, make sure to clean the grates and your peppers so that the char will be clean. You can do this with a grill brush, a halved onion, or a ball of tin foil. Then, brush the grill with oil so that your vegetables char without sticking. This method will ensure that your peppers get a nice char and not stick. You can also brush the grill with olive oil before cooking.

If you want to avoid skinning, you can always wrap them in aluminum foil or a paper bag to keep them moist and remove the skins easily. Once they are grilled, you can drizzle the peppers with extra virgin olive oil and season them right before serving. You can also use these peppers in a variety of ways, including salads and vegetables. You can prepare them in different ways, depending on the type and flavor you prefer.

Grilled Bell Peppers Recipe

Grilled bell peppers are a simple and flavorful addition to a variety of dishes. Here’s a basic recipe for grilled bell peppers:

Ingredients

  • Bell peppers (any color you prefer)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, smoked paprika, or crushed red pepper flakes)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Bell Peppers
    • Wash the bell peppers thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut off the tops, remove the seeds, and cut each pepper into quarters or halves, depending on your preference.
  2. Preheat the Grill
    • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-200°C). Ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
  3. Season the Peppers
    • Drizzle the pepper quarters with olive oil to coat them lightly. Season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
  4. Grill the Bell Peppers
    • Place the seasoned pepper quarters on the grill grates. Grill them with the skin-side down to start. This allows the skin to char and become easier to peel. Grill for about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Flip and Grill the Other Side
    • Carefully flip the pepper quarters using tongs. Grill the other side for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the peppers are tender and have grill marks.
  6. Remove and Cool
    • Once the bell peppers are nicely charred and tender, remove them from the grill. Place them in a bowl or on a plate, and cover them with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. This helps steam the peppers, making it easier to remove the skin.
  7. Peel the Peppers (Optional)
    • After about 10 minutes, the peppers will have cooled enough for you to handle. Peel off the charred skin. If the skin doesn’t come off easily, you can use a knife or the edge of a spoon to scrape it away.
  8. Slice or Serve Whole
    • Slice the grilled bell peppers into strips, or leave them whole if you prefer. They are now ready to be used in various dishes or served as a side.

Grilled bell peppers are incredibly versatile and can be used in salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or as a side dish on their own. They add a smoky sweetness and vibrant color to your meals. Enjoy your grilled bell peppers as part of your next barbecue or summer gathering!

Onions

Onions are the most versatile vegetables to grill, and they have a rich charred flavor that pairs well with grilled meat. You can grill onions whole or slice them into half-inch rounds. They can be thrown into foil packs with other vegetables to grill on the grill. Squash is an excellent option for grilling, but be careful not to overcook it, as it has a high water content. Similarly, potatoes can be chopped into 1/2-inch cubes, but should not be overcooked.

Onions pair well with other grilled vegetables, including tomatoes, squash, and zucchini. Portobellos and mushrooms pair well with onions. Similarly, green beans, carrots, and cabbage wedges work well on the grill. Additionally, pineapple pairs well with onions. There are many other vegetables that pair well with onions on the grill, so you don’t have to limit your options! And that’s not all! You can even grill bok choy, which is a new twist on the traditional onion.

Onions can be grilled whole, in wedges, or cut into slices. Onions can be cooked for anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes, depending on their size and shape. The longer they cook, the more caramelized they will become. Grilled onions are also great additions to burgers. But they require a little more time than other vegetables. And, don’t forget to season them well! A few sprigs of fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of salt are all you need to grill onions without burning them!

Grilled Onion Recipe

Grilled onions are a fantastic accompaniment to a variety of dishes, adding a sweet, smoky flavor to your meals. Here’s a simple recipe for grilled onions:

Ingredients

  • Onions (white, red, or yellow)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, dried herbs, or balsamic vinegar)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Onions
    • Start by peeling the onions and cutting off the tops and bottoms. Then slice them into rounds or wedges, depending on your preference. Thicker slices or wedges work well for grilling.
  2. Preheat the Grill
    • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
  3. Season the Onions
    • Drizzle the onion slices or wedges with olive oil to coat them lightly. Season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings, like garlic powder, dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
  4. Grill the Onions
    • Place the seasoned onion slices or wedges directly on the grill grates. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they have grill marks and are tender.
  5. Flip and Grill the Other Side
    • Carefully flip the onions using a spatula or tongs. Grill the other side for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the onions are tender and have grill marks.
  6. Remove and Serve
    • Once the grilled onions are caramelized and tender, remove them from the grill. They are now ready to serve as a side dish, topping for burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches, or as a complement to other grilled vegetables.

Grilled onions add a savory, smoky flavor to your dishes and are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as a side, in sandwiches, or alongside grilled meats. Get creative with seasonings and use them to enhance the flavors of your favorite recipes. Enjoy your grilled onions!

Cauliflower

One of the easiest and most delicious ways to prepare cauliflower is to grill it. Before you begin, make sure the grill is preheated. Cut the cauliflower into steaks. They will be full of random small pieces. Place them in the grill basket, and then cover with foil. Cook for about 20 minutes. Before you flip the cauliflower, make sure to preheat the grill. Grilling cauliflower will result in a tender and flavorful side dish.

Cauliflower can be grilled whole or cut into steaks. You can add some chopped cilantro and grated parmesan cheese on top. Cauliflower can also be grilled in a stovetop grill pan. A pot of barbecue sauce should be on the grill so it can be brushed onto the vegetables. This is an excellent way to keep the vegetable from sticking to the grill rack. After grilling, you can serve it with a side salad or a cup of soup.

In addition to being tasty, cauliflower is also very nutritious. It has 75% of your daily vitamin C target, which is necessary for immune system support, DNA repair, collagen production, and serotonin production. Moreover, it also contains 20% of your daily vitamin K target, which is vital for the formation of bones. For this reason, you should grill cauliflower regularly. But before grilling it, make sure to check if it is fully cooked before serving it to your family.

Grilled Cauliflower Recipe

Grilled cauliflower is a tasty and healthy side dish that’s easy to make. Here’s a simple recipe for grilled cauliflower:

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Your choice of seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, paprika, or lemon zest)
  • Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary, or parsley) for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Cauliflower
    • Begin by cutting the cauliflower into florets. You can remove the leaves and tough stem at the base of the cauliflower. Aim for florets of a similar size so they cook evenly.
  2. Preheat the Grill
    • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-200°C). Ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
  3. Season the Cauliflower
    • Drizzle the cauliflower florets with olive oil to coat them lightly. Season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or lemon zest to enhance the flavor. Toss the cauliflower to ensure even coating.
  4. Grill the Cauliflower
    • Place the seasoned cauliflower florets directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are tender and have grill marks. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
  5. Flip and Grill the Other Side
    • Carefully flip the cauliflower florets using a spatula or tongs. Grill the other side for an additional 5-7 minutes until they are tender and have grill marks.
  6. Garnish and Serve
    • Once the grilled cauliflower is tender and slightly caramelized, remove them from the grill. You can garnish with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley, if desired. Serve hot as a side dish or enjoy them as a healthy snack.

Grilled cauliflower is a delicious and versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Experiment with different seasonings and spices to create your preferred flavor profile. It’s a great addition to your grilled menu and a wonderful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.

Zucchini

The best vegetable for grilling is zucchini, but there are other options as well. It cooks up easily on a grill skewer and only needs about 10 to 15 minutes of direct heat to be tender. Similar cooking times apply to meats and other vegetables. When choosing zucchini for grilling, look for the following qualities: size, color, and stem. These traits will help the zucchini last longer on the grill.

Wash and cut zucchini. Slice zucchini about 7mm thick. Slice zucchini with a chef’s knife, or use a mandoline slicer to make them thinly sliced. Place the slices in a single layer on the grill. Grill the zucchini slices for 3 minutes on one side, then for a further three minutes on the other. It should be tender and juicy when done. It should be tender, but not falling off the skewer.

Select the zucchini with a smooth, dark green skin. Slice the zucchini and rub it with olive oil for a crisp texture. Use a few drops of extra virgin olive oil to brush the zucchini slices. This oil is rich in flavor and has a higher smoke point than olive oil. Add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for an extra flavor boost and a caramelization effect. Use less salt when grilling zucchini.

Grilled Zucchini Recipe

Grilled zucchini is a flavorful and healthy side dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Here’s a simple recipe for grilled zucchini:

Ingredients

  • Zucchini (as many as you need)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, lemon zest, or dried herbs like thyme or oregano)
  • Fresh herbs (e.g., basil, parsley, or mint) for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Zucchini
    • Start by washing the zucchini and patting them dry. Cut off the tops and bottoms of the zucchini. You can then slice them into rounds or lengthwise into spears, depending on your preference.
  2. Preheat the Grill
    • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
  3. Season the Zucchini
    • Drizzle the zucchini slices or spears with olive oil to coat them lightly. Season with salt and pepper. You can also add optional seasonings like garlic powder, lemon zest, or dried herbs for extra flavor. Toss the zucchini to ensure even coating.
  4. Grill the Zucchini
    • Place the seasoned zucchini directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 2-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop grill marks and are tender but still slightly crisp.
  5. Flip and Grill the Other Side
    • Carefully flip the zucchini slices or spears using a spatula or tongs. Grill the other side for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until they are tender and have grill marks.
  6. Garnish and Serve
    • Once the grilled zucchini is tender and slightly caramelized, remove them from the grill. You can garnish them with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or mint, if desired. Serve hot as a side dish.

Grilled zucchini is a delicious and versatile side that pairs well with a variety of main courses. The smoky flavor from the grill enhances the zucchini’s natural sweetness, making it a tasty and healthy addition to your meal. Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to create your desired flavor profile. Enjoy your grilled zucchini!

Read more great BBQ articles at Bob’s BBQ Secrets

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