Do you remember what they always say? Eat the rainbow.
Many times when we fire up the grill we focus on the meat.
There are tons of jokes about the man getting all the credit for the meal, although the woman did all the sides. I am guilty of this one also,
When we grill we tend to forget that. However, we can do that easily by adding some easy to grill vegetables to our menus
“Grilling vegetables is a great and easy way to add flavor, texture, and healthy options to your summertime meals and take some cooking out of your wife hands.”
I have heard many people say that it is hard to grill vegetables. However, I tried it and it is easier than you might think.
I did some reading, and here is a step-by-step guide to beginning with grilling vegetables.
Steps To Take To Easily Grilling Vegetables
Prep your vegetables
Start by preparing your vegetables for the grill. Slice them into rounds, wedges, or long strips, depending on the shape and size of the vegetable.
Leave some vegetables whole, like corn on the cob or whole small potatoes.
Preheat the grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
If you’re using a gas grill, set it to 375-400°F. If you’re using a charcoal grill, light the coals and let them burn down until they’re covered in a layer of white ash.
Season and oil the vegetables
Place the vegetables in a bowl or on a plate and season them with your desired seasoning.
You can use a mix of salt, pepper, and olive oil, or if you are more adventurous, you can mix up a more complex marinade.
You can also toss the vegetables with just a little bit of oil to help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the grill grates.
TIP: Just remember not to add too many liquids. This will make the veggies soggy.
Grill the vegetables
Place the vegetables on the grill grates and grill them until they’re tender and slightly charred. Try not to burn them this will make them not pleasant to eat.
The cooking time is very depending on the type of vegetable and the size of the slices.
It is my experience that most vegetables will take about 5-10 minutes per side.
As I mentioned before be sure to flip the vegetables occasionally and move them around the grill to ensure that they cook evenly and do not burn
Remove the vegetables from the grill
Use a pair of tongs or a spatula to remove the vegetables from the grill.
Place them on a serving platter or on individual plates and serve them immediately.
Additional Tips For Grilling Vegetables
Now you have the basics on grilling vegetables I have some more easy tips for you.
Choose vegetables that are in season
In-season vegetables are at their peak flavor and texture, so they’ll be more enjoyable on the grill. Plus they are cheaper in most cases.
Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces
To avoid some pieces being under or overcooked it is best to cut the veggies in similar sized pieces.
This will also help with timing when the veggies are done.
Use a grill basket, grill mat, or a sheet of foil
If you’re grilling small or delicate vegetables like cherry tomatoes or asparagus, it can be helpful to use a grilling basket or a sheet of foil to hold them in place and prevent them from falling through the grill grates. Been there done that.
Experiment with different seasonings and marinades
There are endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning and marinating your grilled vegetables. Try using different herbs, spices, oils, and kinds of vinegar to create your own unique flavor combine.
Grilling Vegetables – Summary
Grilling vegetables is not as hard as many of us think. It is an easy way to add delicious eat-the-rainbow health options and add some variety to your summertime meals.
With a little bit of prep and the basic grilling skills that you have already, you’ll be well on your way to cooking up a tasty and healthy barbecue.
What are easy vegetables to grill?
5 Easy To Grill Veggies
There are vegetables that are easy to grill and I suggest to start with those. I did that to get some more experience with grilling veggies.
You can find them here including some extra tips.
Corn
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic summer favorite that you can’t go wrong with. Simply remove the husks, brush the corn with olive oil, and grill until it’s lightly charred and tender.
TIP: You can also add some seasoning or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers, green, red or yellow are tasty, and add a pop of color to any grill. Cut them into large, flat pieces, remove the seeds, brush with oil, and grill until they become slightly charred and softened.
TIP: Grilled bell peppers are great on their own as a side dish or as a topping for sandwiches and salads.
Zucchini and Squash
Zucchini or Squash is a delicious and easy vegetable to grill. Slice it lengthwise into thin strips or slice them round, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until tender with grill marks.
TIP: Grilled zucchini makes a tasty addition to pasta dishes, wraps, or can be enjoyed as a standalone side.
Asparagus
Asparagus spears grill up beautifully and offer a unique flavor.
TIP: Trim the woody ends, coat with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill them over medium heat until they become slightly charred and tender.
TIP: Grilled asparagus is an excellent side dish or a flavorful addition to salads.
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms, one of my favortes, are a fantastic vegetarian option for grilling.
Remove the stems, brush the caps with oil or marinade, and grill them gill side down until they become tender and juicy.
TIP: Grilled portobello mushrooms can also be served as a burger substitute, sliced and added to sandwiches, or used as a hearty topping for salads.
These 5 vegetables are easy to find, especially in the summer time, and can enhance any barbecue or outdoor cooking experience.
Try experimenting with different seasonings and combinations to find your preferred taste.
I am testing grilling vegetable on a flat top grill and will add my findings here soon.
If you have tried grilling veggies on a pellet grill I would like to know how that turned out.
Robert Chill
Robert Chill loves to cook on BBQs and grills and uses all types of recipes and techniques to cook some awesome food. With his experience, he can share many reviews, tips, and ideas on how to use any grill. You can read more about him here