How to Grill Vegetables: Easy method of making grilled vegetables, healthy tips, tasty recipes, and choosing the right vegetables — know how to make delicious and nutritious grilled vegetables at home, that too with restaurant-like taste.
🥦 What are grilled vegetables?
Grilled vegetables are vegetables that are cooked over an open flame or grill. In this process, the vegetables are slightly charred, giving them a distinctive smoky flavour. This enhances both their taste and sweetness.
🥕 Best Vegetables for Grilling
Vegetable | Tip for Grilling |
Bell Peppers | Cut into thick strips or large chunks |
Zucchini/Squash | Slice lengthwise or into rounds |
Mushrooms | Use whole or thick slices |
Corn | Grill with or without husk |
Asparagus | Leave whole, drizzle with olive oil |
Eggplant | Slice thick, salt before grilling |
Onions | Cut into thick rings or wedges |
Tomatoes | Use cherry or roma tomatoes |
Carrots | Blanch thick carrots before grilling |
Broccoli/Cauliflower | Blanch slightly, grill in a basket |
🔥 How to Grill Vegetables? (Step by Step)
1. Choose Fresh Vegetables
Choose colorful, firm, and seasonal vegetables.
2. Cut and prepare the vegetables
• Wash and dry thoroughly.
• Cut into uniform pieces so that all cook evenly.
3. Marinate or season
• Add olive oil.
• Add salt, pepper, garlic, and dried herbs.
• Optional: add lemon juice, soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar.
4. Grill
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 200-230°C).
• Place the vegetables directly on the grill or in a grill basket.
• Grilling time: 5–15 minutes, turning halfway through.
5. Check for doneness
Slight charring, tenderness, and nice grill marks.
🍽️ How to serve?
• As a side dish: with any main course.
• In a salad: with green leafy vegetables or quinoa, brown rice.
• In wraps or sandwiches: as a filling.
• As a kebab: on skewers.
🌱 Health Benefits
• Low in calories
• Rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, K, and minerals
• Good source of antioxidants
• Healthy snack without oil or ghee
• Vegan and gluten-free
🍴 Easy marinades for grilling
Mediterranean style:
• Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano
Asian flavors:
• Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, honey
Hot spices:
• Chili powder, cumin, lemon juice
🔧 Some special tips
• Use a grill basket to prevent small vegetables from falling apart.
• Do not add too much oil, or it will start burning.
• Keep the grill lid closed to ensure even cooking from the inside.
• Let cool for a while after cooking; it will taste better.
• Cook soft and crunchy vegetables together.
🍢 Easy Grilled Vegetable Skewer Recipe
Ingredients:
• Capsicum, mushrooms, zucchini, onions, cherry tomatoes
• Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, chilli
Method:
1. Cut vegetables and thread them onto wooden skewers.
2. Brush olive oil and spices over.
3. Cook on the grill for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. Serve hot — with chutney or dip.
📦 Storage and Leftover Vegetables
• Store in an airtight container, keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Reheat in the oven or in a pan.
• Leftover vegetables can be used in pasta, roti-wraps, or parathas.
💡 Some fun facts
• Grilling brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables.
• Greek civilization also had a tradition of cooking vegetables on stones.
• Grilled vegetables are very popular in BBQ, vegan, Mediterranean, and Mexican cuisine.