Grilled vegetables are a healthy and light alternative to meat and fish. They are rich in vitamins and minerals and simply taste delicious. Whether as a side dish, main course, or snack in between – grilled vegetables are always a treat. In this blog post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about grilling vegetables.
How to grill your favorite vegetables
How to season your grilled vegetables
Which oil grills best?
Which vegetables are suitable for grilling?
Summer is here and grilling season is in full swing! Alongside juicy steaks and flavorful burgers, delicious grilled vegetables are a must. But which vegetables are actually best for grilling?
General rule: The firmer the vegetable, the longer the cooking time.
Direct grilling over the coals for medium-firm vegetables:
- Bell peppers: Cut into strips or halves, drizzle with olive oil, and season.
- Mushrooms: Large mushrooms like champignons or portobello are great for grilling. Clean the mushrooms, brush the underside with olive oil, and season.
- Avocado: Halve the avocados, remove the pit, and drizzle with a little lemon juice. Season the flesh with salt and pepper.
- Eggplants: Slice, drizzle with olive oil, season, and let sit for 15 minutes.
Firm vegetables:
- Sweet potatoes and pumpkin: These vegetables require a longer cooking time. They can either be pre-cooked or cooked over indirect heat on the grill.
- Carrots and beets: Slice, drizzle with olive oil, and season.
- Corn on the cob: Grill with the husk on or remove the kernels and thread them onto skewers.
Soft vegetables:
- Tomatoes: Handle carefully as they can easily fall apart. Either grill briefly or wrap in aluminum foil. Marinate after grilling, as salt should not come into contact with aluminum.
- Zucchini and bell peppers: Cut into slices or strips, drizzle with olive oil, and season.
- Onions: Slice and drizzle with olive oil.
How to grill your favorite vegetables
- Temperature: Grill over medium heat (about 180 to 220 degrees) and use indirect heat. This way, the vegetables cook through without burning.
- Grill time: The grill time varies depending on the type of vegetable and size of the pieces. Below you’ll find some examples:
| Type of vegetable | Preparation | Seasoning | Grill time (at medium heat) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggplant | Cut into slices or cubes | Salt, pepper, olive oil, Herbes de Provence | approx. 5-7 minutes |
| Zucchini | Cut into slices or lengthwise strips | Salt, pepper, olive oil, thyme | approx. 4-5 minutes |
| Bell peppers | Cut in halves or strips | Salt, pepper, olive oil, paprika powder | approx. 3-4 minutes |
| Mushrooms | Clean, halve larger ones | Salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic | approx. 3-4 minutes |
| Onions | Cut into slices | Salt, pepper, olive oil | approx. 2-3 minutes |
| Corn on the cob | Grill with skin on or remove kernels from the cob and skewer | Salt, pepper, butter | approx. 10-15 minutes |
| Carrots | Cut into slices or wedges | Salt, pepper, olive oil, honey | approx. 5-7 minutes |
| Sweet potatoes | Cut into cubes or wedges | Salt, pepper, olive oil, rosemary | approx. 15-20 minutes |
| Beetroot | Pre-cook or wrap in foil | Salt, pepper, olive oil, balsamic vinegar | approx. 10-15 minutes |
| Fennel | Cut into slices or wedges | Salt, pepper, olive oil, fennel | approx. 4-5 minutes |
| Broccoli | Separate florets from the stalk | Salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon juice | approx. 5-7 minutes |
| Asparagus | Trim ends, peel the lower third | Salt, pepper, olive oil, Parmesan | approx. 10-15 minutes |
| Avocado | Halve, remove the pit | Salt, pepper, olive oil, lime juice | approx. 3-4 minutes |
Tip: Cooking times are guidelines and may vary depending on the size and thickness of the vegetables. Turn the vegetables regularly while grilling to ensure even cooking.
This is how to season your grilled vegetables
The right seasoning makes your grilled vegetables really delicious! We'll show you how to perfectly season your vegetables before and after grilling.
Before grilling: Marinade
A marinade gives your grilled vegetables a great flavor and keeps them juicy. You can use ready-made marinades or create your own.
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp dried herbs (e.g., oregano, thyme, rosemary)
- Stir all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Add the vegetables of your choice to the marinade and mix well.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
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You can refine the marinade to your taste. For example, garlic, chili, or honey also go well with it.
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Make sure the vegetables are well coated with the marinade.
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The marinade can also be used to season the grilled vegetables further.
After grilling:
With a few extra spices, you can give your grilled vegetables that final touch.
- Grill butter: Combine soft butter with fresh herbs, garlic, and a bit of salt.
- Herb salt: Mix salt with dried herbs of your choice.
Variations:
- Asian: Sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, and chili
- Mediterranean: Olive oil, lemon juice, herbs de Provence
- Oriental: Ras el hanout, cumin, cinnamon
- Indian: Curry powder, garam masala, coriander
Which oil grills best?
Choosing the right oil is crucial when grilling, as it significantly affects the taste and quality of your grilled food.
What to watch out for:
- Smoke point: Use an oil with a high smoke point. This means the oil won’t burn when heated and won’t release harmful substances.
- Flavor: Choose an oil that complements your grill food well.
Suitable oils for grilling:
- Rapeseed oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, ideal for preparing meat and vegetables.
- Sunflower oil: Also a neutral oil with a high smoke point, suitable for meat, fish, and vegetables.
- Olive oil: Olive oil has a Mediterranean flavor that goes well with grilled vegetables and fish. However, be sure to choose an olive oil with a high smoke point, as extra virgin olive oil has a low smoke point.
- Peanut oil: A neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, great for meat, fish, and vegetables.
- Light sesame oil: This oil has a slightly nutty flavor and pairs well with Asian grilled dishes. Just make sure to use light sesame oil, as dark sesame oil has a low smoke point.
From grilled vegetables to BBQ desserts – the possibilities are endless! Check out our other posts and discover even more delicious ideas for your next grill party:
Christmas by the open fire: Festive recipes for Dutch Oven & Co.
Winter grilling: Tips and recipes
The best grill recipes: From savory to sweet
Grilling steak - How to achieve the perfect steak from the grill
