Grilling isn’t just for meat lovers! There are plenty of delicious vegetarian options that can light up your barbecue. Here are three diverse and practical examples of vegetarian grilling recipes that are sure to impress everyone at your next cookout.
Grilled vegetable skewers are a colorful and tasty addition to any barbecue. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for a larger gathering. You can customize the veggies based on what’s in season or your personal preferences.
To make these skewers, gather a mix of your favorite vegetables. Great options include bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and red onions. Cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the vegetables onto the skewers, alternating colors for a vibrant look. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like oregano or thyme.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the veggies are tender and have nice grill marks.
Notes/Variations: Add tofu or halloumi cheese for extra protein. You can also marinate the vegetables in balsamic vinegar for added flavor before grilling.
Portobello mushrooms are a fantastic meat substitute due to their meaty texture and umami flavor. These grilled Portobello burgers are perfect for summer barbecues and are sure to satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Start by marinating large Portobello caps in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt for at least 30 minutes. This will enhance the flavor and help tenderize the mushrooms.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the marinated mushrooms on the grill, gill-side down, and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Flip them over and add slices of cheese on top (like mozzarella or cheddar) for the last minute of cooking until melted.
Serve the grilled Portobello caps on whole-grain buns with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, and a flavorful sauce like pesto or aioli.
Notes/Variations: You can add grilled onions or sautéed spinach as extra toppings. For a spicier kick, try adding jalapeños or a spicy mayo.
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic summer side that everyone loves. Adding a homemade herb butter elevates this simple dish to something special. This recipe showcases how easy it is to prepare a delicious vegetarian treat on the grill.
Start by soaking the corn (in the husk) in cold water for about 30 minutes. This keeps the corn moist while grilling. While the corn is soaking, prepare your herb butter by mixing softened butter with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and basil, along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the soaked corn directly on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
Once cooked, carefully peel back the husks and slather the corn with the herb butter while it’s still hot. The butter will melt beautifully and infuse the corn with flavor.
Notes/Variations: Try adding lime juice or chili powder to the herb butter for a zesty twist. You can also wrap the corn in foil before grilling for a different texture.
These examples of vegetarian grilling recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures that are sure to please any crowd. Happy grilling!