Everyone knows that vegetables are important to a healthy, balanced diet. However, for picky eaters or those who don’t love the taste of veggies, including these nutrient-dense foods in your diet can be challenging.
What if you’re still looking for that perfect cooking technique that makes vegetables tolerable and delicious? For many, grilling vegetables is a preferred method for that smoky flavor and inviting texture, especially during the summertime. Grilled vegetables are an easy side dish for various meals and can also be enjoyed on their own!
Our team at Farm Fresh Meals put together this ultimate guide to grilling vegetables so you can easily prepare your favorite veggies all year round.
How Do I Grill Vegetables?
As you’re figuring out how to grill vegetables, you’ll probably find it difficult to pinpoint a vegetable that doesn’t taste delicious after some time on the grill. Some favorites include:
- Broccoli
- Bell peppers
- Asparagus
- Mushrooms
- Cauliflower
- Corn on the cob
If your prepped veggies are too small to lay directly on the grill, you can always use tin foil as a buffer. However, this method may prevent them from getting that nice char from the grill flames.
Preparing Vegetables for Grilling
To prepare your veggies for the grill, cut them into large pieces and coat them with olive oil and seasonings to maximize flavor. Avoid using marinades that contain vinegar or citrus, as these compounds can prevent your vegetables from crisping up properly during grilling.
If your veggies of choice have seeds and stems, make sure to remove them before grilling. Additionally, remove the silk from corn on the cob and the bottom ends of the stalks from broccoli, asparagus, and cauliflower.
Most veggies grill well in long strip pieces roughly ½ to 1 inch thick, as pieces that are any smaller might char too quickly.
How Long Should My Vegetables Cook?
Grilling times vary depending on how thick your vegetable pieces are and how hot your grill is. Hotter grills will create more char on the outsides, and likely won’t take more than five to ten minutes to finish. If you can, close your grill top to simulate an oven environment to ensure the insides of your veggies cook too.
This is a general guide to grilling vegetables, so however large you make your pieces and whatever your grill temperature might be, it’s important to keep a close eye on your veggies the first few times you grill to make sure you don’t overcook them.
How to Grill Vegetables to Perfection: Quick Tips
Try to make your veggies as similar in size as you can to avoid any overcooking or undercooking within a single batch. Additionally, get to know your grill and which parts are hotter than others.
To get an even cook, move your vegetables around as you grill, so they don’t burn in one spot and aren’t undercooked inside.
Don’t care to be a grilling master and prefer someone to cook for you? With Farm Fresh Meals, you can order your favorite meals a la carte or in a bundle with Subscribe & Save. Check out our menu today!