How to Grill Veggies Properly for Tender Results Every Time
It's so easy to grill veggies, and they're so delicious! Smoky heat does incredible things to vegetables, and we're always more excited to add asparagus, corn, zucchini, and more to our plates. Especially when we see those gorgeous grill marks. We've included tips below for how to grill vegetables, like peppers, mushrooms, eggplants, and onions, so you can serve them on the side of your summer cookouts or add smoky flavor to veggie sides. We included specific prepping and grilling instructions for each veggie, but to cook each one evenly without charring, keep the grill heat to medium.
An easy way to tell your grill is heated to medium: You should be able to hold your hand above the coals for 4 seconds before pulling it away.
How to Grill Vegetables
Prep and follow the chart below to know how long to grill vegetables so they turn out perfectly tender every time. But before you start grilling vegetables, wash and dry them thoroughly, then toss them in oil to prevent sticking. Make sure to grill veggies covered and check for doneness every 5 minutes.
How to Grill More Than One Type of Vegetable a Time
You can grill any vegetable combination you can imagine, but it's easier if the vegetables have similar cooking times. If timing varies, start the longer-cooking veggies first, then add the quicker-cooking veggies. For example, if you're cooking asparagus and carrots together, put your asparagus on the grill, then add the carrots after 4 minutes (or when there's about 3-5 minutes left on the cook time for the asparagus).
Some veggies need a jump start so they grill evenly. If the chart recommends precooking the veggies for grilling, bring a small amount of water to boiling in a saucepan. Add desired vegetables and simmer, covered, for the time specified. Drain well. Generously brush vegetables with olive oil or melted butter before grilling to prevent sticking.
How to Grill Veggies on the Grill in Foil
Grilling in foil packets is one of our favorite ways to grill fresh veggies. But remember, a foil pack cooks with steam, so it's important to create a tightly sealed pouch. Otherwise, the tasty juices will bubble away, leaving food to dry out or burn.
- Place a 36x18-inch piece of foil on your work surface and fold it in half to make an 18-inch square. Arrange veggies in the center of the square, leaving enough room around the edges to fold over the foil.
- Fold opposite sides to meet in the middle snugly against the vegetables. Fold the edges together several times to make a tight seam.
- Fold the packet ends, rolling the foil tightly. Toss the packet onto the grill immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
For a unique taste, try adding a spoonful of our favorite flavor boosters: Beer, soy sauce, white wine, apple juice, red pepper sauce, or chicken broth.
Using Grill Baskets to Grill Vegetables
Using a grilled veggie basket is one of our favorite ways to cook veggies on the grill. They come in handy when you want to grill a combination of vegetables or if you simply don't want to risk losing veggies through the grates of your grill.
The Test Kitchen prefers perforated grill baskets ($21, Amazon). Perforated baskets with low sides are available in various shapes and sizes, making it easy to flip and turn ingredients.
How to Grill Vegetable Kabobs
Skewer up some veggie kabobs to cook a variety of vegetables. To make grilled vegetable skewers, slide cut veggies or whole smaller vegetables (like cherry tomatoes and small mushrooms) onto soaked bamboo skewers, or metal skewers. It's important to soak bamboo skewers so they don't catch on fire in the grill. Grill directly over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until veggies are browned and tender.
Grilling vegetables is a great way to ensure you've got a serving of veggies on your plate at summer barbecues and cookouts. During the rest of the year, you can get your veggies crisp-tender in a similar way (minus the smoky flavor) by learning how to roast vegetables. Between grilling and roasting, you'll easily be able to keep veggie side dishes that everyone in your family will eat included on the table year-round.