Grilling is a great way to enjoy the summer season and cook delicious meals for your family and friends.

While many people think of grilling as a meat-centric activity, there are plenty of ways to make vegetables the star of the show.

In fact, grilling can help bring out the natural flavors of vegetables and make them even more delicious.

Here are some of the best tips and tricks for grilling vegetables.

But first, I want to talk about an important topic: why grilled vegetables don’t turn out good on the grill.

Common reasons why grilled vegetables aren’t tasty

Sometimes grilled veggies can be very mushy and here’s the reason why:

1. Not pre-cooking the vegetables: Many vegetables are best if they are partially cooked before being placed on the grill. This can be done by blanching, steaming or boiling the vegetables before they go on the grill.

2. Not slicing the vegetables evenly: If the vegetables aren’t cut evenly, they won’t cook evenly on the grill. Make sure to take your time and cut them into thin slices.

3. Not using enough oil or marinade: Vegetables need to be well coated with oil before they go on the grill. This helps them cook evenly and not dry out. You can also marinate vegetables before grilling to add flavor.

Use a basting and grill-safe oil brush!

4.Too much oil: There’s also a possibility that you’re adding too much oil and it can cause the vegetables to become soggy and unappetizing. Be sure to use a light coating of oil, or just enough to lightly coat the vegetables.

Now that we covered the mistakes to avoid, let’s talk about how to grill vegetables perfectly.

Choose the Right Vegetables

Not all vegetables are created equal when it comes to grilling. Some vegetables, like zucchini, peppers, and eggplant, are ideal for grilling because they hold up well to high heat and develop a delicious char.

Other vegetables, like leafy greens, tomatoes, and mushrooms, are more delicate and may not hold up as well on the grill.

Stick with sturdier vegetables that can withstand high heat for the best results.

For example, peppers, onions, and mushrooms are all great choices for grilling.

But here’s a list of the best vegetables to grill on your BBQ:

– Zucchini

-Brussel sprouts

– Eggplant

– Red and Green Bell Peppers

– Sweet Potatoes

– Onions

– Portobello Mushrooms

– Corn on the Cob

– Asparagus

– Tomatoes

Why Brussel Sprouts Are the Perfect Addition to a Plant-Based Diet

P.S, you can add a bit of liquid smoke too for an even smokier BBQ!

Prep Your Vegetables

Before you start grilling, make sure to properly prep your vegetables. Wash them thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Cut them into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly. You can also marinate your vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and spices to add extra flavor.

Vegetable seasoning gives you balanced and yummy tasting veggies.

Here are some other ways to get the most out of your grilled vegetables:

– Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill.

– Slice larger vegetables, like eggplant, into thin strips so that they cook quickly and evenly.

– If you’re grilling delicate vegetables, like mushrooms or tomatoes, put them on a piece of aluminum foil to keep them from falling through the grates.

– Brush vegetables with olive oil before you grill them to help them caramelize and add flavor.

Use Skewers or Grill Baskets

If you’re grilling smaller vegetables like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus, consider using skewers to keep them from falling through the grates.

For larger vegetables like zucchini or peppers, a grill basket can help prevent them from sticking to the grill grates and make flipping them easier.

So are you wondering what a grill basket is?

It looks like a metal basket with holes in the side that allow heat to reach your vegetables.

Grill baskets make it easy to flip and move around large pieces of vegetables on the grill without them falling apart.

A grill basket is a great way to quickly and easily cook vegetables without having to worry about them sticking to the grill.

Monitor Your Vegetables

Vegetables cook quickly, so it’s important to check on them regularly. You can tell if a vegetable is ready by gently pressing it with tongs or a fork; it should be tender but not mushy.

The best way to prevent burned vegetables is to use medium-high heat and keep an eye on the vegetables as they cook.

You can use an instant-read thermometer or grill thermometer to determine the temperature of your food.

If you’re not sure if a vegetable is done, it’s better to err on the side of caution and take it off the heat before it burns.

Brussel sprouts nutrition: why they’re a healthy meal option

Use a Grill Mat

If you’re worried about your vegetables sticking to the grill grates or falling through, consider using a grill mat.

So what’s a grill mat?

It’s a thin, flexible mat made of heat-resistant materials that you can place over the grates. This way, you don’t have to worry about your vegetables sticking or falling through.

It’s also a great way to prevent flare-ups caused by dripping fat and juices from the vegetables.

These mats are made of heat-resistant materials like aluminum foil and silicone and create a non-stick surface on which you can cook your vegetables.

When using a grill mat, make sure to cut vegetables into smaller pieces and brush them with oil before cooking. Smaller pieces will create more surface area for the vegetables to come in contact with the heat, helping them cook faster.

Create Heat Zones

If you’re cooking a variety of vegetables at once, create two heat zones on your grill. One zone should be hotter than the other so you can move vegetables around as they cook.

This will ensure that all of your vegetables are cooked to perfection without any burning or undercooked spots.

To create heat zones, place your coals on one side of the grill and leave the other side empty.

You can also adjust the vents on top of the lid to control the temperature. The more you open them, the hotter it will be; closing them will make it cooler.

Now that you know how to create heat zones, you can move vegetables around as they cook so that they’re evenly cooked.

Cook Directly or Indirectly

If your vegetables are thicker or sturdier, you can cook them directly over the flame for a smoky flavor and charred edges.

Otherwise, cook them indirectly by placing them away from the heat source and closing the lid of your grill to trap in the heat.

The difference between direct or indirect heat will depend on your vegetables and how you want them to taste.

When cooking with direct heat, the vegetables should be cooked quickly so that they don’t get burned.

When cooking with indirect heat, the vegetables will cook slower and absorb more smokey flavor.

Keep Your Grill Clean

Grease buildup can lead to sticky vegetables and make it difficult to get them off the grill.

Make sure to clean your grill grates regularly and use a brush or scraper to remove any stuck-on pieces of food.

The best way to clean your grill is to use a grill brush while the grates are still warm.

This will help loosen stuck-on residue and make it easier to remove.

You can also use a grill stone to scrub away any stubborn bits of food.

Once the grates are clean, apply a light coating of oil to help prevent sticking.

Following these tips will help ensure that your vegetables come off the grill perfectly cooked.

Let Vegetables Rest

Just like with meat, it’s important to let grilled vegetables rest before serving them. This will help redistribute the juices and keep them from drying out.

Let vegetables rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure they are cooked to perfection. This process also allows the flavors to develop and intensify.

Final thoughts

With a few simple tips, you can easily master the art of grilling vegetables.

Whether you use a grill mat, create heat zones, or let your vegetables rest before serving, these tips will help ensure that your grilled vegetables are cooked to perfection every time.

Now that you know how to properly grill your vegetables, it’s time to get cooking!