When it comes to BBQs, meat often steals the spotlight, but grilled vegetables deserve their own recognition. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply want to add more variety to your cookout, grilling vegetables can unlock amazing flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. With the right techniques and seasoning, you can create mouthwatering, smoky, and flavorful vegetable dishes that rival any meat-based BBQ meal. Let’s dive into some delicious BBQ recipes for vegetarians that will make your next cookout unforgettable.

1. Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Vegetable skewers are a BBQ classic, offering a colorful and tasty mix of veggies on a stick. They’re easy to make, and you can customize them with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 yellow squash, sliced
  • 1 red onion, cut into chunks
  • 8-10 cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating between bell peppers, zucchini, squash, onions, and tomatoes.
  2. Season: Drizzle the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Preheat the grill: Set the grill to medium heat.
  4. Grill the skewers: Place the vegetable skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred.
  5. Serve: Remove from the grill and serve immediately, optionally with a squeeze of lemon for added freshness.

Pro Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

2. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Portobello mushrooms are known for their meaty texture, making them the perfect vegetarian alternative to burgers. These grilled Portobello mushroom burgers are juicy, flavorful, and can be topped just like a traditional burger.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large Portobello mushroom caps
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, or vegan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the mushrooms: In a small bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush the marinade on both sides of the mushroom caps and let them marinate for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
  3. Grill the mushrooms: Place the mushrooms on the grill, cap side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until they are tender and have grill marks.
  4. Assemble the burgers: Toast the buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes, then assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings.
  5. Serve: Enjoy the Portobello burgers with a side of chips or grilled veggies.

Pro Tip: Add a slice of melted cheese or vegan cheese during the last minute of grilling for extra flavor.

3. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Grilled corn on the cob is a BBQ favorite, and adding herb butter takes this simple dish to the next level. The smoky sweetness of grilled corn pairs perfectly with the rich, herby butter.

Ingredients:

  • 4 ears of corn, husks removed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill: Set the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill the corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the corn is slightly charred and tender.
  3. Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with parsley, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Serve: Brush the hot corn with herb butter before serving.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle the corn with crumbled cheese like feta or cotija after brushing with the herb butter.

4. Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a filling and flavorful dish that can easily be made on the grill. Packed with rice, beans, and vegetables, these grilled peppers are perfect as a main course or side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large bell peppers
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
  • 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels
  • 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese or vegan cheese
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
  2. Make the filling: In a bowl, mix the cooked rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stuff the peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the rice mixture.
  4. Grill the peppers: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the stuffed peppers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are slightly charred and the filling is heated through.
  5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving.

Pro Tip: To keep the peppers upright on the grill, place them in a grill basket or wrap them in foil.

5. Grilled Eggplant with Garlic Tahini Sauce

Eggplant is a fantastic vegetable to grill because of its ability to absorb flavors and develop a tender, smoky texture. This recipe for grilled eggplant with garlic tahini sauce adds a delicious Middle Eastern twist to your BBQ.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Water to thin the sauce
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the eggplant: Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
  3. Grill the eggplant: Place the eggplant slices on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until tender and grill marks appear.
  4. Make the tahini sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and enough water to create a smooth sauce.
  5. Serve: Drizzle the grilled eggplant with garlic tahini sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

Pro Tip: Serve the grilled eggplant with warm pita bread or alongside hummus for a complete Mediterranean-style meal.

Conclusion

Grilled vegetables can be just as exciting and flavorful as any meat dish, making them perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to add more variety to their BBQ. Whether you’re enjoying the smoky char of grilled vegetable skewers, the savory bite of a Portobello burger, or the sweet taste of corn on the cob, these recipes will take your grilling game to the next level. Try these delicious grilled vegetable dishes at your next cookout, and watch as even the meat-lovers reach for seconds!

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