While hamburgers and hot dogs may be your go-to barbecue ingredients, why not bring something new to the grill? Foodtown’s produce aisle is lined with fresh and seasonal grillable vegetables that may surprise you, sure to take your end-of-summer barbecues to the next level.
What Vegetables Can You Barbecue?
When cooking for vegetarians or simply looking to add some variety to your barbecue menu, it’s common to turn to eggplant or bell peppers. Don’t feel limited to those kebab favorites—there are plenty of other grillable veggies to be found at your local Foodtown supermarket.
|
Vegetable |
Method of Grilling |
Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Artichokes | Boil until tender, half or quarter, and cook directly on the grill |
Until leaves are wilted, about 10 minutes |
| Beets | Grill in foil packets or peel, cut into halves, and place directly on the grill |
About 30 minutes, until tender, flipping or shaking the foil bag halfway through |
| Brussels Sprouts | Half or quarter and wrap in a tinfoil pouch, place on grill |
15-20 minutes, shaking around brussels sprouts about halfway through |
| Cabbage | Wrap in foil and place on grill | 30-40 minutes until tender |
| Carrots | Place directly on the grill | 5 to 7 minutes, rotating every 2-3 minutes |
| Corn | Remove husks and silk and place directly on grill over direct heat |
About 10-12 minutes total, rotating every 2-3 minutes |
| Edamame | Poke holes in a sheet of tin foil, spread edamame in a single layer and place on the grill | 10 minutes total, flipping half way through |
| Okra | Skewer and place directly on the grill | About 2 minutes per side |
| Parsnips | Place directly on the grill | 5 to 7 minutes, rotating every 2-3 minutes |
| Portabella Mushrooms | Place cap-side down directly on the grill | 10 minutes or until tender |
| Squash | Slice length-wise or in rounds place directly on the grill |
3-4 minutes per side |
| Sweet Potatoes | Cut into spears or slices, place directly on the grill over indirect heat |
About 10-15 minutes per side |
| Zucchini | Slice length-wise or in rounds and place directly on the grill |
3-4 minutes per side |
Tips for Grilling Vegetables
Grilling vegetables is very similar to grilling proteins, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure perfectly charred and tasty results. Follow these simple tips:
- Use Oil. Vegetables can dry out quickly on the grill. Using oil not only helps to keep them from drying out, but it serves as a “glue” for any seasoning you might be using. Plus, it helps to prevent vegetables from sticking.
- Season. Like proteins, vegetables should be seasoned prior to grilling. While you can sprinkle with salt and pepper just before they hit the grill, allowing them to marinate for about half an hour prior to grilling allows the vegetables to soak in as much flavor as possible. In addition to salt and pepper, try teriyaki sauce, dressings, or any rubs or sauces that you might use on proteins.
- Stand By. Vegetables can burn quickly. If placed directly on the grill, it is important to monitor the cooking progress of your vegetables to avoid overcooking. If you don’t feel like babysitting the grill, opt for foil packet preparation or invest in a grill basket. These tools allow you to step away for a few minutes.
Shop Grill-Friendly Vegetables at Your Local Foodtown Grocery Store
Committed to stocking our produce department with a fresh and high-quality selection, shoppers will have no trouble bringing something new and flavorful to the grill. Paired with our high-quality meat department and versatile seafood market, summer grilling has never been more delicious. Plan your visit today!
Save during your next visit to Foodtown by downloading our digital coupons or by taking advantage of the savings found in our weekly circular. Summer meal planning has never been more affordable!