Level Up Your Plate with Grilled Vegetables
As the weather warms up and nature bursts into color, there’s no better way to celebrate than by throwing some vibrant vegetables on the grill. From crisp asparagus spears to earthy beets, we’re diving into the top six spring vegetables that will brighten up your plates this season.
Grilling vegetables isn't just about adding a smoky flavor – it's about unlocking their full potential. When vegetables hit the grill, they undergo a magical transformation, caramelizing on the outside while maintaining their natural sweetness and crunch. Plus, grilling vegetables is a healthy cooking method that requires minimal added fats, making it perfect for those looking to keep things light and nutritious.
1. Asparagus
Seasoned grillers reach for asparagus because it cooks quick and has a delightful flavor when lightly charred. With a little olive oil and a basic seasoning, you can have a simple side to serve alongside a juicy steak with minimal effort. If want to step up your game, check out our Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus and Cheesy Pastry Wrapped Asparagus recipes.
2. Carrots
Carrots are excellent for grilling because they develop a rich, sweet flavor when caramelized on the grill. Grill carrots directly on the grates for the perfect char by peeling, seasoning, and then grilling whole. Or roast them on a sheet pan with seasonings to tease out their natural sweetness. Chef Britt walks us through an easy roasted carrot dish here: Barbecue Smoked Carrots.
3. Broccoli
From crispy edges to tender bites, grilled broccoli offers a delightful twist to your outdoor cooking repertoire. Best tackled in a grill basket, broccoli’s versatility shines as it readily absorbs a multitude of flavors. Lean on Asian flavors for an easy addition to chicken teriyaki bowls or toss with pasta and sausage for an Italian flair. Check out this piece from the ATBBQ archives on broccoli grilling basics or serve a grilled broccoli salad at your next cookout.
4. Beets
Beets can be a divisive vegetable with their earthy, robust flavor. However, grilling transforms this tough root vegetable into a tender, sweet delight with a subtle smoky essence. They can be grilled whole or sliced, requiring only minimal seasoning and oil to enhance their natural flavor. Serve them alone or in a bright spring salad alongside pork or chicken.
5. Artichoke
No vegetable declares the arrival of spring quite like the artichoke. Their vibrant green hue and seasonal harvest make them an essential part of any spring tablescape. Their spiny exterior can make them an intimidating vegetable to tackle but they’re surprisingly simple to cook. Check out our simple guide here: https://www.atbbq.com/blogs/recipes/how-to-prepare-fresh-grilled-artichoke. Once you’ve got that down, make artichoke dip, top pizzas with it, or throw it in a pasta salad.
6. Fennel
Once you’ve experienced well-prepared fennel, your culinary world will never be the same. This unique vegetable is in the same family as celery, carrots, parsley, and dill. Grilled, it’s a great addition to salads or simply served alongside pork, poultry, and seafood dishes. Check out Chef Tom’s molasses roasted carrots and fennel.
Bring it all Together
Voila! Six in-season vegetable ready to jazz up your springtime recipes. This grouping barely scratches the surface in terms of incorporating seasonal produce into your menus. Keep the grilling fire alive, exploring new flavors and techniques with vegetables at the center. Share your outdoor cooking triumphs with us – we're always excited to see how our recipes and channel have inspired you!
