When it comes to grilling, most people immediately think of meat. However, grilling can be just as enjoyable and delicious for vegetarians and vegans. You can create mouthwatering dishes that impress even the most die-hard carnivores with the proper techniques and ingredients. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan looking to up your grilling game or hosting a barbecue and want to cater to your non-meat-eating friends, here are some creative grilling ideas to try on your Weber grill.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
When making veggie skewers on a Weber grill, preparing the vegetables properly is important to ensure a delicious outcome. Start by preheating the grill to a medium-high heat. While the grill is heating up, prepare the vegetables by cutting them into uniform sizes. Uniform sizes will help you cook the veggies evenly. Feel free to try a variety of vegetables, such as peppers, kohlrabi, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions. Once the vegetables are prepped, marinate them in your favorite seasoning and oil for 15-20 minutes to infuse them with flavor.
Next, thread the marinated vegetables onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Place the skewers on the preheated grill for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally until the vegetables are tender and have a slight char. You can also brush the skewers with a balsamic glaze during the last few minutes of grilling for an extra layer of flavor. Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the skewers from the grill and serve them with pesto or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious and colorful veggie skewers straight from the Weber grill!
Grilled Stuffed Peppers
Grilled stuffed peppers are a delightful vegetarian option for outdoor cooking on a Weber grill. To prepare these savory treats, combine cooked rice, beans, corn, diced vegetables, and your favorite seasonings to create a flavorful filling. Carefully cut the peppers, remove the seeds, and generously stuff them with the prepared mixture. Once assembled, place the stuffed peppers on the preheated Weber grill and cook them until the peppers are somewhat tender (but not soft) and the filling is thoroughly heated. For an added smoky kick, consider using wood chips in your Weber grill to infuse the peppers with a rich, smoky flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
Grilling stuffed peppers on a Weber grill allows the flavors to meld together perfectly while imparting a delicious smoky essence. The heat from the grill caramelizes the peppers, enhancing their natural sweetness and creating a delightful contrast to the savory filling. Whether entertaining guests or simply enjoying a relaxing evening at home, grilled stuffed peppers are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to be a hit. With the Weber grill’s even heat distribution and reliable performance, you can confidently create perfectly grilled stuffed peppers every time, making it an excellent choice for bringing out the best in this timeless vegetarian dish.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are an excellent choice for grilling, as they offer a substantial and meaty texture. Marinate the mushrooms in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, and your favorite herbs to enhance their flavor. Start grilling by placing the mushrooms gill-side down to achieve attractive grill marks. For an extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of pesto to create a mouthwatering and rich dish. Portobello mushrooms are an excellent choice for grilling due to their substantial and meaty texture, which holds up well to the heat. To maximize their flavor, marinate the mushrooms in a delectable mixture of balsamic vinegar, high-quality olive oil, finely minced garlic, and a blend of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. This marinade infuses the mushrooms with a rich taste that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
When ready to grill, place the mushrooms gill-side down to achieve those beautiful and delicious grill marks. For an extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of your favorite cheese, such as crumbled feta or grated Parmesan, during the grilling process. Alternatively, a dollop of homemade pesto adds a delightful and aromatic dimension to the dish, elevating it to a new level of deliciousness.
Following these detailed steps, you’ll create a mouthwatering dish that will impress even the carnivores in your life.
Grilled Veggie Burgers
When you fire up your Weber grill, consider expanding your grilling options by trying some delicious vegetarian or vegan burgers. There are numerous ways to approach this, including picking up pre-made options at the store or getting creative and using ingredients like black beans, chickpeas, lentils, or quinoa. Once you’ve formed the patties, grill them perfectly and serve them on toasted buns with all the classic burger fixings. By doing so, you can craft a flavorful, satisfying meal that will please vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Corn on the Cob
My absolute favorite way to prepare corn on the cob is on my Weber grill. To get started, I preheat the grill to medium-high heat, which ensures that the corn cooks evenly and gets those delicious grill marks. While the grill is heating up, I carefully peel back the husks of the corn. You can keep them on or remove them completely. After removing the silk, I back up the husks, keeping the corn covered and protected while it grills.
Once the corn is prepared, I place it on the preheated grill and cook it for about 15-20 minutes, turning it occasionally to ensure even cooking. I love the charred flavor that develops as the kernels become tender. I sometimes brush the corn with seasoned butter or sprinkle it with my favorite seasonings while grilling to elevate the flavor. When the corn is done, I remove it from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The result is delicious grilled corn on the cob that’s perfect for enjoying as a side dish or a standalone snack.
