Grilling sliced or small vegetables on the barbecue is a healthy way to cook them. The high temperature of the grill caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, creating a flavorful and slightly charred dish. However, it can be tricky because of their likeliness to slip through the grates. One way to prevent this is to cook the vegetables in foil packets. So, how to grill vegetables in foil with olive oil?
Grilling vegetables in foil with olive oil locks in moisture and flavors, making them even more delicious. In this article, you will learn how to grill vegetables in foil packets with olive oil.
What Vegetables are Ideal for Grilling?
You can almost grill any vegetable. However, some are better than others. The most popular vegetables for grilling are:
🥗Bell peppers
Red, yellow, and green bell peppers are all delicious when grilled. This vegetable is suitable for grilling year-round. It would be best to remove the seeds before grilling for easy eating.
🥗Zucchini
Grill up some zucchini slices for a healthy side dish. It is a popular summer vegetable that can be grilled whole or sliced into thin strips. Yellow or green work perfectly.
🥗Onion
Grill up some delicious grilled onions. You can grill any variety, including green onions. This vegetable is sweet and flavorful when cooked on the grill.
🥗Eggplant
Grilled eggplant is a great side dish for any barbecue. Cut the eggplant into thick slices and brush with olive oil. Grill for about 5 minutes per side or until tender. Grilled eggplant becomes tender, creamy, and smoky.
🥗Tomato
Grilled tomatoes are perfect for a summer barbecue. Simply slice a Roma tomato in half and brush with olive oil. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side or until slightly charred.
🥗Asparagus
Grill up some asparagus spears for a healthy side dish. Asparagus is an elegant vegetable that is perfect for grilling. It is best to grill asparagus spears whole. They will take about 8-10 minutes to cook.
🥗Mushrooms
Grilled mushrooms make a delicious side dish or appetizer. You can grill various mushrooms, but portobello mushrooms are the best for grilling.
🥗Beets
Grill some beets for a healthy side dish. Beets are a root vegetable that is delicious when grilled. They take about 15-20 minutes to cook.
🥗Carrots
Grilled carrots are a delicious and healthy side dish. Cut carrots into thirds or fourths and brush with olive oil. Grilling softens carrots, resulting in a pretty tiger-striped presentation.
🥗Corn
Grilled corn is a must-have at any barbecue. Grill corn on the cob for about 10 minutes, turning every few minutes. The natural sugars in the corn will create a delicious caramelized flavor.
Benefits of Using Olive Oil When Grilling
Olive oil is a healthy cooking oil that you can use to grill vegetables. It has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, meaning it can withstand the high temperatures of the grill without burning. Grilling with olive oil has many benefits. Here are some of the top reasons why you should use olive oil when grilling vegetables:
Mild flavor – Olive oil has a mild flavor that will not overpower the taste of the grilled vegetables.
High smoke point – Olive oil has a high smoke point, meaning it can withstand the high temperatures of the grill without burning.
Healthy – Olive oil is a healthy cooking oil low in saturated fats and calories. It is also a good source of monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
Locks in moisture and flavors – Grilling vegetables in foil with olive oil locks in moisture and flavors, making them even more delicious and healthy.
What Are The Materials and Ingredients Needed?
Of course, before learning how to grill vegetables in foil with olive oil, you need to prepare everything you will need for the process. Here is a list of what you will need:
- Vegetables: You can grill various vegetables, but the most popular vegetables for grilling are bell peppers, zucchini, onion, eggplant, tomato, asparagus, mushrooms, beets, and carrots.
- Olive oil: Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Herbs and spices: Use your favorite herbs and spices to season the vegetables.
- Foil: You will need a heavy-duty and large piece of foil to create packets for vegetable grilling.
- Large bowl: To marinate and mix the vegetables, you need a large bowl.
- Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for slicing vegetables.
- Cutting board: A cutting board helps prepare the vegetables.
- Serving plate: Use a pretty serving dish to show off your grilled vegetables.
- Tongs: Use tongs to check the vegetables or remove the foil packets on the grill.
How to Grill Vegetables in Foil With Olive Oil
Photo Credit: Pillsbury
Now that you know all about the benefits of using olive oil when grilling vegetables, let’s learn how to grill them in foil packets. Here is a simple tutorial.
🥕Pick your vegetables
Choosing vegetables is a bit tricky. The vegetables listed above may be suitable for grilling, but you may want to group them into different packets. Some vegetables are mushy, and others are crisp, so you may want to avoid joining them in one foil packet.
Crunchy veggies like beets, onions, bell peppers, and corns take longer to cook. In comparison, soft vegetables such as mushrooms and tomatoes take lesser time. So, it is better to grill them in separate foil packets.
🥕Prepare your vegetables
You may want to marinate the vegetables in olive oil and herbs and leave it in the refrigerator several hours before grilling. Slice the vegetables according to their recommended sizes. Then, slice the onion into thick slices and the zucchini, eggplant, and carrots into thick slices or spears. Leave corn on the cob as is.
Take them out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling them.
🥕Add seasonings
If you would like to add some seasonings, do so now. You can add salt, freshly ground pepper, garlic powder, or other desired herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme. Enhance the flavor by adding olive oil and salt.
🥕Prepare the foil packets
Take a large sheet of aluminum foil and place it in front of you so that the long side is facing you. Fold the bottom of the foil up about 2-3 inches so that it creates a sturdy base to place the food on.
Using a pastry brush, you can paint the foil with olive oil to prevent the veggies from sticking to the foil. Place the vegetables in the center of the foil, and drizzle with olive oil. If desired, add any seasonings at this time.
Bring the two long sides of the foil up together and fold them over several times until they are securely closed. Make sure there are no openings for the food to escape.
🥕Preheat grill
Preheat grill over low or indirect heat.
🥕Grill the vegetables
Place the foil packets on the grill. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked to your preference. Use tongs to flip the packet, and leave it for another eight to ten minutes.
The grilling time usually depends on the heat of the grill and the variety of vegetables you’re cooking. Check for doneness and remove from heat when finished.
🥕Serve grilled vegetables
When you’re done, remove the vegetables from the packets and enjoy! You can serve them as they are or over a bed of rice or salad. Experiment with different marinades and flavors to find what you like best. With these simple steps, you can grill delicious and healthy vegetables in no time!
More Grilling Tips
Grilling is one of the healthiest and easiest food preparations. Not only does it give your food a smoky and savory flavor, but it also seals in the juices, making the food more tender and moist. Here are some tips to get better results with your grilled food.
✔Lightly oil the vegetables
One mistake people often make when grilling vegetables is oiling them too much. Brush them with a light coating of oil to prevent them from sticking to the foil, and that’s it. Over-oiling will make your veggies greasy and may cause them to flare up on the grill.
✔Don’t overcrowd the grill
If you’re cooking a lot of food at once, don’t try to cram everything on the grill at once. It will decrease the grill temperature, leading to uneven cooking and poor results. Grill food in batches instead, so everything is cooked evenly.
✔Create a marinade
If you want your vegetables to be extra flavorful, consider creating a marinade. You can use olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, or any other desired seasonings. Marinades add flavor and moisture to the food, and they also help keep it from sticking to the grill.
✔Know proper grilling time
Not all vegetables are created equal. Some cook faster than others, so it’s essential to know how long to grill them for the best results. It would be best to grill zucchini and eggplant for eight to ten minutes and thicker vegetables like carrots for fifteen minutes.
✔Use a thermometer
One of the essential things for successful grilling is knowing when your food is done. To make sure your meat or vegetable is cooked perfectly, use a thermometer. You want them to be cooked through but not overcooked to the point of being mushy.
✔Use a grill pan
If you don’t have a grill, or if the weather isn’t cooperating, don’t worry! You can still enjoy grilled vegetables by using a grill pan. It is an excellent option for smaller kitchens or limited space. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and cook the veggies like you would on the grill.
Try This Easy Grilled Vegetables Recipe
Photo Credit: My Food and Family
Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to grill your vegetables? Check out this recipe for grilling vegetables in foil with olive oil. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
Zucchini (one piece), sliced into thick rounds
Red onion (one piece), cut into wedges
Bell pepper (once piece), seeded and cut into thick strips
Tomato (one piece), cut into wedges
6 oz. baby carrots
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat grill over low to medium heat.
- Combine zucchini, red onion, bell pepper, tomato, and baby carrots in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold two 18-inch sheets of aluminum foil in half to create a thick packet. Divide the vegetables evenly among the packets, arranging them in a single layer. Pull the sides up and crimp the edges to seal the packets closed.
- After grilling your vegetables, be sure to remove them from the heat right away. If you leave them on too long, they’ll start to wilt and lose their flavor.
- Serve it. It’s nice to serve it with soft tacos or omelets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best way to serve grilled vegetables?
A: You can serve grilled vegetables as a side dish, but you can also use them in tacos, salads, and sandwiches.
Q: What’s the best way to store grilled vegetables?
A: If you have leftover grilled vegetables, you can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container. Avoid freezing them, as this will cause them to lose their flavor and texture and make them soggy.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat grilled vegetables?
A: To reheat grilled vegetables, place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat them at high temperature for two to three minutes. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Q: How long should you marinate the vegetables?
A: You should marinate the vegetables for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 12 hours.
Q: Can I grill vegetables in a foil packet without olive oil?
A: Yes, you can grill vegetables in a foil packet without olive oil, but they won’t be as flavorful. Olive oil helps to add flavor and moisture to the food.
Q: How long do vegetables take to cook on the grill?
A: The cooking time will vary depending on the type of vegetable. Grill peppers and onions for about eight to ten minutes. Mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, and yellow squash for seven to eight minutes. For soft vegetables like tomatoes, asparagus, and green onions, grill them for four to six minutes. Thicker vegetables like carrots take about fifteen minutes.
Q: What temperatures are best for grilling vegetables?
A: The best temperatures for grilling vegetables are medium or low heat. If you use high heat, the vegetables will cook too quickly on the outside while the inside remains raw. You should grill them at around 400 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Thoughts
Grilling vegetables is a healthy and delicious way to cook your food. It is also excellent for adding flavor and nutrients to your diet. With so many different vegetables to choose from, you can always find something new to grill.
But grilling them on foil with olive oil is a great way to make them more flavorful and moist. Grill your favorite vegetables today and enjoy them as a side dish. Follow the simple steps on how to grill them, and you’ll have a fantastic side dish for your next meal.