Grilled vegetable kabobs are a healthy and easy-to-make side dish that adds color and flavor to any meal. Choose vegetables that will hold their shape and texture when grilled, such as zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Thread them onto soaked bamboo skewers, coat them generously with a marinade made of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, and grill over medium heat until tender and slightly charred. Serve alongside your favorite main dish and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and marinade flavors to create your own unique kabob recipe.
Grilled Vegetable Kabobs: The Perfect Side Dish
Introduction to Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Grilled vegetable kabobs are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make side dish that adds color and flavor to any meal. They are perfect for summer BBQs, camping trips, or as a quick and easy side dish for a weeknight dinner. Kabobs are also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Step-by-Step Guide for Making Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Step 1: Select Your Vegetables
Choose a variety of vegetables that will hold their shape and texture when grilled. Some good options include zucchini, squash, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and eggplant. Cut vegetables into bite-size pieces for easy threading onto skewers.
Step 2: Prepare Your Marinade
Marinades can add flavor and tenderness to your kabobs. There are endless possibilities when it comes to marinade flavors, but a simple combination of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs (such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary) is always a good choice. Whisk all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
Step 3: Thread Your Vegetables onto Skewers
Thread your vegetables onto skewers, alternating between colors and shapes for an eye-catching presentation. For the best results, soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Step 4: Brush Kabobs with Marinade
Using a brush, generously coat the kabobs with the marinade. Make sure to brush all sides of the vegetables.
Step 5: Grill your Kabobs
Grill your kabobs over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. This should take about 8-10 minutes, depending on the heat of your grill.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them cool slightly. Carefully slide the vegetables off the skewers and onto a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve alongside your favorite main dish.
Recipe for Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchinis, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 yellow squash, cut into bite-size pieces
- 8 oz. mushrooms, halved
- 1 red onion, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Thread vegetables onto skewers, alternating between colors and shapes.
- Brush kabobs generously with marinade.
- Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- Remove from grill and let cool slightly.
- Slide vegetables off the skewers and onto a platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
Conclusion
Grilled vegetable kabobs are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. With a few simple steps and the right ingredients, you can create a colorful and flavorful side dish that will impress your guests and please your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and marinade flavors to create your own unique kabob recipe. Happy grilling!