Barbeque season is upon us, and whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this barbeque marinade recipe for vegetables is a game changer.
It’s packed with bold flavors that enhance the natural sweetness and earthiness of your favorite veggies, making grilling a deliciously smoky and satisfying experience. From bell peppers to mushrooms, zucchini to corn, this marinade will transform your vegetables into mouthwatering bites that even meat lovers will crave.
Marinating vegetables before grilling not only infuses them with flavor but also helps retain moisture, ensuring they stay tender and juicy. This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, making it an easy and affordable way to elevate your cookout.
So fire up the grill and get ready to impress your friends and family with veggies that steal the show!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This barbeque marinade is a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors that complement a variety of vegetables. It’s incredibly versatile and easy to prepare, requiring just a few minutes to mix and a short marinating time to boost flavor.
Unlike many marinades filled with artificial additives, this recipe uses fresh, natural ingredients. It’s also vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
Best of all, it enhances the texture and taste of grilled vegetables, making them irresistibly delicious whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil – the base that helps flavors penetrate the veggies
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) – adds umami depth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – brings brightness and acidity
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup – for a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika – imparts a smoky flavor without needing a smoker
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – savory and pungent
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – adds an aromatic layer
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – mild heat and spice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) – for a touch of heat
- Juice of 1 lemon – freshens and balances the marinade
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional) – for added fragrance
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish for marinating
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs or grill spatula
- Brush for applying extra marinade (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chili flakes (if using), and lemon juice until well combined.
- Choose your vegetables: Select sturdy vegetables that grill well such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, asparagus, corn on the cob, and red onions. Wash and cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Marinate: Place your vegetables in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the veggies: Remove vegetables from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place them on the grill, cooking for 3-5 minutes per side depending on the vegetable, until you see nice grill marks and the veggies are tender but not mushy.
- Optional glaze: If you like, brush the vegetables with any leftover marinade during the last minute of grilling for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately: Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your smoky, flavorful grilled vegetables!
Tips & Variations
For best results, avoid marinating acidic veggies like tomatoes for too long, as they can become mushy.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Adding a teaspoon of cumin or coriander can give an earthy twist, while a splash of liquid smoke can enhance the smoky flavor if you’re using an indoor grill.
If you prefer a spicy kick, increase the chili flakes or add a teaspoon of hot sauce. For a sweeter touch, swap maple syrup with honey or agave nectar.
For a quick weekday dinner, marinate the vegetables while prepping other ingredients, so they’re ready to grill by the time you’re done.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (Approximate) |
---|---|
Calories | 90 kcal |
Fat | 7 g (mostly from olive oil) |
Carbohydrates | 6 g (from maple syrup and veggies) |
Protein | 1 g |
Fiber | 1.5 g |
Sodium | 450 mg (from soy sauce) |
Serving Suggestions
This barbeque marinated vegetable medley pairs wonderfully with grilled tofu or tempeh for a complete plant-based meal. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or your favorite grain such as quinoa or couscous to round out the plate.
For a fun twist, use the grilled veggies as fillings for pita pockets or wraps with some hummus and fresh greens. They also make a fantastic topping for homemade vegan pizzas or mixed into pasta dishes to add smoky complexity.
If you’re hosting a BBQ, consider pairing these veggies with some freshly baked bread like the Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe or a side inspired by the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe. For dessert, cool down with a refreshing treat like the Goat Milk Ice Cream Recipe No Eggs.
Conclusion
This barbeque marinade for vegetables is a simple yet flavorful way to elevate your grilling game. It brings out the best in your veggies with a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy notes.
Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to add more plant-based options to your meals, this marinade is a delicious go-to that’s sure to impress.
By using everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a versatile marinade that works with a variety of vegetables and cooking styles. Next time you fire up the grill, give this recipe a try and enjoy a vibrant, tasty, and healthy barbeque experience.
Happy grilling!
📖 Recipe Card: Barbeque Marinade Recipe Veg
Description: A flavorful and tangy barbeque marinade perfect for vegetables. Enhances the natural taste with a smoky and sweet blend.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk until well blended.
- Pour over vegetables and toss to coat.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling or roasting.
Nutrition: Calories: 80 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 8g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Barbeque Marinade Recipe Veg”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and tangy barbeque marinade perfect for vegetables. Enhances the natural taste with a smoky and sweet blend.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT10M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1/4 cup soy sauce”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar”, “2 tablespoons maple syrup”, “1 tablespoon smoked paprika”, “1 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1 teaspoon onion powder”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon chili powder”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine all ingredients in a bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Whisk until well blended.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour over vegetables and toss to coat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling or roasting.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “80”, “proteinContent”: “1g”, “fatContent”: “5g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “8g”}}