Indian Vegetarian Barbecue Recipes for Flavorful Grilling

There’s something truly magical about an Indian vegetarian barbecue. The sizzle of marinated paneer on the grill, the aroma of spices wafting through the air, and the vibrant colors of seasonal vegetables create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Indian barbecue recipes, or “tandoori” style grilling, bring together ancient techniques and modern flavors for a delicious, healthy, and crowd-pleasing feast.

Whether you’re planning a summer cookout or just craving a cozy evening at home, these recipes showcase the best of India’s vegetarian cuisine—packed with protein, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a versatile Indian vegetarian barbecue platter, featuring tandoori paneer tikka, spiced vegetable skewers, and charred corn with masala butter. With clear instructions and handy tips, you’ll soon be grilling like a pro, no tandoor required!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: Classic Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala infuse every bite with layers of taste.
• Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with protein from paneer and loaded with nutrient-rich veggies, this platter is a complete meal.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Easy to prep ahead, these skewers are a hit at any barbecue, picnic, or family gathering.
• Customizable: Mix and match your favorite vegetables or even add tofu for a vegan twist.
• No Fancy Equipment Needed: You can grill these on a barbecue, stovetop grill pan, or even roast them in your oven.

“Indian vegetarian barbecue is a celebration—of color, flavor, and togetherness.”

Ingredients

Equipment

• Barbecue grill or stovetop grill pan (cast iron preferred for nice char marks)
• Mixing bowls (for marinating)
• Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
• Basting brush
• Tongs
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Small saucepan (for masala butter)
• Serving platter

Instructions

1. Prep the Marinade:

   In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk well until smooth.

2. Marinate the Paneer:

   Add the paneer cubes to the marinade. Gently toss to coat each cube thoroughly.

   Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).

3. Prepare the Vegetables:

   In another bowl, add the onion chunks, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with tandoori masala and a pinch of salt.

   Toss to coat evenly.

4. Thread the Skewers:

   Alternate marinated paneer and vegetables onto skewers for a colorful, balanced look. If making extra veggie-only skewers, thread only the vegetables.

5. Preheat Your Grill:

   Heat your grill or grill pan on medium-high. Brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.

6. Grill the Skewers:

   Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs, until the paneer is golden and the veggies are tender with charred edges.

   Baste with a little oil or marinade halfway through for extra moisture.

7. Char the Corn:

   Place the corn cobs directly on the grill. Turn every 2-3 minutes until nicely charred all over (about 8-10 minutes).

   Remove and set aside.

8. Make Masala Butter:

   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in chaat masala.

   Brush this over the hot corn, then squeeze lime juice on top.

9. Garnish and Serve:

   Arrange the grilled paneer and vegetable skewers, and charred corn on a large platter. Sprinkle with chopped coriander and sliced chilies if desired.

   Serve hot with extra lime wedges.

Pro Tip: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.

Tips & Variations

• Make it Vegan: Swap paneer for extra-firm tofu and use dairy-free yogurt for marinating. Opt for vegan butter on the corn.
• Spice It Up: Add more green chilies or a dash of black pepper to the marinade for extra heat.
• Try Different Veggies: Mushrooms, baby potatoes (parboiled), or eggplant chunks work beautifully in this recipe.
• Serving Sauces: Pair with homemade mint-coriander chutney or cool cucumber raita for dipping.
• Oven Roasting: No grill? Bake skewers at 425°F (220°C) on a lined sheet pan for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until charred and cooked through.
• Prep Ahead: Marinate everything the night before for maximum flavor and minimal fuss on barbecue day.
• Leftover Ideas: Toss grilled veggies and paneer with cooked rice or stuff them in naan for quick wraps.

“Barbecue isn’t just for meat-lovers! With the right marinade and a hot grill, vegetarian options can steal the show.”

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and based on standard ingredients. Values may vary depending on specific brands and customizations.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the barbecue platter with warm naan or roti, and a bowl of cooling raita or mint chutney.
• Add a simple cucumber-tomato salad on the side for freshness and crunch.
• Pair with fragrant jeera rice (cumin rice) for a complete Indian meal.
• For a party, set up a “DIY skewer” bar with assorted vegetables and dips for guests to build their own creations.
• Make the barbecue platter part of a global feast—explore more vegetarian inspiration with our AIP Vegetarian Recipes, try a sweet finish like Almond Cashew Clusters Recipe, or go fusion with snacks such as Allens Green Beans Recipe.

Fun Fact: The word “tikka” means “bits or pieces,” referring to the chunks of paneer and vegetables marinated and grilled to perfection!

Conclusion

Indian vegetarian barbecue is the perfect showcase for the rich diversity and robust flavors of Indian cuisine. From the smoky aroma of tandoori paneer to the vibrant crunch of grilled vegetables and tangy masala corn, this platter offers a festive, nourishing, and utterly satisfying experience—whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire.

With a few simple ingredients, some bold spices, and a hot grill, you can transport your taste buds to the heart of India—right in your own backyard. Try this recipe at your next gathering and watch it become the star of your barbecue spread.

And don’t forget to explore more creative vegetarian and global recipes on the blog, like our Almond Cashew Clusters Recipe or dive into international flavors with Bak Chor Mee Recipe: Authentic Singaporean Noodle Guide!

Happy grilling and bon appétit!