Vegetable skewers
Putting together a barbecue? Our vegetable skewers deserve a spot right next to the flames. Courgettes, peppers, and red onions get a glossy coat of sweet-smoky marinade, then sizzle on the grill until lightly charred and tender with crispy edges. They are easy to make, delicious, and absolutely a must-have at any grilling session, so grab the skewers and get that grill going!
Ingredients
Marinade
|
Olive oil
|
2 tbsp |
|---|---|
|
Tomato ketchup
|
2 tbsp |
|
Japanese soya sauce
|
1½ tbsp |
|
Brown sugar
|
1½ tbsp |
|
Garlic clove, finely chopped
|
1 |
|
Smoked paprika or sweet paprika
|
1 tsp |
|
Ground cumin (optional)
|
½ tsp |
Skewers
|
Green courgette, roughly chopped
|
1 |
|---|---|
|
Red onions, cut into wedges
|
2 |
|
Red pepper, roughly chopped
|
1 |
|
Yellow pepper, roughly chopped
|
1 |
|
Grill skewers
|
12 |
|
Flaked salt
|
1 tsp |
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Make a dazzling presentation
Skewers look their best when the colours are spread out, so skip placing similar shades side by side. Try red onion, yellow pepper, courgette, red pepper – then repeat the pattern. It looks far more pleasing on the plate, which means no one ends up eating the same vegetable two or three times in a row. Lining them up in the same order before grilling also helps them cook evenly and keeps things neat on the plate.
Cut vegetables into the same size
Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces so they cook at the same pace. Vegetables come in all shapes and sizes, so focus on getting them to a similar width rather than worrying about the shape. That way, each piece has a chance to cook through without burning.
FAQ: Questions about vegetable skewers
To make grilling vegetable skewers easier, we have answered a few common questions below.
Can I prepare vegetable skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a few hours in advance. Thread the vegetables and brush on the marinade, then keep them covered in the fridge until grilling. If you want to grill them ahead of time, you can do that too. Let them cool down, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly on the grill or in a hot oven before serving.
Can I use wooden skewers on the grill?
Yes, wooden skewers work perfectly for grilling! Just give them a soak in water for 20–30 minutes before using. That quick dip helps stop them from burning up or falling apart once they hit the heat. However, keep an eye on the ends during grilling, as they can still darken slightly even when soaked.
How can I prevent my vegetable skewers from burning?
To prevent the vegetable skewers from burning, grill over medium-high heat and turn the skewers often. Keep them away from strong flames so they cook through without drying out or turning too dark too fast.
How do I prevent vegetables from sticking to the grill?
You can prevent vegetables from sticking by oiling the grill grates or grill pan before cooking. The vegetables are already coated in marinade, so there is no need for extra oil. Also, turn the skewers regularly so they do not settle in one spot and stick as they cook.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
473 Kcal
| Fibre | 9.6 gram fibers |
| Protein | 6.8 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 49.2 gram |
| Fat | 27.8 gram |
Delicious grilled vegetable skewers
Raw vegetables are great, but once they hit the grill, their flavours deepen and take on a whole new character. That is what makes these delicious grilled vegetable skewers such a treat. They all pick up that unmistakable charred aroma that makes its presence known with each bite, but what really stands out is how each veggie transforms in its own way.
Red peppers become sweeter, with gentle fruitiness that only appears once they catch a bit of heat. Similarly, yellow peppers head in the same direction but stay milder and fresher, with a cleaner, lighter sweetness.
Working well with the peppers, courgettes develop a mellow, slightly nutty flavour, giving them a little extra sweetness. Red onions lose their sharp edge completely, becoming sweet and savoury at once, with a caramel-like note. Clearly, grilling vegetable skewers invites in a whole new dimension of fantastic flavours.
A colourful rainbow of crunchy veggies
We love how the vegetables look like a colourful rainbow on a stick. The mix of red, yellow, green, and deep purple is the first thing anyone spots, bright and immediately tantalising, even before they hit the grill.
As they cook, the edges pick up a bit of char, but the colours stay vivid, and the vegetables keep their shape. Courgettes turn tender inside, but the skins keep their nice bite. Peppers remain crunchy, and red onions soften slightly to turn glossy and delicate without falling apart. It is a wonderful way to balance the tender and crunchy textures the veggies have to offer.
Coated in a warm and sweet BBQ marinade
This marinade has that signature BBQ style but with a lighter touch. Instead of thick tomato paste or heavy sauces, we use tomato ketchup for a tangy base with a lighter consistency that coats the vegetables easily.
Brown sugar helps the veggies caramelise gently on the grill, and soy sauce introduces a salty-savoury character with a hint of umami. Garlic and smoked paprika also play an important part, giving it that punchy, smoky edge. Some people prefer an earthy, peppery warmth, and if you are one of them, simply toss in a pinch of cumin in the marinade. It is sticky, sweet, and exactly what vegetables should be rolled in before they hit the grill.
A sensational dish for summer
Few things say summer like skewers sizzling on the grill. Colourful vegetables, charred edges, and that smoky BBQ aroma in the air make them a favourite for warm evenings and outdoor meals. During the summer months, these vegetable skewers fit perfectly into a bigger spread alongside grilled whole chicken, creamy potato salad, and all the classic barbecue favourites.
But they are far too good to keep for one season. Fire up the grill in early autumn or spring, or enjoy them indoors on a grill pan when the sky turns grey and cloudy. On colder days, these vegetable skewers work just as well on the side of comforting meals like roasted chicken, pea and chicken risotto, buffalo wings, or a warming lentil stew. So do not wait for summer; these skewers are ready any time you are!
Change a few ingredients
This vegetable skewers recipe is easy to customise, so do not be afraid to swap things around. Try ahttps://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/bbq-chicken-marinade/ubergine for a slightly smoky, creamy flavour or cherry tomatoes for their juicy sweetness that turns jam-like as they grill. Sweetcorn slices provide a sweet, buttery crunch, while mushrooms have a meaty texture and a delightful earthy nuance that only gets sharper upon cooking.
You can also tweak the marinade to suit your mood. A splash of lime juice introduces a citrusy tang, while a spoonful of mustard offers a sharp kick. For more heat, try a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chilli flakes. And if you are after something more intense, check out our BBQ chicken marinade. It is tangier than the one we use here and works just as well for the veggies as it does for the chicken.
