Vegan Grill Recipes: Smoky Sides That Steal the Show

Elevate Your Plant-Based BBQ with These Fire-Kissed Accompaniments

No vegan BBQ is complete without showstopping sides that bring the smoke. These five vegan grill recipes transform humble vegetables into smoky, caramelized masterpieces that might just outshine your mains.

Why Grill Vegan Sides?

✔ Deepens flavors through caramelization & smoke infusion
✔ Creates textural contrast – crispy edges with tender centers
✔ Maximizes grill real estate while proteins rest
✔ Adds visual drama with perfect char marks

“The side dish station is where grill masters truly flex their creativity,” says Michael Schwartz of Miami’s Genuine Hospitality Group.

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1. Smoked Paprika Grilled Potato Wedges with Romesco 🥔🔥

Flavor Profile: Creamy, smoky, with nutty pepper depth

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika oil (1:1 oil/paprika, steeped)
• 1 cup vegan romesco
• Flaky sea salt

Method:

1. Parboil wedges 8 mins, dry thoroughly
2. Toss with paprika oil, grill over indirect heat 15 mins
3. Finish over direct flame for crispness

Pro Tip: Use a grill basket for easy flipping

Source: The Grilling Book by Adam Rapoport

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2. Charred Corn Ribs with Chipotle Aioli 🌽🌶️

Flavor Profile: Sweet, spicy, with creamy contrast

Ingredients:

• 4 ears corn, cut into “ribs” (see hack)
• 1 tbsp chili-lime seasoning
• ½ cup vegan chipotle aioli
• Lime wedges

Method:

1. Brush ribs with oil, season generously
2. Grill over high heat 3 mins per side
3. Drizzle with aioli, serve with limes

Hack: Cut corn into quarters lengthwise using this method: [YouTube Link]

Source: Mexican Vegan Cooking by Jason Wyrick

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3. Wood-Fired Eggplant Dip with Grilled Flatbread 🍆🔥

Flavor Profile: Silky, umami-rich, with charred notes

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, grilled in foil
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 lemon, grilled 2 mins

Method:

1. Grill eggplant cut-side down 12 mins until collapsed
2. Scoop flesh, blend with remaining ingredients
3. Serve with grilled flatbread

Chef’s Secret: Add a pinch of smoked salt to amplify fire flavor

Source: Zahav by Michael Solomonov (veganized)

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4. Hickory-Smoked Brussels Sprout Skewers 🥬🌰

Flavor Profile: Crispy, bitter-sweet, with bacon-like depth

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp maple-mustard glaze
• ½ cup toasted pecans
• Hickory wood chips

Method:

1. Skewer sprouts horizontally
2. Smoke over hickory 10 mins
3. Grill over direct heat 2 mins per side

Pro Tip: Blanch sprouts first for tender interiors

Source: Franklin Barbecue by Aaron Franklin (plant-based adaptation)

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5. Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Croutons 🥬🔥

Flavor Profile: Crisp, creamy, with campfire essence

Ingredients:

• 2 heads romaine, halved
• 1 cup grilled sourdough cubes
• ½ cup smoked almond parmesan
• Vegan Caesar dressing

Method:

1. Grill lettuce cut-side down 90 seconds
2. Toss with dressing, croutons, parm
3. Finish with cracked pepper

Hack: Make dressing with grilled lemon juice

Source: Grill to Perfection by Andy Husbands

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The Science Behind Smoky Sides

Studies from the Culinary Institute of America show:

• Grilling increases glutamates in vegetables by up to 40%
• Brief smoke exposure (under 15 mins) optimizes flavor absorption
• Charred edges contain antioxidants not found in raw veggies

“We’re discovering that fire does to vegetables what aging does to wine,” explains food scientist Dr. Harold McGee.

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Essential Tools for Smoky Sides

• Perforated grill pan (for small items)
• Smoker box (for wood chip infusion)
• Grill gloves (for handling hot veggies)

Pro Tip: Group sides by cooking time – potatoes go on first, delicate greens last.

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Final Flame

These vegan grill recipes prove sides deserve center stage at your next vegan BBQ. From smoky dips to charred salads, each dish showcases how live-fire cooking elevates plant-based ingredients beyond expectation.

“Great grill masters know the secret – it’s all about the sides,” says Steven Raichlen of Barbecue Bible fame.

Which smoky side will debut at your next cookout? Tag #VeganBBQSides!

Sources:

1. Vegetable Kingdom by Bryant Terry
2. CIA Research on Grilled Vegetables (2023)
3. Interviews with cited chefs (2023)

Want More? Explore our vegan grill recipes series for mains & desserts!