Tag Archive for: Grilling vegetables

Grilling Beyond Burgers: Pork, Fish & More 

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Grilling is a quintessential part of outdoor cooking, often associated with juicy burgers and hot dogs. However, the world of grilling extends far beyond just these staples. Delving into pork, fish, and other delectable options—including fruits and veggies—can elevate your grilling game and introduce new flavors to your summer cookouts. Here’s a guide to grilling beyond burgers—and remember, be sure to visit Nick’s of Calvert for all of your grocery shopping needs for a perfect cookout!

Grilling Pork: Tips and Recipes

Pork is a versatile meat that grills beautifully, offering a range of flavors in a variety of cuts. From chops to tenderloin, here are some tips for making the most out of pork on your grill—

Pork tenderloin: Pork tenderloin is lean, tender, and cooks relatively quickly on the grill. Marinating the meat can enhance its flavor and keep it moist. 

Recipe idea: Grilled pork tenderloin with herb marinade

Ingredients: 

  • 1 pork tenderloin
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the pork tenderloin in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  4. Grill the tenderloin for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  5. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Pork chops: Pork chops are another excellent option for grilling. Opt for bone-in chops for more flavor and juiciness.

Recipe idea: Honey-Garlic Grilled Pork Chops

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in pork chops
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Marinate the pork chops in the mixture for at least 1 hour.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  4. Grill the chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
  5. Let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving.

Grilling Fish: Tips and Recipes 

Fish is a healthy and delicious option for the grill, offering a light yet flavorful alternative to heavier meats.

Here are some tips and recipes to help you grill fish perfectly.

Salmon: Salmon is a popular fish for grilling due to its rich flavor and firm texture. It can be grilled directly on the grill grates or on a cedar plank for added flavor.

Recipe idea: Grilled Lemon-Dill Salmon

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon filets
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. Brush salmon filets with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and dill.
  3. Place lemon slices on top of the filets.
  4. Grill the salmon for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it flakes easily with a fork.

Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and is perfect for grilling. They can be skewered or placed in a grill basket for easy handling.

Recipe idea: Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Thread shrimp on skewers.
  4. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque.

Grilling Vegetables and More

Vegetables and other non-meat options can also be stars of the grill. They add variety and complement the grilled meats beautifully.

Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables are easy and versatile. Use a mix of your favorites for a colorful and healthy side dish.

Recipe idea: Grilled Vegetable Medley

Ingredients:

  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 1 eggplant, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Grill vegetables for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.

Grilled Pineapple: Grilled pineapple makes a sweet and smoky dessert or a side dish to grilled meats.

Recipe idea: Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple

Ingredients:

  • 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Brush pineapple slices with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.
  3. Grill pineapple for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the fruit is caramelized.

But Don’t Stop There…

All of the above are fantastic and healthy options for grilling. But you don’t have to stop there! There are a variety of other foods that can be thrown on the grill for unique flavor, from sandwiches to pizza! As you hone your grilling skills, don’t be afraid to try new things.

Visit Nick’s of Calvert Today

Whether you’re looking for a frozen pizza to grill or a high-quality pork tenderloin, Nick’s of Calvert has you covered. We always carry the highest-quality meats, produce, and more. Come by our store seven days a week, or give us a call if you have any questions about our products at (410) 414-7105. 

How to Grill Veggies on the Grill

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You probably already know it’s a good idea to add some more vegetables to your diet. Maybe you love veggies but aren’t sure how you can fix them in a way that is different and appetizing.

If you haven’t thought about grilling your vegetables, or have tried and failed miserably, we can help. Here are some simple tips to help you grill all types of vegetables for delicious meals and snacks.

Preparing Vegetables for the Grill – Direct Grilling

You can grill just about any type of vegetable provided you take a few minutes to prepare it. If you think about it, just tossing a full onion or eggplant on the grill isn’t going to produce the results you desire.

You’ll get more flavor from your vegetables the more surface area you give them for grill marks. This also makes it easier for you to move the items around on the grill. Here is how you can prepare some common veggies for grilling:

  • Onions– Peel and quarter through the root.
  • Tomatoes– Choose perfectly ripe tomatoes and cut them half crosswise.
  • Asparagus– Remove the woody ends.
  • Bell peppers– Quarter and seed.
  • Mushrooms – Remove stems and halve or slice if large.
  • Eggplant, zucchini, and yellow squash– Cut into lengthwise strips.

To prevent your veggies from sticking, make sure your grill is clean. You’ll also want to brush your vegetables with oil (olive oil works best) after you slice and prepare them. But you don’t want to use too much oil. This can make your veggies have a greasy flavor, cause flare-ups on your grill, and defeat the purpose of trying to add something healthy to your meal.

Grilling Your Veggies – Some Indirect Methods

Some vegetables are a bit unwieldy and messy to place directly on the grill, no matter how well you prepare them. Smaller mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini rounds are a few examples.

You can keep these smaller items from falling through the grate or rolling around on your grill by using a grill basket or placing them on a skewer. If you don’t have either of these items, you can create your own “basket.” Take a roughly 24” piece of heavy-duty foil and fold it in half. Crimp the edges to create a “basket” that will keep your food inside while grilling.

Whether you use a skewer, grate, or makeshift basket, you’ll still want to prepare your vegetables for grilling the same way you would as if you were directly grilling them. By slicing them and brushing them with oil, you can ensure the veggies won’t stick and will come out tasting delicious.

How Long to Grill Your Vegetables?

Some vegetables only need a minute or two on the grill and others need longer to cook. To prevent burning, sear your veggies on medium to high heat and then move them to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking. Use a thin metal spatula or a good set of tongs to carefully move and flip your vegetables around the grill.

Depending on the size of your veggies and your grill, your experience will vary, so watch your vegetables carefully. But here is a general rule of thumb for some popular veggies:

  • Grilled corn– 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally
  • Grilled asparagus– 4 minutes
  • Grilled zucchini– 4-5 minutes on each side
  • Grilled tomatoes – 5 minutes per side
  • Grilled mushrooms– 2-3 minutes per side

If you’re grilling a mix of vegetables, you’ll want to grill the heartier ones first. For example, grill your onions and peppers before your mushrooms, squash, and zucchini. The last items to go on the grill should be things like tomatoes and asparagus.

A Few Additional Notes About Grilling Vegetables

Some vegetables don’t do well on the grill. Leafy greens, celery, and cucumbers are examples because of their high-water content.

But you can serve your vegetables with a green salad, sandwich, wrap, or omelet and get delicious results. Finally, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar to your vegetables if you are going to serve them as a standalone side dish with your meal.

Get the Freshest Vegetables at Nick’s of Calvert

Now that you know how to grill veggies to perfection, the next step is to hit your local grocer for your supplies. Nick’s of Calvert offers only the freshest produce and makes service to its customers one of its priorities. Come into our Prince Frederick store today for all your grocery, spirits, and catering needs, or give us a call at (410) 414-7105 with any questions.