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Flavorful Charred Grill Pan Vegetables Easy Smoky Twist Recipe

flavorful charred grill pan vegetables - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for smoky, charred vegetables cooked on a grill pan, perfect for weeknights or gatherings. This vegan and gluten-free dish delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients and a nostalgic smoky twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 small red onion, sliced into rings
  • 1 cup mushrooms, halved (cremini preferred)
  • 1 small eggplant, diced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin, cold-pressed recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
  • Optional garnish: a squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly. Slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds, cut the red bell pepper into strips, slice the onion into rings, halve the mushrooms, and dice the eggplant.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well combined.
  3. Add all the prepared vegetables to the bowl and toss gently to coat evenly. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to marinate.
  4. Place your grill pan on medium-high heat and let it get hot, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the veggies in a single layer on the grill pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them to get grill marks, then flip using tongs and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender with charred edges.
  6. Check doneness; zucchini should be tender with grill marks, peppers slightly softened, and eggplant silky. Cook a bit longer if needed but watch closely to prevent burning.
  7. Transfer the vegetables to a serving platter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper charring. Pat vegetables dry before marinating to reduce moisture and improve browning. Preheat the grill pan well before cooking. Flip vegetables only once to develop a smoky crust. Use tongs instead of forks to avoid piercing and drying out the veggies. If the pan smokes too much, lower heat and wipe with a paper towel between batches.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled vegetables, smoky vegetables, charred veggies, vegan side dish, gluten-free, easy weeknight recipe, healthy vegetables, grill pan recipe