With National BBQ Week only a few months ahead and the possibility of being able to invite our families and loved ones into our garden very soon, barbecue enthusiasts from all over the country are already starting to stock up on the best BBQ firewood for the summer — and refreshing their recipe repertoire too.
We all know that the key to a great meal is variety, and that goes for BBQ feasts as well. While your choice of barbecue meat is likely to be the centerpiece of your big summer grill, you don’t want to neglect the many side vegetables and appetizers that can really make a meal pop with flavour and feel truly complete.
But what are the best vegetables you can smoke for an unforgettable barbecue and how can you make sure your smoked vegetables are prepared in the tastiest way possible?
If you’re still looking for good vegetables to smoke or need a bunch of brand-new BBQ recipes to add to the menu, here are our favourite smoked vegetable recipes to incorporate into your next BBQ, guaranteed to impress everyone at the table!
1. Smoked asparagus
Sure, it might not be one of the most common vegetables for smoking, but everyone knows that the distinctive taste of asparagus, mild yet full of character, can be a perfect accompaniment to smoked fish and meat.
For a side dish full of surprising flavours, you’re going to need:
- One bunch of fresh asparagus (with the tougher stalks trimmed)
- One large brown onion
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Kiln-dried apple wood chips for smoking
To prepare, drizzle the asparagus and chopped onion with plenty of olive oil and toss with salt and pepper. Lining a tray or grilling pan with foil, place the onion and asparagus on top of your smoker, and start the smoking process.
For best results, smoke the asparagus at 100C for approximately 1 hour or until soft, making sure the ends are just crispy enough to have a good bite.
2. Smoked Stuffed Bell Peppers
Smoked stuffed bell peppers are a classic when it comes to smoked vegetable recipes, as the sweetness of a fresh bell pepper pairs perfectly with the BBQ smokiness, and you can endlessly customize the stuffing the fit your preferences and what you have available to use!
Here’s what you’re going to need:
- Five red and yellow bell peppers (with the inside flesh scooped out)
- One cup of cooked white rice
- One brown onion, diced
- Four cloves of garlic, minced
- Mixed Italian herbs
- One pound of ground beef (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Kiln-dried apple wood or cherry wood chips for smoking
To prepare, start by gently sauteeing the onions, garlic, and ground beef (if used) in a pan with a little olive oil until the meat has browned.
Then, combine the cooked rice and stuffing together with the seasoning and fill the inside of your peppers up to the very top.
Place the peppers directly on the grill grate and let them smoke at 150C for approximately one hour, just as the bottom begins to go very tender, so to retain a perfect crunch.
3. Smoked Artichokes
Whole artichokes are another underrated and underutilized vegetable when it comes to smoking, but they can be incredibly filling and full of flavour when paired with a steak or even grilled fish.
If you’re looking for a creative and easy addition to your smoked vegetable recipes, here’s what you’re going to need:
- Four whole, fresh artichokes (with the outer leaves trimmed and sliced in half)
- One lemon, juiced
- Four garlic cloves, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Kiln-dried apple wood chips
After carefully cleaning the artichokes and slicing them in two, start preparing them by steaming them on top of a pot of boiling water for approximately 25 minutes.
Place them into an aluminum foil-lined tray with minced garlic at the bottom and drizzle with plenty of olive oil and lemon juice, plus salt and pepper.
You’ll want to smoke the artichoke halves for up to one hour at 100C before serving with a slice of lemon and butter on top!
4. Smoked Corn On The Cob
Smoked corn on the cob is another timeless recipe that’s guaranteed to be loved by the entire family, kids included. It is incredibly easy and quick to prepare, so it’s easy to see how it’s been a classic favourite among BBQ lovers for so long!
Here’s what you’re going to need to prepare the perfect corn on the cob:
- Four large ears of fresh corn
- Unsalted butter
- Ground smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Kiln-dried apple wood chips
To prepare, clean the corn thoroughly and remove the husk before placing the ears directly on the grill grate, keeping the temperature at around 150C. Sprinkle the ground paprika powder on all sides and smoke for approximately 30 minutes, making sure to turn the ear over halfway through.
Once the kernels are brown and crispy, you can brush the unsalted butter on all sides and add salt and pepper to taste.
The Best Firewood For Your BBQ Feast
Remember that before diving into these delicious smoked vegetable recipes, you have to get your smoker ready first and make sure you’re using the best quality firewood for smoking your meat, fish, veggies, and fruit in a wood burner.
There’s no better choice than trusting our Kiln-Dried Oak Firewood and Kiln-Dried Birch Firewood, both perfect for retaining the distinctive flavour of your meats and vegetables while cooking at consistent temperatures — this is the best time to start stocking up on BBQ firewood, so don’t forget to check our latest deals to get everything you need for smoked fruits and vegetables guaranteed to impress!
