How to Make Grilled Tomatoes
Grilled Tomatoes burst with smoky, caramelized deliciousness that enhances any meal (sandwiches included). Each bite explodes with flavor intensified by grilling. Who knew one simple ingredient could steal the show at any cookout? 🙌
Do you love tomatoes in a salad as much as I do? Then you will love grilling them. A little charcoal and a little flame, and this roasted sweet goodness is perfect for bruschetta, pizza, you name it.
Grilling tomatoes deliver a unique sweet, smoky flavor thanks to the caramelizing of their natural sugars. And I pureed the leftovers in the blender and made the best cream of tomato soup. I’m grilling extra next time. 😍
Why Grill Tomatoes?
The grill adds intense flavor by caramelizing the tomatoes’ natural sugars and adding a subtle smokiness. Besides, it’s effortless and mess-free if you already have the grill going for your main dish. Plus, they go great on grilled burgers or grilled bread for an incredible homemade bruschetta.
Recipe Ingredients
- Ripe Tomatoes – Roma, beefsteak, and heirloom tomatoes are sturdy enough to handle the grill. They enjoy slightly different textures and flavors, so experiment to find out what you like the best. I love to stock up at the farmers’ market during tomato season.
- Seasonings – Olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil add flavor while grilling.
- Sauce – Drizzling balsamic vinegar and brown sugar over the tomatoes provide a tangy, sweet taste.
How to Grill Tomatoes
Prep the Tomatoes
- Preheat the grill to a medium-high temperature (400°F/200°C) to ensure consistent heat distribution.
- Prep Tomatoes – Rinse the tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry. Remove the stems but keep the tomatoes intact. Then cut the tomatoes into thick slices (you can halve smaller tomatoes). (Photo 1)
- Marinate – Mix the olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper well in a medium bowl. Gently coat the tomato slices with the marinade, allowing them to absorb the flavors for at least 30 minutes. (Photos 2-4)
Make the Sauce & Grill the Tomatoes
- Make the Sauce – While the tomatoes are marinating, heat the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small saucepan on low. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, and set aside to drizzle your grilled tomatoes. (Photos 5-6)
- Grill – Lightly brush the grates of your grill with oil and place the tomato slices directly on the grill grates. Arrange them to create beautiful grill marks. Close the grill’s lid and leave the tomatoes undisturbed for 4-6 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the tomatoes. (Photos 7-8)
- Flip the tomatoes and leave undisturbed for another 4-6 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become really mushy.
- Serve – Once the tomatoes are grilled to your liking, carefully remove them using tongs or a spatula and place them on a plate or serving board. Drizzle the tomatoes with the sauce and serve with grilled meat. You can also toss them in salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta dishes, and salsas. Yum!
Tomato Recipe Variations
- Roasted Tomatoes – Do you not have a grill? No problem, just roast them in a 320℉/160℃ oven until done (about an hour).
- Cheese Please! Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on the tomato slices for a melty, cheesy delight.
- Herbal Goodness: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme by adding them to the marinade. The minty, earthy aroma will take your grilled tomatoes to the next level.
- Spicy: Feel free to experiment with the heat level. Hot paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper can add exciting flavor dimensions.
- Veggie Swap: This recipe works for grilling green tomatoes, summer squash, eggplant, and more. The grill times may be different, so keep an eye on them will they cook.
- Grilled Tomato Soup: Ramp up your comfort food lunch with homemade grilled tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. Just replace the tomatoes in your favorite recipe with grilled ones.
Tips and Tricks
- Look for firm, vine-ripened tomatoes like Roma, beefsteak, or heirloom for optimal flavor and texture.
- Ensure clean grill grates to prevent sticking and breaking of tomato slices. Lightly brush grates with oil or use a non-stick cooking spray.
- Use a grilling basket or a perforated foil sheet to prevent tomatoes from falling apart or slipping through the grates.
- Pay attention to the heat of your grill and adjust as needed. Every grill is different.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Grilled tomatoes are best enjoyed immediately for the ultimate smoky experience. However, you can marinate the tomatoes and refrigerate them for 24 hours before grilling. Make the sauce ahead and store it in a glass jar in the refrigerator.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Serve as a mouthwatering side with grilled meats, or make a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich. You can also top a hamburger and add them to a variety of recipes. Leftovers last four days in the fridge or 3-4 months in the freezer. Enjoy them cold, or gently reheat them in a pan.
FAQs
Yes, you can. You can grill cherry tomatoes whole or skewered for an appetizer or addition to salads. Adjust the grilling time accordingly for smaller tomatoes.
Yes, you can. Preheat your gas grill to a medium-high temperature and follow the same grilling instructions.
Another yes. Don’t let not having fresh herbs stop you from enjoying this recipe. You can use half the amount of dried herbs as they are more concentrated.
What Goes With Grilled Tomatoes
Pair these grilled tomatoes with a variety of dishes to enhance your meal. Enjoy them alongside grilled boneless chicken thighs or grilled ribeye for a burst of freshness. Or use them for a delicious twist on tomato basil soup. And a refreshing piña colada to wash it down is always nice.
More Fantastic Side Dish Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Make amazing meals with the sweet, smoky goodness of grilled tomatoes. How will you use these smoky delights? Let me know in the comments below! 😀
Grilled Tomatoes
Ingredients
Tomatoes
- 8-10 tomatoes, ripe and firm (Roma, beefsteak or heirlooms)
- 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup (237ml) balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup (220g) brown sugar
- 1 sprinkle thyme (optional)
Instructions
Prep the Tomatoes
- Preheat the grill to medium-high temperature (400°F/200°C) for even heat distribution.
- Rinse tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry. Remove stems while keeping tomatoes intact. Slice tomatoes into thick slices or halve smaller tomatoes.
- In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Gently coat tomato slices with the marinade. Allow tomatoes to absorb flavors for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Sauce & Grill the Tomatoes
- While the tomatoes are marinating, heat balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves completely. Set aside the sauce to drizzle over grilled tomatoes.
- Lightly brush grill grates with oil. Place tomato slices directly on preheated grill grates, arranged diagonally for grill marks. Close the grill’s lid and cook undisturbed for 4-6 minutes, depending on tomato size and thickness. Flip tomatoes and cook undisturbed for another 4-6 minutes. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
- Carefully remove grilled tomatoes from the grill using tongs or a spatula. Place them on a plate or serving board.
- Drizzle tomatoes with the prepared sauce. Serve alongside grilled meat or use them in salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta dishes, or salsas. Enjoy!
Notes
- Look for firm, vine-ripened tomatoes like Roma, beefsteak, or heirloom for optimal flavor and texture.
- Ensure clean grill grates to prevent sticking and breaking of tomato slices. Lightly brush grates with oil or use a non-stick cooking spray.
- Use a grilling basket or a perforated foil sheet to prevent tomatoes from falling apart or slipping through the grates.
- Pay attention to the heat of your grill and adjust as needed. Every grill is different.
- Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
