Guacamole may be the most popular way to eat avocados, but did you know you can grill them, too? It’s true! Surprise friends and family at your summer BBQ by showing off your new grilling skills! Here’s everything you need to know about how to grill avocados.
Preheat your gas or charcoal grill on medium. After a few minutes, let your hand hover above the grill. When it becomes uncomfortable after five seconds, you’ve got the right temperature for grilling avocados. The same technique applies for stovetop grills.
Cut a large avocado in half lengthwise. Twist the two halves in opposite directions — gently! — and pull apart. Don’t remove the skin: Since the flesh of the avocado is very delicate, it may crumble if you slice it before grilling. For best results, grill unpeeled halves.
You can either remove the seed with a spoon or, if you have impressive knife skills, you can pierce it with a knife and pull it out. If it’s going to be a few minutes before you get the avocados on the grill, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on the cut sides of each avocado half. This prevents browning of the fruit.
Just before you put them on the grill, brush each avocado half with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the avocado halves on the grill, cut side down. After two or three minutes, the avocados will be ready, bearing the telltale sear marks that BBQ aficionados typically associate with meat.
If a sudden summer thunderstorm rains on your backyard bash, don’t worry! You can still “grill” your avocados by using your oven’s broiler.
Place each avocado half cut side up on an ovenproof dish and then place the dish under the broiler. The gratification is nearly instant: In just 2-3 minutes, the avocados will be ready to serve.
If you can resist tucking into the fresh-off-the-grill avocados (We know; it’s tough!), you can use them in a variety of ways.
You can scoop up the buttery flesh, mash it, and make smoky guacamole. Simply mix the grilled avocados with seeded and diced tomatoes, finely diced onions, chopped cilantro, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add some heat with chopped jalapeños to taste and serve with tortilla chips.
Make toast with thick slices of good quality bread, spread mashed grilled avocado on top, add a poached egg, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Serve the grilled halves with some tangy homemade pico de gallo. Finely chop 4 seeded tomatoes, 1 small onion, 1/2 cup cilantro, and 2 jalapeños. Mix the ingredients and add 1 tablespoon lime juice and salt.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil or cilantro and serve with grilled chicken.
Surprise your guests with an avocado bar. Place the grilled avocados halves on a large serving platter and lay small bowls filled with toppings around it. Toppings might include roasted corn kernels, black beans, grilled or boiled shrimp, chile powder or paprika, smoked salmon, chopped tomato, chopped red onions, or crumbled feta cheese.