How to GRILL AN
Avocado
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 next BBQ by showing off your new grilling skills! Here’s everything you need to know about how to grill avocados:
FOLLOW THESE TIPS FOR GRILLING AVOCADOS
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PREP YOUR GRILL
Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium heat. Once your grill reaches a temperature of 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit, your grill is ready.
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PREP YOUR AVOCADOS
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. Be very careful if you choose this method! 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.
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GRILL YOUR AVOCADOS
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 2-3 minutes, the avocados will be ready, bearing the telltale sear marks that BBQ aficionados typically associate with meat.
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SERVE YOUR GRILLED AVOCADOS
If this is your first time eating a grilled avocado, you’re in for a treat! Avocados from Mexico get even better when grilled. Why? Because the heat warms and softens the flesh, and the addition of the smoke and other ingredients meld for a taste that is truly one-of-a-kind.
If you can resist digging into the fresh-off-the-grill avocados (We know; it’s tough!), you can use them in a variety of ways.
Pro Tip: 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!
3 GRILLED AVOCADO RECIPE IDEAS
GUACAMOLE WITH GRILLED AVOCADOS
Who doesn’t love some fresh guac from time to time? You can scoop out the buttery flesh of your grilled avocado, mash it, and make smoked guacamole. Simply mix the grilled avocados with seeded and diced tomatoes, finely diced onions, chopped cilantro, pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add some heat with jalapeños to taste and serve with tortilla chips.
PICO DE GALLO WITH GRILLED AVOCADOS
Serve the grilled halves with some tangy homemade pico de gallo. In a bowl, combine tomatoes, pineapple, onion, serrano chile, cilantro, lime, salt and pepper. Next, simply fill the avocado halves with the filling and serve. On top of being delicious, the avocado in this recipe is sodium and cholesterol free, and has nearly 20 nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and phytonutrients. Remember, the recommended serving is 1/3 of a medium sized avocado (or 50 g).
GRILLED AVOCADO TOAST
Avocado toast is becoming a staple snack for many. By grilling the avocado first, you’ll add a delicious smoky flavor. Try adding a protein pop by topping with an over-easy egg.
Common questions about grilling avocados
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GRILL AN AVOCADO?
We recommend 2-3 minutes on medium heat for both the grill and the oven broiler method.
WHAT TEMPERATURE IS BEST
FOR GRILLING AVOCADOS?
We recommend setting your grill to medium heat. Medium heat typically ranges from 300–350 degrees Fahrenheit or 149-177 degrees Celsius on a grill.
HOW DO I CUT AN AVOCADO FOR GRILLING?
We recommend placing the avocado on a cutting board and then cutting it in half lengthwise around the pit. Next, twist halves apart, and lift pit out with a spoon. We recommend leaving the skin on for best grilling results.
DOES MY GRILL NEED TO BE CLEAN
BEFORE GRILLING AVOCADOS?
We recommend that you burn off any food left over on the grates before grilling avocados. A clean grill will likely cook food better, and it will also be more likely to be free of residue that could possibly contaminate your delicious Avocado From Mexico.
