Grilling Vegetables in Caja China for a BBQ Feast: The Best Veggies to Try

Grilling vegetables may not always take the spotlight at a traditional BBQ, but with the right preparation and cooking methods, they can be just as mouth-watering as the meats. When using a Caja China—a versatile Cuban roasting box that is traditionally used for slow-cooking whole pigs but can also be used for grilling a wide variety of meats and vegetables—you can bring out incredible flavors in vegetables that make them the perfect side dishes or even main courses at your next BBQ party.

In this article, we’ll explore the best vegetables to grill in a Caja China, why they work so well with this method, and provide tips on how to prepare and cook them for an unforgettable BBQ experience. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together, a large BBQ gathering, or just want to spice up your weekly grill session, these vegetable options will be a hit!

What is Caja China and Why Is It Great for Grilling Vegetables?

Before diving into specific vegetable recommendations, let’s take a moment to understand why the Caja China is an ideal tool for grilling vegetables. While it’s traditionally used to cook whole pigs or large cuts of meat, the Caja China is an incredible tool for grilling vegetables because it uses indirect heat to slowly cook the food, ensuring even cooking while preserving moisture and flavor.

In the Caja China, charcoal is placed on the lid, and the heat radiates downward to the food inside. This method allows for consistent, slow cooking that doesn’t dry out delicate vegetables. The enclosed cooking environment also creates a slight smoky flavor, which adds depth to the flavor of vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and corn.

Now that we understand how the Caja China works, let’s take a look at some of the best vegetables you can grill using this method.

1. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a BBQ classic, and grilling it in a Caja China gives it a sweet, smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. The slow, indirect heat ensures that the kernels cook evenly, becoming tender and juicy without drying out.

How to Grill Corn on the Cob in a Caja China:

  1. Preparation: Peel back the husks of the corn but leave them attached at the base. Remove the silk threads and then fold the husks back over the cob.
  2. Soaking: Soak the corn in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This helps to steam the corn inside the husks and prevents the husks from burning during the grilling process.
  3. Grilling: Place the prepared corn on the rack inside the Caja China. Close the lid and allow the corn to grill for about 30-40 minutes, turning once halfway through.
  4. Serving: Once done, remove the corn and serve it with butter, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasoning.

2. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are one of the most versatile vegetables to grill, and the Caja China method gives them a smoky, charred exterior while keeping them tender and juicy inside. Grilled bell peppers can be served as a side dish, added to salads, or used in sandwiches and wraps.

How to Grill Bell Peppers in a Caja China:

  1. Preparation: Wash the bell peppers and cut them in half, removing the seeds and membranes. You can also leave them whole if you prefer.
  2. Seasoning: Brush the bell peppers with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like. For extra flavor, you can also marinate them for 30 minutes before grilling.
  3. Grilling: Place the bell peppers cut-side down on the grill rack in the Caja China. Close the lid and grill for about 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Serving: Once the peppers are charred and tender, remove them from the box and serve immediately. You can drizzle them with balsamic vinegar or top them with fresh herbs like basil for an added flavor boost.

3. Zucchini and Squash

Zucchini and squash are excellent choices for grilling in a Caja China. They’re soft and cook quickly, but the indirect heat helps them retain moisture, resulting in tender, flavorful vegetables with a slight smoky aroma. The grilling process caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing their sweetness.

How to Grill Zucchini and Squash in a Caja China:

  1. Preparation: Slice the zucchini and squash into thick rounds or lengthwise strips.
  2. Seasoning: Drizzle the slices with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder. If you prefer, marinate the vegetables for about 30 minutes before grilling.
  3. Grilling: Lay the seasoned slices on the rack inside the Caja China. Close the lid and grill for 15-20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through for even cooking.
  4. Serving: After grilling, serve the zucchini and squash with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.

4. Eggplant

Eggplant is another vegetable that works beautifully when grilled in a Caja China. The smoky heat of the grill enhances eggplant’s rich, savory flavor, while the indirect cooking process ensures that the vegetable becomes tender without turning mushy.

How to Grill Eggplant in a Caja China:

  1. Preparation: Cut the eggplant into thick slices or wedges. If the skin is thick, you may peel it off, but leaving the skin on helps to hold the shape while grilling.
  2. Seasoning: Drizzle the eggplant with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Garlic, smoked paprika, and oregano work particularly well with eggplant.
  3. Grilling: Place the eggplant slices or wedges on the rack inside the Caja China. Grill for about 20-30 minutes, flipping once or twice for even cooking.
  4. Serving: After grilling, serve the eggplant with a drizzle of tahini, yogurt, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint or parsley.

5. Asparagus

Asparagus is a delicious and elegant vegetable that becomes even more flavorful when grilled. The Caja China gives asparagus a perfect balance of tender stems and crispy tips, while the smoky flavor from the grill complements the vegetable’s natural taste.

How to Grill Asparagus in a Caja China:

  1. Preparation: Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and rinse them well.
  2. Seasoning: Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.
  3. Grilling: Lay the asparagus flat on the grill rack inside the Caja China. Grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
  4. Serving: Once grilled, serve the asparagus with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper, or toasted almonds for extra crunch.

6. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a delicious and hearty vegetable that can be grilled whole or sliced in a Caja China. The indirect heat allows them to cook slowly, resulting in a sweet and tender interior with a crispy, caramelized skin.

How to Grill Sweet Potatoes in a Caja China:

  1. Preparation: If grilling whole sweet potatoes, pierce them with a fork several times to prevent them from bursting. You can also cut them into thick slices or wedges if you prefer quicker cooking.
  2. Seasoning: Brush the sweet potatoes with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Cinnamon and paprika are great choices for a sweet-savory combination.
  3. Grilling: Place the sweet potatoes on the rack inside the Caja China. Grill for 40-60 minutes (depending on the size of the sweet potatoes), turning occasionally for even cooking.
  4. Serving: Once grilled, serve the sweet potatoes with a dollop of sour cream or drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet treat.

7. Mushrooms

Mushrooms, especially larger varieties like portobello, are perfect for grilling in a Caja China. The slow cooking process allows the mushrooms to retain their moisture while developing a deep, earthy flavor.

How to Grill Mushrooms in a Caja China:

  1. Preparation: Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems (or leave them intact for larger mushrooms like portobello).
  2. Seasoning: Brush the mushrooms with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
  3. Grilling: Place the mushrooms on the rack and grill for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Serving: Once grilled, serve the mushrooms as a side dish or stuffed with cheese, herbs, or other fillings for a more substantial option.

Conclusion

Grilling vegetables in a Caja China for a BBQ is a fun and flavorful way to elevate your outdoor dining experience. From sweet corn to tender eggplant and smoky bell peppers, the slow, indirect heat of the Caja China brings out the best in these vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors while keeping them juicy and tender. By following the simple grilling steps outlined above, you’ll be able to create a variety of delicious grilled vegetables that will complement any BBQ spread. Whether you’re hosting a large party or just grilling for the family, these veggie options will be a hit at your next BBQ!