Add vibrant colour and irresistible smoky flavour to your next BBQ with these easy smoky grilled peppers. Charred until perfectly tender and finished with a drizzle of red wine vinegar, olive oil, and Maldon Smoked Sea Salt, these grilled peppers are the ultimate summer side dish for picnics, parties, or alfresco dining.
How to Make Smoky Grilled Peppers
Step 1 – Prepare the Peppers
- Cut peppers into large pieces, removing pith and seeds.
Step 2 – Grill the Peppers
- Preheat BBQ or griddle pan to high.
- Place peppers skin side down and grill in batches if needed until nicely charred. Make sure to press peppers gently with tongs to ensure even charring.
Step 3 – Finish and Serve
- While still hot, drizzle with red wine vinegar and season with Maldon Smoked Sea Salt.
- Finish with olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Use a mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers for maximum colour and sweetness.
- Grill peppers just before serving for best flavour and texture.
- For extra smokiness, close the BBQ lid while grilling for a minute or two. This will add depth to the flavour.
- This recipe be made indoors on a griddle pan.
Can I make smoky grilled peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can make smoky grilled peppers ahead of time. Make sure you prepare your grill or smoker beforehand if barbecuing outdoors. Grill the peppers until the skins are nicely charred and blistered. Once cooled, store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can peel the skins off from the grilled peppers if you prefer the taste and texture, especially in dishes like pasta sauces and salads.
How long do grilled peppers last in the fridge?
Grilled peppers can last up to 5-10 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. If you want to extend this further, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I use other types of vinegar?
Yes, you can absolutely use other vinegars instead of red wine vinegar, although the flavour will be slightly different. You can use white wine vinegar, although you won’t get a slightly pink/red hue like red wine vinegar gives. You can also use apple cider vinegar, which has a fruiter flavourful compared to red wine vinegar. Alternatively, sherry vinegar is a slightly sweeter option, which is often used in Spanish cuisine.
Are grilled peppers vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, grilled peppers are both vegan and gluten-free. This is because peppers are naturally plant-based and do not contain any gluten.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a BBQ side, in salads, or on antipasti platters.
- Add to sandwiches, wraps, or pasta dishes.
- Pair with grilled meats, halloumi, or crusty bread.
- Double the recipe for parties or picnics.
Storage & Reheating
- Store cooled grilled peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Best served at room temperature—no need to reheat.
- Drizzle with extra olive oil to refresh before serving.
If you try these smoky grilled peppers, let us know in the comments! For more BBQ inspiration, explore our summer recipe collection.
