BBQ Leeks: How to Grill Leeks to Smoky, Sweet Perfection
Introduction
When you think of barbecue vegetables, leeks might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But here’s the secret: BBQ leeks are a game-changer. Their natural sweetness intensifies with char, their texture turns silky, and they soak up smoky flavour like sponges.
Whether you’re cooking over charcoal, gas, or firepit flames, grilled leeks make a delicious, plant-based side dish that’s elegant enough for dinner parties and simple enough for weeknight outdoor meals.
In this article, you’ll learn how to BBQ leeks properly, what flavours to pair them with, delicious marinade ideas, nutrition benefits, serving suggestions, and tips to make them shine on your grill.
Why BBQ Leeks?
Leeks are part of the allium family (alongside onions, garlic, and shallots) but offer a more delicate, sweet flavour. Barbecuing enhances their:
- Natural sugars, which caramelise and soften
- Silky texture, especially in the white and pale green parts
- Smoky depth, making them perfect for pairing with meats, tofu, or grilled breads
They’re easy to prep, visually striking, and full of flavour — especially when finished with olive oil, citrus, herbs, or cheese.
How to BBQ Leeks: Step-by-Step
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4–6 medium leeks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs
🔥 Method
1. Prep the Leeks
- Trim the dark green tops and root ends
- Cut leeks in half lengthways for quicker cooking
- Rinse thoroughly between layers to remove grit
- Pat dry
2. Pre-cook (optional but recommended)
To ensure tenderness:
- Blanch leeks in boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes
- Or steam them until just tender
- Drain and cool before grilling
3. Season
- Drizzle with olive oil
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper
- Add herbs or citrus zest if desired
4. Grill
- Heat BBQ or grill pan to medium-high
- Place leeks cut side down on the grill
- Cook for 4–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender
- Optional: finish with a squeeze of lemon or drizzle of vinaigrette
Top BBQ Leek Marinades & Flavour Ideas
| Flavour Theme | Marinade Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic |
| Asian-Inspired | Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, chilli flakes |
| Smoky BBQ | Smoked paprika, olive oil, garlic, balsamic |
| Herb Butter | Melted butter with thyme, rosemary, sea salt |
| Zesty Dijon | Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, olive oil |
Let leeks marinate for 20–30 minutes before grilling for deeper flavour.
Can You BBQ Whole Leeks?
Yes — whole leeks can be grilled over a cooler section of the BBQ, or wrapped in foil and placed directly on the coals for a smoky, tender centre.
✅ Whole Leek BBQ Tips:
- Trim tops but leave root end intact to hold layers together
- Grill for 15–20 minutes, turning regularly
- Use tongs to test for tenderness
- Slice open and season before serving
BBQ Leek Skewers & Combos
| Combo Idea | Pair With |
|---|---|
| Leek & Halloumi Skewers | Alternate chunks of halloumi with thick leek slices |
| Leek & Mushroom Skewers | Earthy mushrooms balance sweet leeks |
| Leek & Red Pepper Wraps | Grill strips and stuff into flatbreads with hummus |
| Leek & Sausage Sizzle | Serve grilled leeks alongside veggie or pork sausages |
Leeks make a great alternative to onions on skewers — with softer, sweeter results.
What to Serve with BBQ Leeks
BBQ leeks are a versatile side or even a main dish. Try serving them with:
- Grilled meats or fish
- Tofu steaks or seared tempeh
- Grain salads (quinoa, bulgur, couscous)
- Flatbreads or pittas with dips (hummus, tzatziki)
- Charred corn and tomato salad
- Creamy potato salad or herby lentils
Finish with toppings like crumbled feta, toasted nuts, gremolata, or a drizzle of garlic yogurt.
BBQ Leek Nutrition Benefits
Leeks are a low-calorie, high-fibre veg rich in antioxidants and minerals.
| Nutrient | Health Benefit |
|---|---|
| Vitamin K | Supports bone health and clotting |
| Vitamin A | Eye and immune function |
| Manganese | Aids metabolism and wound healing |
| Folate | Important during pregnancy |
| Allicin | Found in alliums — may support heart health |
| Fibre | Promotes digestion and fullness |
Grilling retains most of their nutritional benefits without adding much fat — unless you smother them in butter (also delicious, by the way).
Best Leek Varieties for BBQing
| Variety | Why It’s Great for BBQing |
|---|---|
| Autumn Giant | Thick stems, good structure for grilling |
| Musselburgh | Tender texture and mild flavour |
| Porbella | Great overwintering variety |
| Carentan | Classic, sweet French leek with large stems |
Choose medium to large leeks for grilling — they hold up better and won’t fall apart.
BBQ Tips for Beginners
- Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking
- Use a grill basket if pieces are small
- Don’t walk away — leeks can burn fast on hot spots
- If pre-blanched, grilling time is much shorter
- Test doneness with tongs — they should be soft, not mushy
Make-Ahead BBQ Leeks
BBQ leeks can be:
- Grilled in advance and reheated on a lower heat
- Served room temperature with a vinaigrette
- Chopped and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days for salad or wrap fillings
Great for meal prep or picnic spreads.
Conclusion
So, can you BBQ leeks? Yes — and once you do, they might become your favourite grilled vegetable. Smoky, sweet, silky, and packed with flavour, barbecued leeks are proof that humble ingredients can steal the show.
Whether served as a side, part of a skewer, or the centrepiece of a plant-based BBQ, leeks offer a unique twist to your usual grill lineup.
Next time you fire up the barbecue, skip the onions and give leeks a try — your guests (and tastebuds) will thank you.
Top 10 Questions and Answers About BBQ Leeks
1. Can you BBQ leeks whole?
Yes — just trim, clean, and grill over indirect heat or wrap in foil.
2. Do you need to pre-cook leeks before grilling?
Not always, but blanching ensures tenderness and prevents burning.
3. What part of the leek is best for BBQing?
The white and light green parts are best — tender and flavourful.
4. How long do BBQ leeks take to cook?
Cut leeks take 4–6 minutes, whole leeks may take 15–20 minutes.
5. Do leeks taste good grilled?
Yes — they become sweet, mild, and slightly smoky.
6. What goes well with BBQ leeks?
Grilled meats, halloumi, dips, grains, and creamy sauces.
7. Can I marinate leeks before grilling?
Yes — 20–30 minutes in oil, herbs, and citrus or soy works great.
8. Do BBQ leeks work on gas grills?
Yes — just watch carefully to avoid flare-ups and burning.
9. Can I BBQ leeks on skewers?
Yes — combine with halloumi, mushrooms, or peppers for variety.
10. How do I store leftover BBQ leeks?
Cool and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Eat cold or reheat gently.