How to Use Bitchin' Sauce as a Marinade for Grilled Vegetables

Quick Answer

To use Bitchin' Sauce as a marinade for grilled vegetables, whisk it with a little acid and oil to balance the creaminess, coat your veggies thoroughly, and let them sit for at least 20 minutes. Then grill over medium heat, brushing on extra sauce as they cook. For best results, use a sturdy sauce like Original or Chipotle that clings well to vegetables.

Grilled vegetables are a barbecue staple, but they can turn out dry or bland without the right marinade. Bitchin' Sauce offers a creamy, savory shortcut: it coats vegetables evenly and infuses them with rich flavor while protecting them from the high heat of the grill. Whether you're feeding plant-based eaters or just want a more exciting side dish, this sauce works as a marinade and a finishing glaze.

In this guide, you'll learn the simple process for turning your favorite Bitchin' Sauce into a marinade that works for zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and more. We'll cover the mixing, marinating time, and grilling techniques, plus common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you'll have a go-to vegan marinade that makes grilled veggies the star of your next cookout.

Why Bitchin' Sauce Works as a Vegetable Marinade

Bitchin' Sauce has a creamy base that clings to vegetables better than thin vinaigrettes. This means more flavor sticks to each slice, and the sauce creates a protective layer that keeps veggies from drying out on the grill. The savory, slightly smoky flavor of varieties like Chipotle adds a barbecue depth, while Original offers a mild, creamy base that doesn't overpower the natural taste of the vegetables.

Because Bitchin' Sauce is refrigerated and dairy-free, it's a natural fit for plant-based grilling. It's also vegan, which makes it a great vegan marinade for grilled vegetable platters at cookouts where not everyone eats meat. You don't need to add sugar or oil to help with caramelization, the sauce's almond base provides enough body to help vegetables brown nicely.

• Use thicker vegetable slices (at least 1/2 inch) so they hold up to grilling and don't fall apart.
• Brush the grill grates with a little oil before placing the marinated vegetables.

Step-by-Step Guide: Marinating and Grilling

Start by choosing your vegetables. Firm options like zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, and eggplant hold up well. Cut them into large, even pieces to ensure uniform cooking. In a bowl, mix your Bitchin' Sauce with a splash of fresh lemon juice or vinegar and a little olive oil. This thins the sauce slightly so it coats the vegetables evenly without being too thick.

Toss the vegetables in the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and let them sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F to 400°F). Grill the vegetables directly over the heat, turning occasionally, until they have nice char marks and are tender, usually 8 to 12 minutes. Brush with a little extra Bitchin' Sauce in the last few minutes of cooking for a glossy finish.

• Don't marinate for too long (over 2 hours) because the acid can start to break down the vegetables' texture.
• Keep the lid closed while grilling to help the vegetables cook through without burning.

Three Bitchin' Sauce Marinade Ideas to Try

If you want to switch up the flavor, try different Bitchin' Sauce varieties for different moods. For a classic barbecue feel, use Chipotle: its bold, smoky heat pairs perfectly with grilled corn, zucchini, or portobello mushrooms. For a simpler side, Original adds a creamy, savory note that helps mild vegetables like cauliflower shine.

You can also mix in spices to customize the marinade. Add smoked paprika and garlic powder to the sauce for extra depth, or a pinch of cayenne if you like more heat. For a herbier version, stir in chopped fresh rosemary or thyme. Remember that the sauce is already seasoned, so taste before adding salt.

If you're planning a larger gathering, consider building your own selection of flavors. The Custom Bitchin' Bash lets you pick 13 tubs of your favorite varieties, which means you can offer a spread of marinades for different vegetables. Label each bowl to help guests choose their favorite.

• Always taste the marinade before adding salt, as Bitchin' Sauce is already savory.
• For a spicier kick, mix Chipotle with extra cayenne or crushed red pepper.

Perfect Grilled Vegetable Checklist

1. Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables: Wash and cut firm vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms into large, even pieces. Pat them dry to help the marinade stick. Avoid cutting too thin—thick pieces hold up better on the grill.
2. Step 2: Whisk the Marinade: In a bowl, combine Bitchin' Sauce with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar and a tablespoon of olive oil. Whisk until smooth and pourable. Balance the creaminess with acid to prevent a sticky, thick coating.
3. Step 3: Marinate: Toss the vegetables in the marinade, ensuring full coverage. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the fridge. Don't over-marinate; too much time can make veggies mushy.
4. Step 4: Grill to Perfection: Preheat the grill to medium heat and oil the grates. Grill the vegetables, turning occasionally, until they're tender and have nice char marks. Brush on extra sauce in the final minutes for a glossy finish.

Products That Make Grilling Easier

• Chipotle: The Crowd Pleaser. Southwest delight with a heat that’s just right. Bold and Smoky. Gluten-Free, Vegan, Project Non-GMO Verified, Kosher, Totally Bitchin'. The bold, smoky flavor adds a barbecue depth to grilled vegetables without needing extra spices, making it a great choice for a vegan marinade with a kick.
• Original: Bitchin' Sauce Original is a refrigerated sauce that brings a creamy, savory kick to your favorite meals. Ideal for sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and more. Its mild, creamy base works well for marinating mild vegetables, letting their natural sweetness come through while adding richness.
• Custom Bitchin' Bash: Customize your own Bitchin’ Bash with (13) tubs of your fav flavs! With nearly endless saucy combinations (37,442,160 to be exact), you can build your own Bitchin’ Creation. If you're grilling for a crowd, choosing a selection of flavors lets you offer different marinade options to suit everyone's taste.

Using Bitchin' Sauce as a marinade is a simple way to bring creamy, savory flavor to grilled vegetables. Pick a variety that matches the flavor profile you want, balance the sauce with a bit of acid and oil, and follow the step-by-step process for tender, charred results. Whether you use Original for a classic taste or Chipotle for a smoky kick, this vegan marinade will quickly become a staple at your grill station.