Who says outdoor cooking is for meat lovers only? The grill is a great place to create vegetarian masterpieces that are enlivened with deep, rich flavors.

Robust sauces are the key; they can bolster the subdued character of many vegetables while complementing the charred flavors that develop from the intense heat. Also, they help preserve a vegetable's juicy interior and add the savory, complex flavors characteristic of the best barbecue.

These creative grilling recipes are guaranteed to make even carnivores jealous. Plus, you'll never again be stuck with frozen meatless patties as your only cookout option.

Get Ready to Grill
All grilling--whether vegetables or meat--can be easy and hassle-free with a little indoor preparation to help set the stage. Take time to organize so that once the grilling actually begins, all that remains to be done is a quick assembly for the final presentation. For these recipes, the soba salad should be ready for topping the grilled vegetables, the relish standing by to be matched with the burgers, and all sauces prepared before the grill is hot.

Playing with Fire
Whether you're cooking with gas, wood, or charcoal, make sure your grill is properly heated before you put food on it. The hand test is a reliable measure of the grill's readiness: Place your hand about two inches above the grate; if you can keep it there for only two to three seconds, then the grill is sufficiently heated. Once you place your items on the grate to begin cooking, don't move them around until they've had time to sear. This will prevent them from sticking and help create the "crust" that is so desirable with grilled food.