When it comes to BBQ, vegetarian options are no longer an afterthought. With a world of flavors and textures to explore, plant-based BBQ delights are taking center stage at grills everywhere. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or looking to impress at a summer potluck, these vegetarian BBQ recipes are guaranteed to thrill your taste buds. Let’s dive into 2024’s most irresistible vegetarian BBQ creations.
Vegetarian BBQ Recipes
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Ingredients
- 4 large Portobello mushrooms (stems removed)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 whole wheat buns
- 1 cup arugula
- 4 slices of cheese (optional, use vegan cheese for a plant-based version)
- Condiments of your choice (ketchup, mustard, aioli, etc.)
Preparation
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whip together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Mushrooms:
- Starting from the stem of the Portobello mushroom caps brush both sides of the mushroom caps with the marinade. Allow the mushrooms to sit for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Grill the Mushrooms:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Place the marinated mushrooms on the grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes, then flip them over and grill for another 4-5 minutes until tender and juicy, with grill marks visible.
Toast the Buns:
- While the mushrooms are grilling, place the whole wheat buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes to toast them lightly.
Assemble the Burger:
- Once the mushrooms are grilled, place each Portobello cap on the bottom half of a toasted bun.
- Top with a slice of cheese (if using) and a handful of fresh arugula.
- Add condiments like ketchup, mustard, or aioli if desired.
Serve:
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately with a side of chips, fries, or a light salad.
- These Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers offer a rich, meaty texture and a burst of savory flavors, making them a perfect plant-based alternative to traditional burgers. Enjoy!
Smoky BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 cans green jackfruit in brine (drained and shredded)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (vegan, if preferred)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 4 burger buns
- 1/2 cup coleslaw (optional, for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Preparation
Prepare the Jackfruit:
- Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit. Using your fingers or forks, split the jackfruit pieces to resemble pulled pork. Set aside.
Cook the Onion and Garlic:
- Warm olive oil in a large pan with the help of medium flame.
- Put the chopped onion in there and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute, keep stirring so that it doesn’t burn.
Season the Jackfruit:
- Put the shredded jack tree fruit into the skillet with the onions and garlics.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Mix everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes, letting the spices and jackfruit absorb the flavors.
Add BBQ Sauce:
- Pour in the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar, mixing well to coat the jackfruit.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the jackfruit simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The jackfruit should absorb the sauce and become tender, resembling pulled pork.
Toast the Buns:
While the jackfruit simmers, toast the burger buns lightly on a grill or in a toaster.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spoon the smoky BBQ jackfruit mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Top with a scoop of coleslaw (optional) for added crunch and flavor.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Serve:
- Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich and serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as chips or pickles.
- These Smoky BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches are a perfect vegan alternative to traditional pulled pork sandwiches, packed with smoky, tangy flavors and a satisfying texture. Enjoy the irresistible taste of BBQ without the meat!
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini (sliced into rounds)
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into chunks)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (cut into chunks)
- 1 red onion (cut into chunks)
- 8-10 button mushrooms (whole)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or dried thyme)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
Preparation
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and chop the vegetables: slice the zucchini into rounds, cut the bell peppers and onion into chunks, and leave the mushrooms whole. Halve the cherry tomatoes if desired.
Make the Marinade:
- In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Marinate the Vegetables:
- Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the vegetables and toss gently to coat. Let the vegetables marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer if possible to enhance the flavors.
Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread the marinated vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between zucchini, peppers, onion, mushrooms, and tomatoes. For even grilling, try to pack the veggies snugly but not too tightly.
Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Grill the Skewers:
- Put the vegetable skewers on the grill and cook them for 8-10 minutes and make sure to turn them occasionally so that they get slightly burnt with the grill lines. If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Serve:
- Remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot, either as a side dish or as the main course with a side of rice or flatbreads.
- These Grilled Vegetable Skewers are a healthy, vibrant, and delicious option for your next BBQ or outdoor gathering, offering a smoky flavor and fresh crunch.
BBQ Cauliflower Steaks
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (vegan, if preferred)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Preparation
Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem, keeping the core intact.
- Slice the cauliflower into 1-inch thick “steaks,” starting from the center. Depending on the size of the cauliflower, you should get 2-4 steaks. Any leftover florets can be saved for roasting or used in other dishes.
Make the Spice Marinade:
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Season the Cauliflower:
- Brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with the spice mixture, making sure to coat them evenly. Allow them to marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Grill the Cauliflower Steaks:
- Place the cauliflower steaks on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown with grill marks and tender but still holding their shape. Carefully flip the steaks with a spatula to prevent them from breaking.
Apply BBQ Sauce:
- During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush each cauliflower steak with BBQ sauce. Let it cook for another minute to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly.
Serve:
- Remove the cauliflower steaks from the grill and transfer them to a plate.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of fresh flavor.
- These BBQ Cauliflower Steaks are a flavorful, hearty, and smoky vegetarian alternative to traditional grilled steaks. Enjoy them as a main course or a side dish to complement your BBQ spread!
Grilled Pineapple Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and cut into rings or wedges)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint (optional, for garnish)
- Vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Preparation
Prepare the Pineapple:
- Peel, core, and slice the pineapple into rings or wedges, depending on your preference. Make sure the slices are thick enough to hold together on the grill.
Make the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, mix the honey (or maple syrup), ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and fresh lime juice.
Marinate the Pineapple:
- Brush both sides of the pineapple slices with the marinade. Let the pineapple sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Pineapple:
- Place the marinated pineapple slices on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, until grill marks appear and the pineapple is slightly caramelized and tender.
Serve:
- Remove the grilled pineapple from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Optionally, sprinkle with shredded coconut and chopped mint for added flavor and texture.
- Serve the grilled pineapple warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a delicious dessert.
- This Grilled Pineapple Dessert is a sweet, smoky treat that’s perfect for summer BBQs or any outdoor gathering. The caramelized pineapple pairs beautifully with a cool, creamy topping for a refreshing end to your meal!
Tips for a Perfect Vegetarian BBQ
- Prep Your Grill: Make sure your grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
- Use Foil or Grill Baskets: For smaller veggies and delicate items, use foil packets or grill baskets.
- Experiment with Marinades: Marinades enhance the flavor and texture of plant-based ingredients. Try soy, miso, citrus, or herb-based blends.
- Get Creative: Beyond veggies, try grilling plant-based sausages, tofu, tempeh, or even peaches for unique BBQ options.
With these vegetarian BBQ recipes and tips, your next vegetarian BBQ will be a hit. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these grilled delights are sure to impress.
