Barbeque Vegan Recipes That Delight Every Grill Lover

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy delicious barbecue flavors without compromising your plant-based lifestyle. Barbecue vegan recipes open up a world of smoky, savory, and sweet delights that are both satisfying and nutritious.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, these recipes will ignite your taste buds with bold spices, rich sauces, and hearty veggies. From marinated tofu steaks to grilled vegetable skewers and smoky jackfruit sliders, BBQ vegan options prove that you don’t need meat to create mouthwatering dishes that everyone will love.

In this post, you’ll find a collection of versatile, easy-to-make barbecue vegan recipes perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. Let’s dive into these flavorful dishes that celebrate the best of plant-based grilling!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These barbecue vegan recipes offer a fantastic combination of taste, texture, and nutrition. They feature wholesome, natural ingredients that are easy to find and prepare.

You’ll love how these recipes bring out the smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors typical of traditional barbecue — without any animal products.

Each recipe is customizable and perfect for all skill levels, whether you’re a novice griller or a backyard BBQ pro. Plus, these dishes are crowd-pleasers, making them ideal for family gatherings or entertaining friends.

If you’re looking to eat cleaner, reduce your carbon footprint, or simply enjoy new flavors, these vegan barbecue recipes are a must-try.

Ingredients

  • Extra-firm tofu – pressed and sliced for grilling
  • Jackfruit (young green, canned in water) for pulled BBQ style
  • Portobello mushrooms – large caps for “steaks”
  • Red bell peppers – sliced for skewers
  • Zucchini – sliced for grilling
  • Red onion – cut into wedges
  • BBQ sauce – smoky and slightly sweet (store-bought or homemade)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil for brushing
  • Garlic powder and smoked paprika for seasoning
  • Black pepper and sea salt to taste
  • Fresh herbs – parsley or cilantro for garnish
  • Vegan buns for sliders or sandwiches
  • Lemon juice for a fresh zing

Equipment

  • Outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan
  • Mixing bowls for marinades
  • Sharp knife for slicing vegetables and tofu
  • Cutting board
  • Brush for applying oil and BBQ sauce
  • Metal or bamboo skewers (if using bamboo, soak beforehand)
  • Tongs for flipping
  • Aluminum foil (optional, for grilling jackfruit)
  • Serving platters and plates

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tofu: Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. Slice into 1/2-inch thick slabs.
  2. Marinate the tofu and vegetables: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss tofu, sliced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onion wedges in the marinade. Let rest for 20 minutes.
  3. Prepare jackfruit: Drain and rinse canned jackfruit. Shred it with forks to resemble pulled pork. Toss with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and set aside.
  4. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (around 375°F or 190°C). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the tofu and vegetables: Place marinated tofu slabs and veggies on the grill. Cook tofu for 4-5 minutes per side until grill marks appear and edges crisp. Grill vegetables until tender and slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  6. Grill the jackfruit: Wrap the BBQ jackfruit in a foil packet. Place on the grill for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through.
  7. Assemble your dishes: For sliders, place grilled tofu or jackfruit on vegan buns, add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Serve grilled vegetables as a side or skewer them for a colorful platter.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice over the grilled items for brightness.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To deepen the smoky flavor, add a handful of soaked wood chips to your charcoal or use a smoker box on your gas grill.

Variation: Swap tofu for tempeh or seitan for a different texture and flavor profile. For a spicier kick, add chipotle powder or hot sauce to your marinade.

Make it a feast: Try pairing these BBQ vegan dishes with sides like grilled corn, vegan coleslaw, or Half Runner Beans Recipe for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Ingredient Calories Protein Carbs Fat Fiber
Tofu (100g) 144 15g 3.9g 8g 2g
Jackfruit (100g) 95 1.7g 23.5g 0.6g 1.5g
Portobello Mushroom (100g) 22 3g 3.3g 0.3g 1g
BBQ Sauce (2 tbsp) 70 0.5g 18g 0g 0g

Serving Suggestions

These barbecue vegan dishes are incredibly versatile. Serve your grilled tofu or jackfruit sliders with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a refreshing vegan potato salad.

Grilled vegetables make a colorful and healthy accompaniment to any meal.

For a fun twist, stuff your grilled portobello mushrooms with vegan cheese and fresh herbs, then serve alongside homemade buns like the Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe. Pair your meal with a crisp iced tea or a fresh juice such as the Green Goodness Juice Recipe for a nourishing and balanced barbecue experience.

Conclusion

Barbecue vegan recipes prove that grilling can be just as exciting and flavorful without meat. By focusing on hearty vegetables, plant-based proteins like tofu and jackfruit, and bold marinades, you can create dishes that satisfy all your BBQ cravings.

These recipes are perfect for summer cookouts, casual meals, or impressing friends and family with your culinary creativity.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can enjoy smoky, tangy, and delicious vegan barbecue meals. Be sure to explore other plant-based recipes on our site such as the delightful Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or the sweet and indulgent Glazed Twist Donut Recipe to round out your vegan culinary journey.

📖 Recipe Card: BBQ Grilled Vegan Jackfruit Sandwiches

Description: A smoky and savory vegan barbeque recipe using young green jackfruit. Perfectly grilled and served with tangy BBQ sauce on a soft bun.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cans young green jackfruit in water, drained and shredded
  • 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 vegan hamburger buns
  • 1 cup coleslaw (vegan)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
  3. Add shredded jackfruit, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Stir in BBQ sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. Mix apple cider vinegar and maple syrup into coleslaw.
  7. Toast buns lightly on the grill or pan.
  8. Assemble sandwiches with jackfruit mixture and coleslaw.
  9. Serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 60 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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