BBQ Recipe Vegetarian Ideas for Flavorful Summer Grilling

Summer is in the air, and nothing says “gather round” like the smell of sizzling barbecue wafting through the backyard. But who says you need meat to steal the show at your next cookout?

This vegetarian BBQ recipe will transform the way you see grilling, bringing together smoky flavors, vibrant veggies, and bold homemade sauces. Perfect for dedicated vegetarians, flexitarians, or anyone eager to add more plant-based magic to their meals, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser from the first bite.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend barbecue or just want to jazz up your dinner rotation, these BBQ veggie skewers and smoky bean burgers are here to delight. Fire up the grill and let’s make a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian BBQ recipe is a feast for all your senses and showcases just how flavorful and satisfying plant-based grilling can be.

• Full of Flavor: The blend of charred vegetables and homemade smoky sauce brings a depth of taste that rivals any meat-based BBQ.
• Simple and Versatile: Easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, these skewers and burgers nourish your body while pleasing your palate.
• Perfect for Gatherings: These BBQ bites are always a hit at cookouts, picnics, and family dinners—plus, they’re gluten-free and vegan-friendly with a few tweaks!
• Customizable: Mix and match your favorite veggies or swap in tofu, halloumi, or even seitan for endless variations.

Ingredients

Here are the fresh, wholesome ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. For convenience, I’ve broken it down by skewers, burgers, and homemade smoky BBQ sauce.

Grilled Veggie Skewers

• 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 yellow squash, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 8-10 button mushrooms, stems trimmed
• 1 eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Smoky BBQ Bean Burgers

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

Homemade Smoky BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (or brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Outdoor grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak for 30 minutes)
• Food processor (for burger mixture)
• Spatula or tongs
• Basting brush (for BBQ sauce)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   Wash and cut all vegetables for the skewers into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

2. Marinate the Veggies:

   Drizzle the veggies with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until everything is coated.

   Set aside to marinate while you prepare the other elements.

3. Make the BBQ Sauce:

   In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust sweetness and heat to taste.

   Homemade BBQ sauce tastes best when made ahead—chill in the fridge for an hour to let flavors meld.

4. Prepare the Bean Burger Mixture:

   In a food processor, pulse oats until coarse. Add black beans, onion, carrot, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, and black pepper.

   Pulse until the mixture is combined but still a bit chunky. If too wet, add more oats; if too dry, add a splash of water.

5. Form the Burgers:

   With clean hands, shape the mixture into 4 even patties. Place on a plate and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up.

6. Build the Skewers:

   Thread the marinated veggies onto skewers in any order you like, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

7. Preheat the Grill:

   Heat your outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high. Brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.

8. Grill the Skewers:

   Place veggie skewers on the grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

   Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes for extra flavor.

9. Grill the Bean Burgers:

   Brush both sides of the patties with olive oil. Place burgers on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until heated through and grill marks form.

   Baste with BBQ sauce in the last 2 minutes of cooking.

10. Serve:

    Arrange veggie skewers and burgers on a platter. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired.

    Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Switch Up the Veggies: Try adding cherry tomatoes, corn rounds, or even pineapple to your skewers for a sweet-tangy twist.
• Make It Vegan: This recipe is already vegan, but double-check your BBQ sauce ingredients to ensure no honey or Worcestershire sauce is included.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne to your sauce or sprinkle chili flakes over the veggies before grilling for extra heat.
• Boost the Protein: Thread extra-firm tofu cubes onto skewers or add a scoop of cooked quinoa to your burger mix.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the burger patties and BBQ sauce a day ahead for a quicker cookout.
• Try Different Sauces: Swap out the smoky BBQ sauce for a creamy Killarney sauce or a tangy green goddess for a flavor change.
• Grill Indoors: If weather isn’t cooperating, use a grill pan or broil the skewers and burgers in your oven.

“For even more grilling inspiration, check out our Grilled Kohlrabi Recipes collection!”

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 burger + 2 skewers):

Note: Nutrition will vary based on specific brands and any substitutions.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on toasted sourdough buns: Try them with our Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe for next-level burgers.
• Pair with classic BBQ sides: Think corn on the cob, fresh salads, or even a zesty Green Goodness Juice for a refreshing sip.
• Top your burgers: Load up with avocado slices, pickled onions, crispy lettuce, or vegan cheese.
• Make it a feast: Round out your BBQ with homemade bread pudding for dessert or a light fruit salad.
• Bring some crunch: Add a handful of kettle chips or grilled pita alongside your main course.

“Don’t forget to let your guests build their own skewers—kids love getting involved, and everyone gets their favorite combo!”

Conclusion

Vegetarian BBQ recipes prove that plant-based eating can be anything but boring. With the right techniques, fresh produce, and a few smoky tricks, you can deliver mouthwatering results that satisfy vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

These grilled veggie skewers and smoky bean burgers are vibrant, hearty, and perfect for sharing—whether you’re hosting a big summer bash or enjoying a cozy meal with family. Plus, the homemade BBQ sauce is so good, you’ll want to bottle it up for every meal.

Fire up your grill, invite your friends, and show them just how exciting vegetarian BBQ can be. For more delicious inspiration, check out our Kosher Vegetarian Recipes collection or get creative with our Grilled Kohlrabi Recipes.

Happy grilling!

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