BBQ Recipe Vegan: Delicious Plant-Based Grilling Ideas

There’s nothing quite like the smoky flavor of barbecue, and just because you follow a vegan lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the deliciousness! This vegan BBQ recipe is your ticket to a mouthwatering cookout, packed with robust flavors, satisfying textures, and all the fun of traditional BBQ.

Whether you’re grilling for a summer gathering, a cozy family dinner, or meal-prepping for flavorful lunches, this recipe will satisfy vegans and omnivores alike. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and features a homemade BBQ sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and perfectly smoky.

Get ready to fire up your grill (or oven) and enjoy a plant-based BBQ feast that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful & Satisfying: The combination of hearty vegetables, protein-rich tofu, and homemade BBQ sauce delivers bold, crave-worthy flavors.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce you likely already have on hand.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for summer cookouts, picnics, or weeknight dinners—easy to double or triple for a crowd.
• Completely Vegan: No animal products, but packed with protein and nutrients.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies, try with tempeh, or use store-bought BBQ sauce for extra convenience.
• Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers keep well and make for a delicious lunch the next day.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Grill (gas, charcoal, or grill pan for stovetop)
• Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
• Mixing bowls
• Knife & cutting board
• Basting brush
• Tofu press or clean kitchen towel
• Measuring spoons & cups
• Medium saucepan (for BBQ sauce)
• Tongs

Instructions

1. Press the tofu:

   Remove the tofu from its package and drain. Using a tofu press or a clean kitchen towel and a heavy object, press the tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess liquid.

   This step is crucial for getting a firm, grillable texture.

2. Prepare the BBQ sauce:

   In a medium saucepan, combine tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, vegan Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and water. Whisk together and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

   Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until glossy and thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

   Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Chop the vegetables:

   While the tofu is pressing and sauce is cooling, cut the red bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and mushrooms into evenly sized pieces for even grilling.

4. Marinate the tofu and veggies:

   In a large mixing bowl, add tofu cubes and prepared veggies. Drizzle with olive oil, a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and 3-4 tablespoons of BBQ sauce.

   Toss gently to coat. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).

5. Preheat the grill:

   Heat your grill to medium-high. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning.

6. Assemble the skewers:

   Thread tofu and veggies onto skewers, alternating ingredients for a colorful presentation. Leave a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.

7. Grill the skewers:

   Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes and basting with more BBQ sauce, until the tofu is golden and the veggies are tender and lightly charred.

   Tip: If grilling indoors, use a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook for about the same amount of time.

8. Serve:

   Remove from grill, brush with a final layer of BBQ sauce, and serve hot. Enjoy your smoky, saucy vegan BBQ!

Tips & Variations

• Swap the protein: Try tempeh, seitan, or even chickpea patties instead of tofu for a different flavor and texture.
• Change up the veggies: Summer squash, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, or sweet potato cubes all grill beautifully.
• Make it spicier: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
• Oven-baked version: Don’t have a grill? Roast the skewers on a lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning and basting halfway.
• Short on time? Use your favorite store-bought vegan BBQ sauce for a convenient shortcut.
• Meal prep: Make extra skewers! Leftovers are delicious cold or warmed up, and great for lunchboxes.
• Try on a sandwich: Slide the grilled tofu and veggies off the skewers and pile them onto a homemade sourdough hamburger bun for a hearty BBQ sandwich!

Nutrition Facts

*Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

• With crusty bread: Serve your vegan BBQ skewers alongside a slice of Green Chile Cheese Bread (use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option).
• Over grains: Pile the skewers onto a bed of fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or couscous for a complete meal.
• In a wrap: Slide the tofu and veggies into a warm pita or flatbread with crisp lettuce and extra BBQ sauce.
• With sides: Pair with classic BBQ sides like Half Runner Beans or a fresh corn salad.
• As a salad topper: Chop the grilled skewers and add them over a big green salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and sunflower seeds.
• For dessert: Finish your meal with a sweet treat like Lazy Cookie Cake for a totally satisfying vegan feast!

Conclusion

This vegan BBQ recipe is proof that you can savor all the joys of a classic barbecue—smoky, sticky, and satisfying—without any animal products. The homemade BBQ sauce brings the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, while the combination of tofu and vegetables delivers plenty of plant-based protein and texture.

Whether you’re grilling outdoors or roasting in your oven, this recipe is sure to become a staple at your summer gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.

Don’t be afraid to get creative—swap in your favorite vegetables, experiment with different proteins, or pile your BBQ creations high on a bun for the ultimate sandwich. Remember, good food is about bringing people together, and there’s nothing more inclusive than a delicious vegan BBQ.

Give this recipe a try, and let the smoky, saucy goodness win over vegans and meat-eaters alike!

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