Best Vegetarian BBQ Sandwich Recipes for Flavorful Meals

There’s nothing quite like the smoky, tangy flavors of a barbecue, and vegetarian BBQ sandwiches offer a delicious way to enjoy that experience without meat. Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or just looking to mix up your sandwich game, these recipes bring bold BBQ flavors to plant-based ingredients.

From smoky jackfruit to hearty grilled portobello mushrooms and tangy tempeh, there’s a satisfying variety to explore that will please even the most devoted carnivores. These sandwiches are perfect for summer cookouts, quick weeknight dinners, or anytime you want a comforting, flavorful meal.

In this post, we’re diving into the best vegetarian BBQ sandwich recipes that combine smoky sauces, fresh veggies, and mouthwatering textures. Each recipe is crafted to maximize flavor without meat and includes helpful tips to customize your sandwich.

Plus, we’ll cover nutrition info and serving suggestions to round out your BBQ feast. Ready to get grilling?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian BBQ sandwiches are a fantastic way to enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue without relying on traditional meat options. These recipes use plant-based ingredients like jackfruit, mushrooms, and tempeh that soak up BBQ sauce beautifully, delivering a satisfying texture and taste.

They’re perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet or impress friends at your next cookout.

Plus, these sandwiches are easy to prepare, packed with fiber and nutrients, and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you want something spicy, tangy, or sweet, these vegetarian options deliver all the BBQ goodness you crave.

Ingredients

• Jackfruit: Canned young green jackfruit, drained and shredded
• Portobello mushrooms: Large caps, cleaned and sliced
• Tempeh: Firm, sliced into thin strips
• BBQ sauce: Your favorite brand or homemade
• Red onion: Thinly sliced
• Coleslaw mix: Shredded cabbage and carrots
• Vegan mayo or dressing: For creamy slaw
• Sandwich buns: Brioche or whole wheat
• Garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt: For seasoning
• Olive oil: For cooking
• Optional toppings: Pickles, jalapeños, fresh cilantro

Equipment

• Large skillet or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Spatula or tongs
• Can opener (for jackfruit)
• Measuring spoons
• Serving plates

Instructions

1. Prepare the jackfruit: Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit. Using your hands or forks, shred the pieces to resemble pulled pork. Remove seeds or hard parts if present.
2. Season and cook jackfruit: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shredded jackfruit, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir frequently for 5 minutes until slightly browned.
3. Add BBQ sauce: Pour in 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce and stir well to coat the jackfruit. Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes to absorb flavors, stirring occasionally.
4. Prepare the portobello mushrooms: Brush mushroom slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred.
5. Cook the tempeh: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add tempeh strips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Add BBQ sauce in the last 2 minutes and toss to coat.
6. Make the coleslaw: In a bowl, mix coleslaw mix with vegan mayo or dressing, a pinch of salt, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Toss until well combined.
7. Assemble sandwiches: Toast buns lightly. Layer BBQ jackfruit, portobello mushrooms, or tempeh on the bottom bun. Top with a generous scoop of coleslaw and optional pickles or jalapeños. Cover with the top bun.
8. Serve immediately: Enjoy warm with your favorite sides or a refreshing drink.

Tips & Variations

To get the best smoky flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke to your BBQ sauce or marinate the mushrooms in smoked paprika and soy sauce before grilling.

For a spicy kick, mix some sriracha or chipotle powder into your BBQ sauce. You can also substitute the jackfruit with shredded young coconut or hearts of palm for different textures.

Try adding avocado slices or vegan cheese for extra creaminess.

If you prefer a grilled sandwich, press your assembled sandwich in a panini maker for a warm, melty finish. For added crunch, sprinkle roasted peanuts or crispy fried onions on top.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values vary depending on brand and portion size.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these vegetarian BBQ sandwiches with classic sides like baked beans, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal. For a smoky, creamy touch, try serving with a side of Community BBQ Mac and Cheese.

For dessert, something sweet and cooling like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream is perfect after a smoky, savory sandwich. And if you want to keep the BBQ theme going, try topping your sandwich with a tangy slaw inspired by the flavors from the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Vegetarian BBQ sandwiches are an exciting way to enjoy the rich, bold flavors of barbecue while keeping things meat-free. With ingredients like jackfruit, portobello mushrooms, and tempeh, these recipes provide satisfying textures and flavors that rival traditional BBQ sandwiches.

They’re easy to customize and perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to summer cookouts with friends and family.

Experiment with different BBQ sauces, toppings, and breads to make these sandwiches truly your own. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to try something new, these recipes are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So fire up your skillet or grill and get ready to enjoy some mouthwatering vegetarian BBQ sandwiches!

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