Summer is here, and there’s nothing quite like the sizzle and smoky aroma of a backyard BBQ. But if you’re vegetarian or simply looking to add more meat-free options to your grill, fear not!
The world of vegetarian BBQ recipes has exploded with creativity and flavor, delivering dishes that are both satisfying and packed with bold, smoky goodness. From grilled veggie skewers to hearty portobello mushroom burgers, these recipes not only capture the spirit of traditional BBQ but also offer a fresh twist that everyone will love.
In this post, we’ve curated the best vegetarian BBQ recipes Buzzfeed fans rave about, perfect for your next cookout. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a BBQ newbie, these recipes are simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress.
Plus, we’ll share tips, variations, and nutrition facts to make your BBQ experience even better. Ready to fire up the grill and delight your taste buds?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegetarian BBQ recipes are all about celebrating the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables, smoky marinades, and creative plant-based ingredients. These recipes prove that grilling isn’t just for meat lovers — it’s a fantastic way to highlight the natural textures and tastes of veggies and vegetarian proteins.
You’ll love these recipes because they are:
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you likely already have.
- Versatile, perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or meal prepping.
- Healthy and nutritious, filled with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based proteins.
- Deliciously smoky and satisfying, delivering all the BBQ vibes without the meat.
Ingredients
| Recipe | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers | Portobello mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, garlic, olive oil, burger buns, lettuce, tomato, cheese (optional) |
| BBQ Tofu Skewers | Firm tofu, BBQ sauce, bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, olive oil |
| Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter | Fresh corn on the cob, butter, chili powder, lime juice, cilantro, salt |
Equipment
- Grill (charcoal or gas)
- Grill grates or skewers
- Basting brush for marinades and sauces
- Mixing bowls for marinades and ingredients
- Tongs for flipping and handling food
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
- Clean the mushrooms: Wipe the portobello mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Remove stems if desired.
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the mushrooms: Place mushrooms in the marinade, making sure both sides are coated. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high.
- Grill mushrooms: Place mushrooms on the grill, grilling for 5-7 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred.
- Assemble burgers: Toast burger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes. Add lettuce, tomato, grilled mushroom, and cheese if using.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
BBQ Tofu Skewers
- Press the tofu: Wrap firm tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for 20 minutes to remove excess water.
- Cut tofu and veggies: Cube tofu into 1-inch pieces. Chop bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini into similar sizes.
- Marinate tofu: Toss tofu cubes with ½ cup BBQ sauce and let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Assemble skewers: Alternate tofu and vegetables on skewers.
- Preheat grill: Medium heat works best.
- Grill skewers: Place skewers on the grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with extra BBQ sauce.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side.
Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter
- Preheat grill: Medium-high heat.
- Prepare chili lime butter: In a bowl, mix ¼ cup softened butter with 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Husk corn: Remove outer husks but leave a few layers or remove completely if preferred.
- Grill corn: Place corn directly on the grill for 10-15 minutes, turning frequently until charred and tender.
- Brush with butter: When off the grill, immediately brush with chili lime butter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Serve warm as a spicy, tangy side dish.
Tips & Variations
“Marinating is key to infusing your vegetarian BBQ dishes with bold flavor. Don’t rush this step!”
- Portobello mushrooms: Try adding smoked paprika or cumin to the marinade for a smoky twist.
- Tofu: For extra crispiness, coat tofu in cornstarch before grilling.
- Veggie skewers: Add pineapple chunks or cherry tomatoes for a sweet pop.
- Grilled corn: Experiment with different spice blends, such as Cajun seasoning or smoked chili powder.
- Vegan options: Swap out butter for vegan margarine and cheese for plant-based alternatives to keep recipes vegan-friendly.
Nutrition Facts
| Recipe | Calories (per serving) | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portobello Mushroom Burger | 280 kcal | 8g | 12g | 32g | 5g |
| BBQ Tofu Skewers | 220 kcal | 16g | 10g | 14g | 3g |
| Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter | 180 kcal | 3g | 9g | 22g | 4g |
Serving Suggestions
These vegetarian BBQ recipes pair perfectly with fresh, summery sides that complement their smoky flavors. Try serving them alongside grilled vegetable salads, crisp coleslaw, or a classic potato salad.
For a sweet finish, consider trying the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe to cool off after your spicy grilled corn, or indulge in a rich dessert like the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.
If you want to elevate your BBQ sauces, try the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a tangy, creamy option that pairs well with grilled veggies or bread.
Conclusion
Vegetarian BBQ recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors and fun of grilling without relying on meat. With simple ingredients like portobello mushrooms, tofu, and fresh corn, these dishes deliver smoky, satisfying tastes that everyone will enjoy.
By marinating your veggies and tofu well and grilling them to perfection, you can create meals that are both nutritious and bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just craving a delicious grilled meal, these recipes are sure to inspire you. Don’t forget to experiment with different spices, marinades, and sides to make the dishes your own.
For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, check out our other favorites linked above. Happy grilling!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegetarian BBQ Recipes BuzzFeed
Description: A collection of flavorful vegetarian BBQ dishes perfect for summer gatherings. These recipes are easy to prepare and packed with smoky, savory goodness.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups portobello mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 large zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Mix olive oil, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Marinate mushrooms, zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes in the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the marinated vegetables on the grill.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and slightly charred.
- Remove from grill and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm as a main or side dish.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 15 g
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