Summer is here, and nothing says fun quite like firing up the grill for a mouthwatering BBQ. But what if you’re vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based delights to your cookout?
You’re in luck! This post brings you 20 vegan BBQ recipes that are bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
From smoky grilled vegetables to hearty tofu skewers and tangy jackfruit sliders, there’s something here for every palate.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just experimenting with plant-based meals, these recipes will transform your BBQ experience. They’re packed with fresh ingredients, bold spices, and creative twists that prove vegan food can be just as satisfying and delicious as any traditional BBQ fare.
Ready to impress your guests and enjoy guilt-free grilling? Let’s dive into these irresistible recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Our collection of 20 vegan BBQ recipes showcases the versatility of plant-based ingredients in outdoor cooking. Each recipe is designed to be flavorful, nutritious, and easy to make on any grill.
You’ll appreciate the variety—from smoky, spicy, and tangy to sweet and savory options—ensuring your BBQ table is vibrant and exciting.
These recipes use wholesome ingredients like fresh vegetables, legumes, tofu, tempeh, and innovative substitutes like jackfruit and seitan. Plus, the recipes come with easy-to-follow instructions, helpful tips, and suggestions for customization.
Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, these dishes will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- Firm tofu – 2 blocks, pressed and drained
- Jackfruit (young green) – 2 cans, drained and shredded
- Tempeh – 1 package, sliced
- Olive oil – 1/2 cup
- BBQ sauce – 1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
- Smoked paprika – 2 tsp
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Onion powder – 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, corn) – 4 cups, chopped
- Seitan – 1 package, sliced
- Chickpeas – 1 can, rinsed and drained
- Quinoa – 1 cup, cooked
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley) – 1/4 cup, chopped
- Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
- Maple syrup – 1 tbsp
- Vegetable broth – 1/2 cup
- Whole wheat buns – 8 pieces
- Avocado – 2, sliced
- Pickles – 1 cup, sliced
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Brush for basting
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or tongs
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu and tempeh: Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Slice the tofu and tempeh into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, maple syrup, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add tofu, tempeh, seitan, and jackfruit. Toss well to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and corn into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble skewers: Thread marinated tofu, tempeh, seitan, jackfruit, and vegetables onto skewers alternately.
- Heat the grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the skewers: Place skewers on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, basting occasionally with extra BBQ sauce. Grill until vegetables are tender and proteins are charred slightly.
- Prepare chickpea quinoa salad: In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, chickpeas, chopped herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Toss to combine.
- Assemble sliders: Pile grilled jackfruit on buns, top with avocado slices, pickles, and extra BBQ sauce.
- Serve: Arrange skewers, sliders, and salad on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve with your favorite sides and watch your guests indulge in these delicious vegan BBQ delights!
Tips & Variations
For a smoky flavor without a grill, you can use a grill pan or oven broiler, turning frequently to mimic grill marks.
Try swapping tofu with portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks for a hearty twist. Adding a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce can turn up the heat, while a tangy mustard-based sauce offers a fresh contrast.
For a fun appetizer, make mini grilled corn and avocado bites with lime and chili powder.
Don’t forget to soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Also, marinating your proteins overnight makes a big difference in flavor depth and tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Fat | 12 g (mostly healthy fats) |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve these vegan BBQ dishes with classic sides like grilled corn on the cob, fresh coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. For a comforting meal, pair with Bread And Gravy Recipe to soak up the smoky sauces.
For brunch or an early meal, complement your BBQ with the Breakfast Wellington Recipe, which pairs beautifully with grilled veggies.
Looking for a refreshing drink? Check out the Blueberry Mule With Blueberry Vodka Recipe—it’s a perfect cocktail to cool down on a warm day.
20 Vegan BBQ Recipes List
- Grilled BBQ Tofu Skewers: Marinated tofu grilled with peppers and onions.
- Jackfruit Sliders: Pulled jackfruit in BBQ sauce served on whole wheat buns.
- Tempeh Bacon Wraps: Smoky tempeh strips wrapped around grilled asparagus.
- Seitan Steaks: Thick seitan slices grilled with a tangy marinade.
- Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: Marinated mushrooms with balsamic glaze.
- BBQ Cauliflower Bites: Cauliflower florets baked or grilled with BBQ sauce.
- Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Butter: Corn on the cob brushed with vegan chili-lime spread.
- Chickpea and Quinoa Salad: A refreshing side with fresh herbs and lemon.
- Veggie Kebabs: Skewered zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions.
- BBQ Lentil Burgers: Lentil patties with smoky BBQ flavor grilled to perfection.
- Grilled Sweet Potato Slices: Sweet potatoes brushed with olive oil and herbs.
- Smoky Eggplant Dip: Charred eggplant blended with garlic and tahini.
- BBQ Pineapple Rings: Sweet pineapple rings grilled and caramelized.
- Grilled Avocado Halves: Avocado grilled lightly and topped with salsa.
- Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips topped with BBQ jackfruit, vegan cheese, and jalapeños.
- Grilled Zucchini Roll-Ups: Thin zucchini slices rolled with vegan cheese and herbs.
- BBQ Mushroom Sliders: Mini mushroom patties with BBQ sauce in slider buns.
- Grilled Tofu and Pineapple Skewers: Sweet and savory combo perfect for summer.
- Vegan BBQ Pulled “Pork” Sandwich: Using jackfruit or shredded mushrooms.
- Spicy Grilled Tempeh Tacos: Tacos filled with seasoned grilled tempeh and fresh toppings.
Conclusion
With these 20 vegan BBQ recipes, you’re all set to enjoy a flavorful, satisfying, and plant-powered grilling season. Each recipe is crafted to bring out the best in vegan ingredients, combining smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors that even meat lovers will appreciate.
The variety ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer skewers, sliders, or hearty sides.
Incorporating these dishes into your BBQ repertoire not only adds nutrition and variety but also showcases how vibrant and delicious vegan cooking can be. Remember, grilling is about creativity and fun, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices and veggies.
For more delicious recipes, be sure to check out our Breakfast Wellington Recipe or the Blueberry Mule With Blueberry Vodka Recipe for perfect meal pairings.
Happy grilling and enjoy your vegan BBQ feast!
📖 Recipe Card: 20 Vegan BBQ Recipes
Description: A collection of 20 delicious vegan BBQ recipes perfect for outdoor grilling. Each recipe features plant-based ingredients that bring smoky, savory flavors to your summer cookouts.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H15M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block extra firm tofu (14 oz)
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup jackfruit, shredded
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 vegan burger buns
- 1 cup coleslaw (vegan)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Press tofu to remove excess moisture and cut into slices.
- Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make a marinade.
- Marinate tofu, mushrooms, and jackfruit in the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Grill tofu and mushrooms for 6-8 minutes per side until charred.
- Warm jackfruit on grill for 5 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce.
- Toast burger buns lightly on the grill.
- Assemble burgers with tofu, mushrooms, jackfruit, coleslaw, and extra BBQ sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 22 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 28 g
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