June 21 marks the official start of summer for the Northern Hemisphere, which means it’s time to fire up the grill! However, traditional grilled foods tend to be meat-heavy, which can lead to severe health implications such as cancer, obesity, heart disease, and more. But barbecue lovers needn’t fret. With a plant-based diet, one can maintain good health and enjoy all the sweet and smoky flavors of the grill. Whip out one of these crowd-pleasing recipes, and you’ll earn the title of Grill Master all summer long.
9 Vegan BBQ Recipes for Every Grill Master
1. BBQ Tofu Burger
Those who say they don’t like tofu just haven’t had it properly prepared. Like a burger, tofu is what you make of it. Few people enjoy a burger straight out of the package; it’s all about the char, seasoning, and condiments. With some flavorful grill marks and an outstanding barbecue sauce, you’ll convert everyone into tofu-lovers.
Get the recipe here.
2. Grilled Vegan Pizza Margherita
You don’t need an 800-degree wood-fired oven to make excellent vegan pizza – your grill will do just fine. For those that love a slightly crispy crust, you’ll never go back to oven-baked pizza again.
Get the recipe here.
3. Italian-Style Eggplant Sausages
We’ve mentioned carrot dogs, but eggplant is a new (and delicious) alternative to the classic sausage. It’s the perfect whole food replacement for those looking to eat more plant-based, and it’s carcinogen-free!
Get the recipe here.
4. Grilled Veggie Kebabs with Creamer Potatoes and Tofu
Sriracha and barbecue is the new ketchup and mustard. This sauce can make anything taste good. Even the veggie-adverse will chow down on these grilled plant-based kebabs when smothered with this spicy-sweet marinade.
Get the recipe here.
5. Sticky BBQ Ribs
All Hail Seitan! There are few ingredients that replicate meat as perfectly as this wheat-based staple. It’s dense and chewy texture create the perfect “meaty” bite, and it can be seasoned and cooked to mimic a variety of meats, including ribs. Just make sure you have napkins handy. You’re going to need them.
Get the recipe here.
6. BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw
Jackfruit is the undisputed plant-based alternative to pulled pork. Its texture is spot-on, and let’s face it, when it comes to flavor, the sauce does all the work. Pile it high on a vegan hamburger bun, just note, you might have to knife-and-fork this one.
Get the recipe here.
7. Beer Battered “Fish” Tacos with Mango Salsa
Crack a cold one…and eat it. Alcohol is the secret ingredient in many battered foods. It makes the crust lighter and crispier, ensuring the breading doesn’t go soggy. We’ll drink to that!
Get the recipe here.
8. Smoky Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro & Lime
Sweet potatoes. Mashed, fried, baked, or steamed, we’ll eat them any way they come. But grilled? We’re on a whole new level. Serve as sweet potato steaks, make sweet potato burgers, or just nosh on them straight from the plate.
Get the recipe here.
9. Seitan Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Branch out from the traditional American-style grilling foods and try this Thai-inspired dish. You have the whole summer to grill up vegan burgers and hot dogs; mix it up with some international flavors.
Get the recipe here.
