As a vegan chef, one of the most common questions I get asked is, “What can I grill as a vegan?” The answer is simple – just about everything! With a little creativity and some know-how, you can create delicious and healthy vegan BBQ recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family. In this article, we’ll explore the art of BBQing as a vegan, and I’ll share some of my favorite recipes that are perfect for the grill.
Understanding Vegan BBQ
When most people think of BBQ, they think of ribs, chicken, and brisket – all meats that are not part of a vegan diet. However, BBQing is more about the cooking process than the ingredients, and there are plenty of vegan-friendly foods that are perfect for the grill. Vegetables, fruits, tofu, tempeh, and seitan are all excellent choices for vegan BBQing, and each offers a unique flavor and texture that can be enhanced with seasonings, marinades, and sauces.
Misconceptions about Vegan BBQ
One of the biggest misconceptions about vegan BBQ is that it’s bland and unappetizing. However, nothing could be further from the truth! With the right ingredients and preparation, vegan BBQ can be just as flavorful and satisfying as traditional meat-based BBQ. Another misconception is that vegan BBQ is difficult to prepare, but in reality, it’s just as easy as traditional BBQ – if not easier, since many vegan foods cook faster than meat.
Vegan BBQ Recipes
Now that we’ve dispelled some of the myths about vegan BBQ, let’s dive into some delicious recipes that are perfect for the grill. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet, these recipes are sure to please.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Ingredients:
– 1 red onion, cut into chunks
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 yellow squash, sliced
– 8-10 cherry tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors and varieties.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush skewers with olive oil mixture.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
BBQ Tofu Skewers
Ingredients:
– 1 block extra-firm tofu, cut into cubes
– 1 red onion, cut into chunks
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tbsp. tamari or soy sauce
– 1 tbsp. maple syrup
– 1 tsp. smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread tofu and vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors and varieties.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, tamari, maple syrup, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush skewers with BBQ sauce mixture.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until tofu is slightly charred and vegetables are tender.
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar
Ingredients:
– 1 pineapple, sliced into rounds
– 1 tbsp. coconut oil, melted
– 1 tbsp. cinnamon sugar
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush pineapple rounds with coconut oil and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and salt.
3. Grill pineapple for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred and caramelized.
Tips for Vegan BBQing
While the above recipes are sure to impress, there are a few tips and tricks that can take your vegan BBQ game to the next level. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Choose the Right Ingredients
When it comes to vegan BBQ, choosing the right ingredients is key. Opt for hearty vegetables like eggplant, portobello mushrooms, and sweet potatoes, as well as proteins like tofu, tempeh, and seitan. These foods all hold up well on the grill and can be seasoned and marinated to perfection.
Marinate, Marinate, Marinate
Marinating your vegan BBQ ingredients is a great way to infuse flavor and tenderize tougher cuts of vegetables or proteins. Use your favorite marinade recipe or try some of the store-bought options available at your local grocery store.
Don’t Forget the Sauce
Just like traditional BBQ, vegan BBQ is not complete without a delicious sauce. Try a classic BBQ sauce, a spicy sriracha mayo, or a tangy tomato salsa to add flavor and moisture to your grilled dishes.
Practice Proper Grilling Techniques
To get the perfect sear and char on your vegan BBQ dishes, it’s important to practice proper grilling techniques. Make sure your grill is preheated to the appropriate temperature, and use tongs to turn your food instead of a fork, which can cause it to break apart.
Conclusion
Vegan BBQing may seem like a daunting task, but with a little know-how and creativity, you can create delicious and healthy dishes that are sure to impress. Whether you opt for grilled vegetables, tofu, or fruit, the possibilities for vegan BBQing are endless. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy some tasty plant-based eats!