Ready to turn up the heat with some sizzling vegan BBQ delights?
Finding tasty, meat-free options for a barbecue can often leave vegetarians and vegans feeling left out.
Vegan BBQ food offers a huge variety of delicious plant-based dishes that are perfect for outdoor cooking, from juicy burgers to flavourful kebabs.
This guide will walk you through everything from main dishes and sides to desserts and dips, ensuring your next BBQ is both vegan-friendly and irresistibly tasty.
Delicious Main Dishes for Your Vegan BBQ
When it comes to hosting a vegan BBQ, the main dishes you serve can make all the difference. Offering a variety of plant-based options not only caters to vegan guests but can also impress meat-eaters with delicious alternatives. From vegan burgers to mouth-watering kebabs, there are countless ways to create a feast that everyone will love.
Vegan burgers are a staple at any BBQ and can be made from a diverse range of ingredients such as black beans, lentils, or portobello mushrooms. These burgers can be seasoned with a rich blend of spices and served with a slice of vegan cheese, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of vegan BBQ sauce. The key to a great vegan burger is making sure it has a firm texture that holds up well on the grill.
Another crowd-pleaser is vegan kebabs, which can be made with chunks of marinated tofu, colourful bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. These kebabs not only add a vibrant touch to your BBQ spread but also soak up the smoky flavours of the grill, making them irresistible. Serve them with a side of homemade vegan tzatziki or a spicy BBQ sauce to enhance their flavour.
How to Make Vegan Skewers: A BBQ Favourite
Vegan skewers are a fantastic way to showcase the versatility of vegetables and tofu at your BBQ. Start by choosing firm tofu, which holds up better on the grill. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes. Marinate the tofu in a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and your choice of herbs for at least an hour to infuse it with flavour.
For the vegetables, select a colourful array such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions. Lightly toss them in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Thread the marinated tofu and vegetables onto wooden skewers, alternating for variety. Grill the skewers until they are nicely charred and the vegetables are tender-crisp, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Perfect Side Dishes to Accompany Vegan BBQ Mains
The right side dishes can complement and enhance your vegan BBQ mains beautifully. Classic options like vegan potato salad, made with dairy-free mayonnaise and fresh herbs, are always a hit. Additionally, a vibrant coleslaw, combining shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinegar-based dressing, adds a crunchy, refreshing element to your meal.
For something a little different, consider grilling corn on the cob or making a batch of fresh mango salsa. These sides not only bring a sweet and smoky flavour to the table but also provide a colourful contrast to the main dishes. Remember to prepare a variety of sides to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that every guest finds something they enjoy.
Fresh and Tasty Vegan BBQ Salads
Salads are the unsung heroes of any barbecue, especially at a vegan BBQ where freshness and flavour are paramount. A variety of vibrant, fresh salads not only complements the grilled mains but also adds a refreshing touch to the meal. Ingredients like crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and tangy dressings are key in creating salads that will impress all your guests. Whether it’s a simple green salad or a more elaborate grain-based one, each should be bursting with flavour and colour.
To make your vegan barbecue stand out, consider incorporating unique ingredients and dressings into your salads. For instance, a Mediterranean pasta salad with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a lemon-herb dressing can be a delightful addition. Alternatively, a grilled sweet potato salad with a lime and cilantro dressing brings a smoky sweetness that’s hard to resist. Remember, the goal is to create a range of salads that are not only tasty but also visually appealing and easy to serve.
Creamy Vegan Dips for Your BBQ Spread
Creamy vegan dips are a fantastic way to elevate your BBQ spread, offering both flavour and versatility. One popular choice is a smooth hummus, made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, which serves as a delightful dip for everything from fresh veggies to grilled pita bread. Another must-try is the cashew sour cream; soaked cashews blended with lemon juice, vinegar, and salt create a rich, tangy cream that’s perfect for dolloping on grilled vegetables or using as a base for a creamy salad dressing.
For those looking to spice up their BBQ, a vegan jalapeño cilantro dip can be the perfect addition. This dip combines soaked cashews, fresh cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and lime juice for a creamy concoction with a kick. It’s not only great with chips or as a veggie dip but also enhances the flavours of grilled corn or vegan tacos. Always ensure to have a variety of dips to cater to different tastes, and don’t forget to label them, especially the spicy ones, to keep all your guests happy.
Sweet Vegan Desserts to End Your BBQ on a High Note
To round off a fantastic vegan BBQ, sweet vegan desserts are essential. Opt for fresh, fruity options like berry cobblers or lemon cakes, which are not only delicious but also light enough to enjoy after a hearty meal. These desserts can be made with simple, plant-based ingredients and still deliver a punch of flavour that complements the smoky BBQ tastes.
For those who love a bit of DIY, why not set up a dessert-making station where guests can top their own desserts? Provide a variety of toppings such as chopped nuts, vegan chocolate chips, and coconut whipped cream. This not only adds an interactive element to your BBQ but also ensures that everyone can customise their dessert to their liking, making the meal even more memorable.
Discover More with Vegan BBQ Food Tours in Zurich
Exploring vegan BBQ food can be more than just cooking at home; it’s an adventure waiting in the heart of Zurich with INDULGE‘s food tours. These tours are perfect for food enthusiasts eager to dive into a culinary journey, blending the delights of vegan BBQ with Zurich’s rich gastronomic culture. Participants will enjoy a unique experience, discovering how vegan dishes are innovatively served in one of the world’s most vibrant food scenes.
Each tour with INDULGE offers a chance to:
- Taste various plant-based BBQ dishes prepared by expert chefs.
- Learn about the fusion of traditional Swiss flavours with modern vegan cooking.
- Enjoy the scenic beauty of Zurich’s landmarks as part of the culinary experience.
This integration of food, culture, and history ensures that every participant leaves with both a full stomach and enriched knowledge about Zurich’s diverse food landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I BBQ instead of meat?
For a vegan BBQ, there are numerous delicious plant-based alternatives to meat. You can grill vegan burgers made from ingredients like black beans, lentils, or portobello mushrooms. Another excellent option is vegan kebabs, which can include marinated tofu, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Vegan skewers with a variety of vegetables and firm tofu are also a fantastic choice for grilling.
Can vegans eat BBQ?
Yes, vegans can enjoy BBQ by choosing plant-based dishes. Vegan BBQ food offers a wide range of options including vegan burgers, kebabs, skewers, and a variety of side dishes like vegan potato salad and coleslaw. There are also vegan-friendly desserts and dips that can be included in a BBQ menu.
What is the best vegan protein for BBQ?
The best vegan proteins for BBQ include tofu, especially firm tofu, which holds up well on the grill when marinated and cubed. Other great options are black beans and lentils, which can be used to make hearty, flavourful vegan burgers. These proteins absorb BBQ flavours well and provide a satisfying texture.
What do vegetarians eat for the barbecue?
Vegetarians at a barbecue can enjoy a variety of plant-based dishes such as vegan burgers, kebabs, and skewers made from ingredients like tofu, vegetables, black beans, and lentils. Side dishes like vegan potato salad, coleslaw, and a selection of fresh salads can also be served. Additionally, creamy vegan dips and sweet vegan desserts can complete the meal.
