How to Have A More Plant Based BBQ

Want veggies to be the star of your next outdoor feast? Here’s how to have a more plant based BBQ!

By Lora O’Brien

With summer comes glorious weather. And with the warmer weather, we all take a collective step away from the furnace that is our kitchen. Ditching the oven, we dust off the BBQ and head outdoors to cook. And this year, 61% of people in the UK alone are wondering how to have a more plant based BBQ.

The demand for more than beige buns with hot dogs and burgers is loud. People want fresher, healthier dishes loaded with flavour. Think: smoky aubergine steaks, garlic marinated corn and skewers loaded with grilled veggies.

I get it, though. Some people hear ‘veggies at a BBQ’ and think really?

But by taking a few easy steps, it’s easy to have a more plant based BBQ that everyone – from carnivores to vegans – will love.

Marinate, marinate, marinate!

Vegetables are the real star of the show. You just need to find ways to prepare them!

For example, when grilled, vegetables are transformed into meat alternatives. Whether it’s turning oyster mushrooms into burger patties, or marinating some cauliflower steaks to replace a meaty main, the flavours you use will give them a bold taste to elevate any BBQ! Citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges, add a fresh flavour, while sweeter fruits, like peaches and pineapple, pair perfectly with more savoury dishes.

Be bold with flavour

It’s easy to keep it simple, but don’t be afraid to try new contrasts. A fresh tzatziki is a refreshing dip to pair with sides or to add to a burger. Fermented pickles add a tangy crunch to your veggie dishes, whilst Middle Eastern sauces can be the perfect way to boost flavour of veggies!

Pair your mains with fresh sides

Fresh salads to pair on the side add a real vibrant freshness to your BBQ. Try crisp salads with zesty dressings. Or a pickled coleslaw using a variety of different carrots and celery seeds for a bold flavour. Or if you’re looking for a protein hit, a hearty bean salad tossed with fresh herbs, olive oil and a splash of lemon juice pairs perfectly with any main.

Yes, potatoes can be the star of the show!

Who doesn’t love a potato dish at a BBQ? Indeed, the spud can be the star of a plant based BBQ. Serve jacket potatoes as your main with a side dish like hummus, or a plant-based kabab. Or slice and dice into wedges, toss with a spicy mix and then cook to perfection on your grill.

Ready for some great vegetarian ideas for a BBQ? Read on!

Great Ideas For A Veggie Based Barbeque

1. Charred Cabbage with Lemon Tahini

Charred cabbage is very trendy right now, and the perfect dish to whip up for a BBQ. Drizzled in a lemon tahini dressing, it’s crisp, it’s tangy, it’s super tasty – and it’s way cheaper than meat!

Get the recipe here.

2. Garlic & Herb BBQ Eggplant

Eggplant is the ‘tofu’ of veggies. It pretty much goes with everything, and will just absorb any flavours you add to it. This recipe involves loads of savoury garlic and herbs. Add the smokiness of the grill to that, and you’ve got a dish that’s a real winner at any plant based BBQ.

Get the recipe here.

3. Grilled BBQ Watermelon Kebabs

These watermelon kebabs are a great dish for your next BBQ. The umami marinade is packed with flavours which pair well with the watermelon when it’s grilled and then lightly charred. It works well paired with veggies such as crisp corn or chunks of red bell peppers.

Get the recipe here.

4. Indian Inspired BBQ Skewer

Kebabs are such a great plant based BBQ option, and you can pretty much throw whatever veggies or fruits on them that you fancy. I personally love grilled pineapple which adds sweetness against the Indian spices.

Get the recipe here.

5. Lion Mane’s Steak

Lion’s mane is the perfect steak for vegetarians and carnivores alike! This gorgeous, super healthy mushroom is transformed into a steak with a very meat-like texture, and the most mouth-watering flavour. Serve these as a side or a burger topping and your guests won’t even miss the meat!

Get the recipe here.

6. Mexican Street Corn

Corn is such a delicious and fresh veggie. Who doesn’t love a bit of it? And it’s never better than when it’s done up in Mexican style! This recipe features cheese, lime, cilantro and spices. You can do this in the air fryer, sure. But throwing it in some aluminium foil on the BBQ is going to make it even better!

Get the recipe here.

7. Tempeh Burgers with Portobello Mushroom Buns

BBQs are great, but they can be super bloating with the bread buns and starchy dishes. This burger recipe serves portobello mushrooms as the buns with marinated tempeh and fresh veggies. Super easy to make on the grill, and great for those sensitive to gluten.

Get the recipe here.

8. Smoky Carrot Hot Dogs

Carrot dogs are the perfect meaty main for a plant based BBQ. Once marinated and then grilled, you won’t even believe they’re a humble carrot! Serve on a soft bun with your favourite toppings and you won’t miss the meat versions at all!

Get the recipe here.

9. Grillable Veggie Burgers

Forget mock meat, these burgers are made with veggies and rice! Black beans, mushrooms, and rice are mixed with onion, walnuts and liquid smoke for that perfect smoky BBQ flavour. Serve alongside one of the many tasty salad recipes in this list, or serve in a bun for a traditional BBQ vibe.

Get the recipe here.

10. BBQ Watermelon Fillet

Turn juicy watermelon into this mouthwatering fillet to really wow your guests. Once marinated and then grilled, the watermelon takes on a new flavour. It then becomes the perfect main dish to serve at a plant based BBQ!

Get the recipe here.

11. Grilled Baby Potato Skewers

Potatoes are super cheap and filling, and of course, are perfect for a plant based BBQ! Pop them onto a skewer and marinate in this herby sauce. Simple yet loaded with flavour.

Get the recipe here.

12. Grilled Teriyaki Cauliflower

Looking for a veggie main to steal the show at your plant based BBQ? These teriyaki cauliflower steaks are the one. They’re slathered in a delicious brown sugar and soy glaze, and then scattered with scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

Get the recipe here.

13. Tofu Skewers With 5 Easy Sauces

As I mentioned, firm (not silken) tofu is a great staple at veggie based barbeques, as it makes great kababs, and grills up perfectly. And when you’ve got five tasty sauces to add to your grilled tofu, it’s even better!

Get the recipe here.

14. Boozy Baked Bananas

I couldn’t do a plant based BBQ recipes roundup without dessert! These sweet, mushy bananas have a shot of rum, yes. But the alcohol will burn off once they’re grilled. And if you can serve these up hot with some contrasting ice cream – all the better!

Get the recipe here.

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Lora O'Brien

After graduating in Journalism from the University of Greenwich, Lora worked for Sugar and Healing Lifestyles magazines in London before being hired to write about food for Eluxe. She’s recently become a new mom to baby Lulla, and is writing a blog about the experience. See more about Lora here.