Vegetarian Grilling 101: Bringing Plant-Based Food to the BBQ Scene

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For many people, not having meat at a barbecue is beyond comprehension. They’re basically synonyms.

What if I told you that plant-based BBQ can be just as mouthwatering? Yes, you read that right.

Nowadays, there are more plant-based options for grilling than you think. With a bit of creativity, the possibilities can be endless.

In this article, you’ll get to know more about vegetarian grilling. Whether you’re a BBQ master or just beginning to know your way around grills, you’ll definitely learn something new.

Ideas for Vegetarian Grilling

As a vegetarian, you too have the right to enjoy the grilling season. Unlike the belief that BBQ is exclusively reserved for meat lovers, many plant-based options offer delicious alternatives.

Here are a few fantastic ideas to try for your next backyard barbecue party.

1. Tofu

Tofu is a go-to ingredient for vegetarian cooking as it’s one of the best protein alternatives. Its neutral taste and ability to absorb added flavors allow you to use it for numerous dishes.

When it comes to grilling, the texture of tofu holds up well to the heat, especially extra-firm varieties.

Before you fire up your grill, take a look at some tips on getting the best results out of tofu.

• Press the tofu for a few minutes before use to remove all the excess water and achieve a firmer texture.
• Marinate it for 30 minutes with your choice of some bold flavors, such as soy sauce, BBQ sauce, garlic, ginger, citrus juices, etc.
• Preheat the grill and oil the grates before placing your (not too thinly cut) tofu slabs.
• Start by searing tofu over direct heat for a few minutes on each side before moving it to an area with lower heat to finish cooking.
• For extra flavor, brush the tofu with the remaining marinade while grilling.
• Experiment with different tofu marinades and recipes to find what works best for you.

2. Corn

Summer is never the same without grilled corn on the cob. It has this natural sweetness that makes a great duo with the smoky char from the grill.

So, vegetarian or not, corn deserves a spot on your barbecue menu. Check out the following recommendations:

• Choose fresh corn for sweeter and juicier results.
• Peel back the husks of corn without fully removing them, remove the silk threads, and fold the husk back over the corn.
• Soak the corn in cold water for about 15 minutes before grilling (if you’re cooking them with the husks on).
• You can brush the corn with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle some seasonings before grilling.
• Cook the corn over medium heat for 10–15 minutes (turn every couple of minutes).
• Serve hot with extra seasonings or toppings, such as tajin, sriracha aioli, whipped miso butter, vegetarian parmesan cheese, etc.

3. Mushrooms

Grilled mushrooms are absolute flavor bombs waiting to burst in your mouth. They’re rich, earthy, and outstandingly tasty.

Primarily, you don’t have to be a veggie lover to enjoy mushrooms. From large portobello mushrooms to the cute, stringy enoki ones, mushrooms are for everyone.

Here’s how you can enjoy some succulent mushrooms during the barbecue season.

• Try to choose large and meaty mushroom varieties that can hold up better on the grill than other smaller types (portobello, king oyster, shiitake, and so on).
• Use a damp paper towel to brush off any dirt or debris from the mushrooms before trimming off their stems.
• Marinate or season the mushrooms with your favorite ingredients (a simple mix of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper works well too).
• Preheat the grill for a few minutes before adding the mushrooms.
• Use skewers or a grill basket for smaller mushrooms.
• Try to weigh down the mushrooms on the grill using a heavy object such as a cast iron skillet (it helps remove excess moisture and gives the mushrooms a denser texture).

4. Veggie Burgers

Veggie or plant-based burgers make a delicious alternative for vegetarians who want to enjoy a satisfying yet meatless BBQ experience.

These patties pack a lot of flavors, offering an option that rivals traditional beef burgers in taste and texture.

Luckily, there’s a huge selection of veggie burgers available on the market. So, you only need to select your favorite and keep the following in mind:

• Never skip preheating your grill for at least ten minutes before starting.
• Seasoning your grill is also essential to prevent your burger patties from sticking.
• Most veggie burger patties don’t need to defrost before grilling.
• Avoid overcooking them, as they might become dry and crumbly.
• Serve the burger patties hot on toasted buns with your favorite toppings and sauces.

5. Vegetable Kebabs

For those who don’t prefer grilling vegetables one at a time, vegetable kebabs can be a fantastic solution. These skewered beauties make a colorful and delicious addition to your BBQ menu.

All you need to do is thread some of your favorite vegetables onto skewers and brush them with olive oil. Then, sprinkle them with your preferred spices, herbs, or seasonings.

After that, you may begin to grill those beautiful skewers until tender and lightly charred.

Overall, some of the best vegetables to use for these kebabs are:

• Bell peppers
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onions
• Yellow squash
• Zucchini
• Eggplant
• Button mushrooms
• Baby potatoes
• Brussels sprouts

Final Thoughts

Vegetarian grilling doesn’t have to be boring. There are endless possibilities for what you can prepare at a BBQ.

From tasty tofu to sweet grilled corn, there’s definitely something for everybody to enjoy.

So, don’t hesitate to dust off your grill and fire it up. With a few tweaks here and there, you can have an out-of-this-world BBQ.

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