THE COOL CLUB
Here, we’ve put together our favourite plant-based barbecue recipes to give you some delicious vegan BBQ food inspiration to experiment with this summer.
When the sun comes out and the tunes are on, there’s only one thing for it. Barbecue! And with many of us now looking for meat-free alternatives, vegan BBQ food is taking centre stage more than ever before.
Vegan BBQ food – our top four dishes
Spicy Aubergine Kebabs (serves 3-4)
Vegan BBQ food doesn’t need to be bland, and these spicy aubergine kebabs won’t disappoint. A tasty fusion of sweet molasses and tongue tantalising chilli, they’re sure to go down a storm. Serve with a side of Moroccan couscous for extra zing.
Drink Pairing: Pornstar Pitcher
Ingredients
- x2 aubergines, sliced lengthways into 0.5cm slices
- x4 tbsp’s pomegranate molasses
- x2 tbsp’s ground cumin
- x1 tbsp cinnamon
- x1 tbsp chilli flakes
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Method
1. While the BBQ warms, sprinkle the sliced aubergine with salt. Allow to drain on a colander for half an hour. Rinse and pat dry.
2. Add 3 tbsp’s olive oil to a bowl and put in the molasses, cumin, cinnamon, chilli flakes and a pinch of pepper. Mix well.
3. Brush the aubergines with the spice paste.
4. Load the sliced aubergines onto skewers in a concertina style.
5. Cook on the grill for about 15 minutes, turning regularly to avoid burning.
6. Serve and enjoy!
Pulled Jackfruit burger (serves 3-4)
Jackfruit is a fantastic alternative to pork and works a treat with jerk seasoning – making it a great vegan BBQ food. Pair with some grilled corn on the cob and salsa and you’ll have a delicious meal to devour.
Drink Pairing: Strawberry Lime Party Punch
Ingredients
x400g shredded jackfruit
x6 tbsp’s jerk marinade
x¼ red cabbage, shredded
x5-6 tbsp’s vegan mayonnaise
x2 vegan burger buns
x1/2 lime juiced
x2 tbsp’s chopped fresh coriander
Method
1. Drain the jackfruit and use a fork to shred it into strings.
2. Add the barbecue jerk marinade and the lime juice and stir.
3. Using a BBQ tray, cook the marinaded Jackfruit on the grill for about 15 minutes, or until the edges of the Jackfruit have crisped up.
4. Add to burger buns with a squirt of vegan mayo, a pinch of fresh coriander and a handful of red cabbage. Enjoy!
Tangy tofu towers
There’s nothing more delicious than a skewer of fresh, grilled veg that’s bursting with colour and flavour. These tangy tofu towers offer the perfect vegan BBQ food to mix up a classic and are vegan, vegetarian and gluten free. Win!
Drink Pairing: A Bloody Mary or a Raspberry Cosmo.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- x400g packet of firm tofu
- x400g large cherry tomatoes
- Homemade Spiced Jerk Marinade
- x1 courgette, cut into 1cm slices
- x1 red onion, cut into quarters
- x2 red peppers, cut into large squares
- x2 tbsp’s Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Method
1. Press the tofu with a tofu press or between tea towels to ensure the water has drained out.
2. Marinate the tofu in homemade spiced jerk marinade.
3. Meanwhile, chop the veggies into bite sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, salt and pepper.
4. Load up your kebabs, alternating between veggies and tofu.
5. Cook on the BBQ for around 15 minutes.
6. Dig in and enjoy!
Barbecued Cauliflower Steaks with a Chimichurri dressing
Love a steak cooked over coals? Try this plant-based alternative for the ultimate taste sensation. Put simply, it’s a vegan BBQ food you can’t afford to leave off the menu!
Drink pairing: Icy Pink Lemonade
Ingredients
x2 large cauliflowers
x1 lemon juiced
x2 tsp’s honey
x3 garlic cloves (grated)
x2 chillies
x1 big handful of fresh flat leaf parsley
x1 splash of red wine vinegar
x3 tbsp’s olive oil
x1 pinch of salt and pepper
Method
For the Chimichurri dressing
1. Finely chop the parsley and chillies and put into a bowl with 2 tbsp’s of olive oil, dried oregano and red wine vinegar until you have a loose, herby sauce.
2. Season with salt and pepper and put to one side.
For the cauliflower steaks
1. Pull the leaves off the cauliflower and slice off the bottoms so they stand flat.
2. Slice each cauliflower into 4-6 steaks, around 2cm thick each.
3. Whisk the lemon juice, honey and remaining olive oil and coat the cauliflower steaks.
4. Cook on the BBQ for around 15 minutes, or until lightly charred.
5. Cover with the Chimichurri sauce and enjoy!
Vegan BBQ food FTW
With plant-based eating becoming increasingly popular, vegan BBQ food is definitely experiencing a boom. And when you have delicious recipes like this to hand, it’s easy to see why. What’s your fav vegan BBQ food? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram.
