Want to have a great BBQ season, even as a vegan? It’s simple with these meat-free grilling tips. No matter your reason for skipping meat, you can still enjoy the BBQ. ALDI has many affordable plant-based foods for grilling.
Grilling without meat is tasty and fun. Try grilled tofu or veggie burgers. There are many choices to make your BBQ amazing. Use vegan proteins, fresh veggies, and fruits. Your BBQ will wow your friends and family.
Ready to up your grilling game? Check out our top tips and recipes below.
Key Takeaways:
- Try different plant-based proteins and fresh veggies for exciting BBQ flavors.
- For grilled tofu, choose extra-firm, press out water, and add marinade.
- Frozen veggie burgers are fast and tasty. Look for kinds like black bean or soy.
- Grilling veggies makes them sweet and smoky.
- Coat grilled corn with olive oil and your favorite seasoning, like Tajin, to boost the taste.
How to Grill Tofu
Grilling tofu lets you enjoy a tasty vegan dish. It’s full of flavor and liked by pros and newbies. These tips make your tofu taste just right.
Start by picking extra-firm tofu. It keeps its shape on the grill. Your tofu stays firm and won’t break apart.
Then, press your tofu before grilling. Pressing it gets rid of water. This lets it soak up marinades better. Wrap the tofu, put it between plates, and add weight for 30 minutes.
After pressing, it’s time to grill. Heat your grill and grease it well. Use a tasty sauce or marinade. This makes your tofu crunchy and flavorful.
Cook the tofu with low heat under it. It cooks for 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a nice, golden crust.
For more flavor, brush with marinade while grilling. This makes the tofu taste even better and look good too.
Grilled tofu goes with many foods. Use it as a main dish or in salads, bowls, or sandwiches. Try new sauces, seasonings, and sides for fun meals.
Grilling tofu is a great way for vegan dishes. Enjoy the tasty, crispy tofu all summer. It’s a healthy and fun choice.
| Marinade | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Teriyaki | Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, honey or maple syrup |
| Barbecue | Ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, maple syrup |
| Lemon Herb | Lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, basil, parsley |
How to Grill Frozen Veggie Burgers
Grilling frozen veggie burgers is quick and easy. It’s a great pick for a meatless BBQ. ALDI’s Earth Grown brand has tasty vegan burgers for the grill.
Start by heating your grill to medium-high. This helps burgers cook well and get a good sear. Season the grates with oil using a brush or sponge to avoid sticking.
With the grill ready, place the frozen veggie burger patties on it. No need to thaw them first. Add a little oil on each patty for more flavor and browning.
Cook the veggie burgers for 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be nicely seared and hot. Don’t flip them often. Let them cook without moving for a bit to get a golden crust.
When they’re cooked, take the veggie burgers off the grill. Let them cool a little before making your burgers. It stops the buns from getting soggy.
Veggie Burger Options
Choose from many veggie burger types from ALDI’s Earth Grown. They have black bean burgers and soy protein patties. Try different kinds to see what you like best!
Top your grilled veggie burgers with your favorite toppings. Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any toppings you love. These easy steps lead to a tasty, frozen veggie burger BBQ!
How to Grill Vegetables
Grilling vegetables makes them sweet and a bit smoky. It makes them taste amazing. They’re great for any BBQ, whether you want kebabs or sides. You’ll love how they look and taste.
Start with veggies like peppers, onions, and zucchini. Their colors and textures are great for grilling. Cut them the same size to cook them evenly.
Use wooden skewers for kebabs. Soak them in water for 20 minutes first. This stops them from burning and keeps veggies together.
Marinate the vegetables for more flavor. Try olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs. Let them sit for 30 minutes to taste better.
Pro Tip: Be creative with your veggies and seasonings. Add herbs or paprika before grilling. Have fun with it!
Grilled Vegetable Kebabs Recipe:
Here’s a simple recipe for great kebabs at your BBQ:
- Heat the grill to medium.
- Put the veggies on skewers, making them look nice.
- Grill kebabs for 10-12 minutes, turning them to cook evenly.
- Take them off the grill and enjoy as a side or meal.
Grilled veggies are healthy and tasty. They add zest to any BBQ. They’re perfect for those who don’t eat meat. Try different veggies to see what you like best. Enjoy your grilling!
How to Grill Corn
Grilling corn on the cob makes a summer BBQ tasty. It gets a smoky flavor. Learn these steps for great corn at your next outdoor meal.
1. Preheat the grill: First, heat your grill to medium. This helps the corn cook right and look good with grill marks.
2. Prepare the corn: Take off the husks and silk. Then, brush the corn with olive oil so it won’t stick.
3. Season with salt and pepper: Add salt and pepper to the corn. This makes it taste even better.
4. Grill until charred: Put the corn on the grill and cook it for 10-15 minutes. Keep turning it until it’s a bit burnt and soft.
5. Season with Tajin seasoning: When done, take the corn off. Brush it with more olive oil. Then, add Tajin for a special flavor.
6. Serve and enjoy: Put the corn on a plate while it’s hot. This corn is great with any meal, especially a BBQ feast.
Grilling corn makes it better for summer. Using olive oil and Tajin adds smokiness and spice. Whether for a party or a quiet dinner, this corn recipe will wow everyone.
How to Grill Portobello Mushrooms
Looking for a meaty, vegetarian option for grilling? Portobello mushrooms are a great pick. They have a robust flavor. And when cooked, they feel like eating meat. This makes them perfect for a tasty, filling meal. Here’s how to grill them just right.
Step 1: Prepare the Mushroom Caps
First, pull out the stem from each mushroom cap. Twist it off gently. This makes a nice spot for flavor to soak in.
Step 2: Marinate the Mushrooms
Now, make a marinade you like. Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic are good starters. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Put the mushrooms in a dish or bag. Pour the marinade over them. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Grill the Mushrooms
Heat your grill to medium-high. Place the mushroom caps, gill side down, on foil or the grates. Grill 4-5 minutes each side. They should be soft and juicy.
Step 4: Flatten and Enhance the Texture
To make them even meatier, press down on the caps while they’re grilling. Using something heavy does the trick. It squeezes out water. This makes the mushrooms richer and firmer.
Step 5: Brush with Reserved Marinade
Keep some marinade aside. Use it to brush the mushrooms as they cook. This keeps them tasty and moist. Brush the marinade on both sides near the end of cooking.
When the portobellos are tender and grilled, take them off the heat. You can enjoy them as your main dish. Or as a flavorful part of other meals.
Recipe Recap:
Ingredients:
- Portobello mushroom caps
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Remove the stem from the mushroom caps.
- Marinate the mushrooms in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the mushrooms for 4-5 minutes on each side, using a heavy object to flatten them.
- Brush the mushrooms with reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Grilled portobello mushrooms offer many tasty options. They can be a main dish, go in sandwiches, wraps, or on burgers. Their meaty feel and great marinade set them apart for any barbeque. Try cooking up some portobellos for your next grill. Experience their deep, earthy taste.
Conclusion
Grilling without meat can be tasty and fulfilling. Try grilling tofu for a protein kick. Enjoy the smokey taste of grilled veggies. Or have a juicy veggie burger. You can also cook meaty portobello mushrooms.
Shopping at ALDI can save you money. They offer lots of plant-based foods. You can find vegan proteins, fresh veggies, and cut fruit there.
Ready to grill without meat? Start up that grill. Have a great summer with Vegetarian BBQ Delights. These tips will help you have fun, please your guests, and eat more plant foods.
Source Links
- https://www.delish.com/entertaining/g1443/vegetarian-bbq-recipes/
- https://rainbowplantlife.com/the-complete-guide-to-vegan-grilling/
- https://www.weber.com/GB/en/blog/blog/get-started-on-vegan-barbecue-with-these-top-tips/weber-2067518.html
Ryan Conlon is a BBQ enthusiast and inspired chef on a journey through the smoky, savory world of outdoor cooking. Hailing from the heart of the Midwest, Ryan’s passion for grilling ignited during his early years, where family gatherings often revolved around the sizzle of the grill and the aroma of seasoned meats.