Back in 2013, when Larissa and I first became vegetarians, I was pretty sure my summer BBQ grilling days were finished. The idea of a “vegan BBQ” sounded like an oxymoron—no burgers, no hot dogs, just grilled veggie kabobs, right?
Boy, was I wrong!
As it turned out, summer barbecue season got a whole lot more interesting once we started exploring plant-based options. At first, we had a few awkward BBQ fails (grilled eggplant can turn to mush in a hurry, especially when you don’t monitor the temp on your grill!), but every flop taught me something new.
These days, our vegan BBQ spreads are just as satisfying—sometimes even more so—than the ones we remember from before.
If you’re skeptical, I completely understand! I would’ve been too.
But after years of grilling season experiments, we’ve found that bold flavors, smoky sauces, and creative vegan barbecue recipes can win over just about anyone. So let’s get those grills fired up and kick off our vegan BBQ.
If you’d rather listen to us discuss all things vegan BBQ, check out episode 478 of The Vegetarian Zen Podcast.
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What Makes Vegan BBQ Special?
When you hear “vegan BBQ,” it’s easy to think you’ll be stuck with nothing but side salads and chips. Honestly, that’s what I expected in the beginning, too. But plant-based BBQ has come a long way, and it’s anything but boring these days.
What makes a summer barbecue stand out isn’t the meat—it’s the flavor, the fun, and maybe even getting a little messy. These days, there are so many tasty plant-based proteins to throw on the grill—like smoky tofu, hearty seitan, and jackfruit that pulls apart just like classic pulled pork. A vegan barbecue is loaded with flavor and texture, and it might even surprise a few die-hard meat lovers!
And, of course there are some off-the-shelf options too if you’re into faux meats. Honestly, those aren’t my go-to choices but I know a lot of people like them.
Plus, loading up your grill with colorful veggies, protein-rich vegan mains, and bold sauces means everyone leaves happy—and maybe even a little healthier. And yes, your taste buds will still do a happy dance!
Vegan BBQ Recipe Roundup: Crowd-Pleasing Favorites
Here are 8 of our all-time favorite vegan BBQ recipes to light up your grilling season. They’re perfect for your next outdoor grilling party or just for a delicious family dinner. Each comes with a direct link so you can jump right in!
1. Smoky Grilled Teriyaki Tofu Skewers
Smoky, savory, sweet—these tofu skewers have just nine ingredients but are packed with flavor. Great for pairing with
2. BBQ Tofu
Thick slabs of tofu slathered in glossy BBQ sauce—tangy, sweet, and smoky. Perfect for your vegan BBQ mains list.
Get the recipe → Love & Lemons Love and Lemons
3. Instant-Pot Pulled BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
Shredded jackfruit drenched in BBQ sauce and stuffed into buns; this is plant-based pulled “pork” that really delivers.
4. Sticky Seitan BBQ Ribs
Juicy, tender, and coated in a caramelized BBQ sauce, seitan makes ribs that are pure finger-lickin’ goodness.
Get the recipe → Thank You Berry Much
5. Vegan “Un-Ribs” with Smoky Sauce
Meaty seitan ribs smothered in smoky homemade BBQ sauce—Miyoko Schinner’s version is a hit.
6. BBQ Tempeh Sandwich with Kale Slaw
Savory, smoky
Get the recipe → Shane & Simple
7. BBQ Tempeh Sandwich (budget-friendly)
Smoky
8. Grilled Vegetable & Tofu Kebabs
Classic summer kebabs with tofu and veggies in a tangy balsamic marinade—colorful and fun.
Sides and Salads to Steal the Show
No vegan BBQ is complete without a line-up of sides that bring color, crunch, and flavor to the table. These dishes are easy to make ahead and disappear fast—trust us, even the meat-eaters will be coming back for seconds.
Vegan Potato Salad
A creamy, tangy classic made with vegan mayo, mustard, and plenty of fresh herbs. Perfect when served cold alongside smoky bbq main dishes.
Cowboy Caviar (Texas Caviar)
A vibrant bean-and-corn salsa that works as a dip, salad, or taco topping. Black-eyed peas, corn, tomato, onion, and herbs tossed in zesty lime vinaigrette.
Get the recipe → Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen’s Cowboy Caviar
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Charred corn, lime juice, and chili powder make this a quick, flavorful summer side. Skip the cheese, or use vegan feta for a fully plant-based version.
Simple Coleslaw
Crunchy shredded cabbage and carrots with vegan mayo and apple cider vinegar—a BBQ must-have for sandwiches or as a stand-alone salad.
Get the recipe → Simple Veganista
Grilled Peppers and Veggies
Charred bell peppers and grilled zucchini spears are a smoky, colorful addition to any summer spread. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and grill until tender.
Check out our article → How to Grill Vegetables Perfectly Every Time
Vegan Macaroni Salad
Bright, colorful macaroni tossed in a creamy tofu-based (or cashew-based) dressing—perfect for picnics and potlucks.
Get the recipe → Vegan Macaroni Salad
Sauces, Seasonings, and Secret Weapons
Sauce isn’t just an afterthought—it’s the star that brings everything together. Whether you’re glazing
DIY Vegan BBQ Sauce: The Essentials
Here’s what goes into a great homemade vegan barbecue sauce (and why each one matters):
- tomato base ketchup, tomato paste, or tomato purée; provides thickness and color
- sweetener brown sugar, molasses, or maple syrup; adds depth and caramel notes
- acid apple cider vinegar or white vinegar; gives a bright, tangy taste
- umami vegan Worcestershire or tamari/soy sauce; for savory richness
- smokiness smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or even smoked tomato powder; provides authentic BBQ flavor
- optional kick a dash of chili powder, hot sauce, or cayenne; adds a gentle heat
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Our easy smoky vegan barbecue sauce recipe
When possible, we we enjoy making our own sauces because we control what goes in and can make it as spicy (or not!) as we want it to be. Here is our go-to homemade vegan barbque sauce that’s perfect for grilling, marindating, and dipping those vegan nuggets.
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Flavor Hacks to Elevate Your Sauce
- caramelize sugars or dried fruit (e.g., raisins) for a subtle smokiness without spice
- blend sun-dried tomatoes into your mix—high-powered but adds rich, tangy flavor
- simmer your sauce over indirect heat or smoke it on the grill to boost smokiness without
liquid smoke
Store-Bought Standouts
Look for vegan-certified brands like 365 by Whole Foods or Primal Kitchen. Avoid sauces with hidden animal ingredients like honey or anchovies.
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The Bottom Line for Perfect BBQ Sauce
If you decide to try your own homemade barbecue sauce, here are a few tips to help you make it amazing:
- start with a solid sauce base and taste-test for a balance of sweet–tangy–smoky
- decide between quick no-cook or a deeper simmered version
- use flavor boosters like
liquid smoke , smoked paprika, or caramelized fruit - keep a batch in the fridge all summer long—it’s easy to reheat and irresistible any time
Sweet Endings: Vegan BBQ Desserts
You can’t call it a summer barbecue without something sweet to finish things off. The best vegan BBQ desserts are easy to share, keep well outdoors, and let the fresh flavors of summer really shine.
Even if your guests are stuffed from all the amazing main dishes and sides, trust me—there’s always room for dessert.
Some of our favorites? You can’t go wrong with a classic fruit cobbler. Vegan brown butter peach cobbler brings all the gooey, caramelized comfort you expect—no dairy required.
If you’re craving something extra cool, coconut ice cream (homemade or store-bought) is a total lifesaver on a hot day. And don’t sleep on grilled fruit! Pineapple rings or peach halves tossed on the grill get even sweeter and more irresistible.
Here are a few must-try vegan desserts for your next BBQ:
- Vegan Chocolate Ice Box Pie (Vegetarian Zen)
- Rich and Chocolatey Vegan Zucchini Brownies Recipe (Vegetarian Zen)
- Vegan Brown Butter Peach Cobbler (Rainbow Plant Life)
- Maple-Glazed Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream (Sweet Simple Vegan)
- Vegan S’mores Bars (Nora Cooks)
- Vegan Key Lime Pie (Oh My Veggies)
These vegan BBQ desserts are guaranteed to keep the summer vibes going strong—even after the grill is off.
Looking for more recipes? Check out our full collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes for more delicious ideas! Also, check out our Vegan BBQ board on Pinterest where you can find links to all the recipes plus many more!
FAQ: Vegan BBQ Questions, Answered
What can I grill at a vegan BBQ?
You’ve got options! Beyond tofu, tempeh, and seitan, try portobello mushrooms, corn on the cob, bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, pineapple, and even jackfruit. Grillable vegan burgers and sausages are also a hit.
How do you get smoky flavor in vegan BBQ?
Smoked paprika and liquid smoke are game changers—just a few drops add big, smoky taste. You can also grill over wood chips or charcoal for classic summer barbecue flavor.
What are the best vegan BBQ sauces?
Look for sauces with plant-based ingredients and no honey, anchovies, or Worcestershire (unless it’s vegan). Homemade versions let you control the balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors.
Is BBQ sauce always vegan?
Not always. Some BBQ sauces contain honey, anchovies, or regular Worcestershire sauce, which is made with anchovies. Always check the label or make your own to be sure.
How do I make vegan BBQ protein-rich?
Focus on main dishes like seitan ribs, grilled tofu, tempeh, and jackfruit mixed with beans or lentils. Store-bought grillables like Beyond Meat or Gardein are also packed with plant-based protein.
Are there vegan options for classic BBQ sides?
Absolutely! Potato salad, macaroni salad, cowboy caviar, coleslaw, baked beans, and grilled veggies can all be made vegan with simple swaps—vegan mayo, dairy-free cheese, or plant-based dressings.
How do I keep vegan BBQ food from sticking to the grill?
Brush the grill grates and your food with oil before cooking. Let your main dishes sit until they naturally release (don’t force the flip), and always preheat the grill.
