How to prepare the perfect vegan barbecue?
The weekend is approaching, like every Sunday of the summer you are preparing to receive your friends for your traditional weekly Sunday barbecue, but your lifelong friend calls you to announce that this month, he is challenging himself to a month without meat . Panic on board, you are about to cancel everything, when out of nowhere, the COG team appears, with oh happiness, the article you need to demystify the 100% meat barbecue, and save your meal thanks to a summary of the best options for preparing a vegetable barbecue.
Curious, you wonder what a vegetarian or vegan barbecue could possibly consist of? Grilled tomatoes and peppers? Well seen! But not only that.
Yes, today there are many plant-based alternatives to replace meat, and allow people to get together around a barbecue without leaving vegetarians behind while still having a friendly time.
In this article, we share with you some preparation ideas, and a selection of plant-based alternatives, to create the perfect barbecue including vegetarian, tasty and cruelty-free options.
Why do people become vegetarians?
In 2024, France will have around 2.5% of people following a vegetarian (meat-free) or vegan (animal-product-free) diet. While this segment of the population remains a minority, it is also increasing, especially if we take into account the growing number of French people who follow a classic diet on a daily basis, but who occasionally eat vegetarian - people known as flexitarians.
But what are the reasons that lead to these food choices?
Eating vegan for animal welfare.
Buying vegan fashion items, speaking out against animal abuse, and of course, eating less or less meat from land and sea animals are all ways to support the animal cause , oppose industrial farming, and save animal lives.
Reduce animal products to lower your carbon footprint.
Livestock farming has a heavy impact on our carbon footprint and pollutes the environment with pesticides and medications that the food and care of animals release into nature. According to National Geographic, the consumption of animal products in France represents 61% of the carbon impact of our diet, which constitutes an ecological precipice. Eating differently is an environmental issue for which limiting your meat consumption and opting for plant-based alternatives is the most effective solution.
Eat less meat to take care of your health.
Numerous studies show that excessive meat consumption can lead to cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes, but also promote osteoporosis and the development of certain types of cancer.
Combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet, reducing your meat consumption and favoring plant proteins such as red beans, chickpeas, lentils, or quinoa, represents a public health solution and an excellent way to take care of yourself.
What's the point of a meatless barbecue?
While limiting your meat consumption or cutting out animal products can have benefits, this doesn't mean you no longer want to indulge yourself by completely breaking away from your old eating habits.
Having a vegetarian barbecue allows you to rediscover the flavors and seasonings of charcoal-grilled foods by preparing alternatives to meat, but also to gather your loved ones around a table to have a pleasant time, just like during a traditional barbecue, while reducing your environmental footprint .
What are the vegetarian alternatives for the vegetable barbecue?
There are as many definitions of vegetarianism as there are vegetarians. Some vegetarians or vegans do not wish to consume products that imitate meat, for personal taste or to avoid perpetuating the consumption of products that resemble animal flesh. Others, on the contrary, see no problem with it. All tastes are in human nature.
So here we are going to review various options for vegetarian and vegan alternatives for the veggie barbecue, it's up to you to see which ones tempt you and suit you.
Tofu:
Tofu, especially firm tofu, is a great option for barbecue, especially when smoked.
For an even more refined taste, it is best eaten after it has been marinated in soy sauce, with seasonings of your choice, such as ginger, garlic and lemon, to make it even more flavorful. Seared to perfection and barely grilled, tofu becomes crispy on the outside and remains tender on the inside.
Seitan:
Seitan is high in protein and easy to marinate. It absorbs flavors just as well as tofu but is heartier than tofu, and can be grilled until nicely caramelized.
Meat imitations for barbecue.
Meat substitutes include various types of products that imitate meat, such as plant-based burgers, soy nuggets or vegan mince. Their texture and taste are similar to what a meat diet offers, but without animal products.
If you are short on time or are curious to discover taste innovations in meat substitutes for your BBQ, many brands and products are now available in grocery stores and supermarkets.
The vegetable steak:
The emblem of barbecue, steaks now have their plant-based versions, and there are vegetarian steaks and vegan ground steaks for all tastes and styles. Some are more like vegetable patties (generally made from pea and wheat proteins), others, made from soy, look like ground steaks, thanks to subtle work on aromas and textures.
Often seasoned with spices and herbs for a savory taste, veggie steaks are easy to grill - especially soy steaks - and pair perfectly with fresh vegetables.
Vegetable sausages:
Plant-based sausages, made from soy, peas or wheat, are a delicious and tasty alternative for barbecues. Some are more like chipolata-style sausages, others more like Strasbourg knacki-style sausages. They can be smoked or even flavored with herbs to vary the pleasures.
Vegetable merguez:
Vegetable merguez will bring a spicy touch to your barbecue. The stuffing is made of vegetable proteins, enhanced with spices for a taste and texture very close to those of meat-based merguez.
Offered are different brands, each with its own recipe, more or less juicy, more or less firm; they grill in no time and are perfect in pita bread with grilled vegetables.
Vegetable slices:
Vegetable strips are similar to escalopes. Usually made from soy or wheat, they are ideal for skewers, or grilled covered in mustard. Thread them onto skewers with pieces of vegetables such as peppers, and let the barbecue magic happen.
Vegetables to put on the grill.
Alongside or replacing meat substitutes, grilled vegetables are essential for a successful barbecue. Here are the ones we recommend for your vegan barbecue.
Eggplant:
Cut into thick slices or strips, eggplant becomes a succulent, melt-in-the-mouth dish when grilled. Drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle it with your favorite herbs for a tender finish and a delicious taste with Mediterranean flavors.
Zucchini:
Perfect for the barbecue, zucchini can be cooked in slices or sticks on the grill, as well as wrapped in aluminum foil. Quick to cook, it becomes tender and juicy after a passage on the grill.
The pepper:
With its summery colors, the pepper is undoubtedly one, if not THE essential vegetable for the veggie barbecue. Cut into large strips or quarters, it grills easily and develops a slightly sweet and smoky flavor when caramelized by the heat. Brush it with a little olive oil, herbs from Provence or curry to enhance its taste. Grilled peppers are delicious on their own, but they are also perfect for garnishing skewers, accompanying vegetable steaks, or mixing into salads.
The tomato:
Cherry tomatoes on skewers or thickly sliced salted tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and color to your barbecue. A real sweet and tasty treat.
Corn on the cob:
A vegetable that isn't the most environmentally friendly to grow, but whose taste will blow you away, grilled corn on the cob is a barbecue classic. Bought fresh, it should be pre-cooked for 10 to 15 minutes before being placed on the grill.
Buttered with vegetable margarine and lightly salted, it offers an explosion of flavors and an irresistible crunchy texture.
The vegetable skewer to grill:
We take everything and we pile it up. The seasonal vegetable skewer is unanimous. Vary the gourmet pleasures by alternating mushrooms, small cherry tomatoes, onions, garlic, eggplants, zucchini, etc.
To add a little protein and a little indulgence, marinate cubes of tofu, seitan or vegetable slices in soy sauce, add a drizzle of olive oil and a few tasty spices before putting on the barbecue. Guaranteed success!
Are plant-based meats healthy?
Many brands and plant-based alternatives to meat have emerged in recent years. Plant-based steaks, vegan cordon bleus and plant-based breaded sandwiches... It's up to you to discover this new plant-based universe.
However, plant-based does not always mean balanced nutrition, and it would be a mistake to think that eating less animal protein necessarily means eating better. Having a balanced plant-based diet also means varying your meals, and measuring your consumption of processed products such as imitation meat, which can be high in fat, salt or sugar. This is why their consumption should remain occasional - such as during a barbecue with friends, and it is important to check the composition of the ingredients before consuming them.
Finally, note that some meat substitutes contain egg white and are not compatible with a vegan diet.
Some ideas for accompaniments for a successful vegetarian barbecue.
To accompany your meat alternatives, consider these delicious options:
Salads:
It's summer, it's hot, and even without a barbecue, they are always welcome! We're not talking about vegan ice creams or sorbets here, but salads!
Perfect as a main course or as an accompaniment to your vegetables, your marinated tofu, or your vegan steaks and vegetable sausages, fresh salads can be made in a thousand flavors depending on everyone's taste. Quinoa salad, tabbouleh, rice salad, vegetable salad or even pasta salad; bring lightness and contrasting flavors to your meal while stocking up on vitamins.
For a creamy and comforting salad, take the time to make a homemade salad dressing with walnut oil, old-fashioned mustard and just the right amount of balsamic vinegar. A delight to prepare with love and consume almost without moderation.
Vegan faux-mages or cheeses:
As the play on words suggests, faux-mages are similar to cheese, but are made without dairy products. Made primarily from cashews or soy, they offer a creamy and tasty alternative to traditional cheese, and are ideal as an accompaniment to a barbecue, spread on a piece of fresh bread, or melted over grilled vegetables.
Faux-cissons and sin chorizo, vegan sausages:
Faux-cissons are vegan charcuterie, often prepared with wheat or pea proteins. Served on a board as an aperitif or sliced in a sandwich, they add an extra gourmet touch to your vegan barbecue.
Sin chorizo is rich in spices, and brilliantly imitates traditional chorizo, it can be used to enhance your skewers or simply nibbled as a starter.
Sauces:
Sauces are essential for a successful barbecue. Vegan pesto without parmesan, curry hummus, hot sauce and homemade barbecue sauces or vegetable mayonnaise: they add a gourmet finishing touch to your dishes.
To limit your fat intake, mustard is the ideal alternative to sauces. A natural plant, spicy and low in fat, it is perfect for a plant-based and dietetic diet.
The final ingredient for a perfect vegan barbecue.
Here we are! With all this, your vegetarian barbecue and vegan grills can only be a success. Your taste buds will dance and sing.
All you have to do now is add the unique and perfect seasoning of any self-respecting festive meal: camaraderie and good humor shared with your loved ones.
For that, we'll let you handle it :)
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and for giving veggie alternatives a chance for a vegetarian barbecue that is good for you, the planet and the positive impact on animal species.
Feel free to introduce these products and share this article with your loved ones, and please also talk about COG's approach through our eco-responsible shoes made in Europe and our vegan sneakers , which help reduce the impact of the shoe industry on the planet. Vegan leather sneakers ,men'sand women's shoes made from grape vegetable leather , your support and sharing are essential to us in advancing sustainable fashion.
See you soon for ethical readings , and enjoy your meal! 🍅🌽
The COG Team.