How to prepare the perfect vegan barbecue?
The weekend is approaching, and like every Sunday in the summer, you're getting ready to welcome your friends for your traditional weekly barbecue, but your lifelong friend calls to announce that this month, he's challenging himself on a month without meat. Panic sets in, you're about to cancel everything, when, out of nowhere, the team COG With great joy, the article you need to demystify the 100% meat barbecue has appeared, and to save your meal thanks to a summary of the best options for preparing a vegetarian barbecue.
Curieux.euse, Are you wondering what a vegetarian or vegan barbecue might consist of? Grilled tomatoes and peppers? Good guess! But not only that.
Yes indeed, there are now many plant-based alternatives to replace meat, allowing people to get together around a barbecue without leaving vegetarians out, while still having a friendly time.
In this article, we share some preparation ideas, and a selection of plant-based alternatives, to create the perfect barbecue including tasty, cruelty-free vegetarian options.
Why do people become vegetarians?
In 2024, France has around 2.5% of people following a vegetarian (meat-free) diet or vegan (without animal products). While this segment of the population remains a minority, it is also growing, especially considering the increasing number of French people.ais.es who follow a classic diet on a daily basis, but who occasionally eat vegetarian - so-called flexitarian people.
But what are the reasons that lead to these dietary choices?
Eat vegan for animal welfare.
Buy items from vegan fashion, Denouncing animal abuse, and of course, reducing or stopping one's consumption of meat from land and sea animals, are all ways to support the animal cause, to oppose factory farming, and to save animal lives.
Reduce your consumption of animal products to lower your carbon footprint.
Livestock farming has a significant impact on our carbon footprint And pollute the environment through the pesticides and medications released into the environment from animal feed and care. According to National Geographic, animal product consumption in France accounts for 61% of the carbon footprint of our diet, representing an ecological disaster. Eating differently is an environmental challenge, and limiting meat consumption and opting for plant-based alternatives is the most effective solution.
Consume less meat to take care of your health.
Numerous studies show that excessive meat consumption can lead to cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes, and also promote osteoporosis and the development of certain types of cancer.
Associated with a regular sports practice, and a balanced diet, reducing meat consumption and favouring plant-based proteins such as red beans, chickpeas, lentils, or quinoa, represents a public health solution, and an excellent way to take care of oneself.
What is the point of a barbecue without meat?
While restricting meat consumption or stopping animal products may have benefits, it does not mean that one no longer wants to enjoy life by completely breaking with old eating habits.
Having a vegetarian barbecue allows you to enjoy the flavors and seasonings of charcoal-grilled foods by preparing meat alternatives, and also to gather with loved ones around a table for a pleasant time, just like at a traditional barbecue, while reducing your environmental impact. environmental footprint.
What are the vegetarian alternatives for a plant-based barbecue?
There are as many definitions of vegetarianism as there are vegetarians.tarien.ne.s. Some vegetarians or vegans prefer not to consume meat substitutes, either due to personal preference or to avoid perpetuating the consumption of products resembling animal flesh. Others, on the contrary, see no problem with them. Everyone has their own tastes.
So here we will review various vegetarian and vegan alternative options for the veggie barbecue, it's up to you to see which ones appeal to you and suit you.
Tofu:
Tofu, especially firm tofu, is an excellent option for barbecuing, even more so when smoked.
For an even more refined flavor, it's best enjoyed after marinating it in soy sauce with your choice of seasonings, such as ginger, garlic, and lemon, to enhance its taste. Seared to perfection and lightly grilled, the tofu becomes crispy on the outside and remains tender on the inside.
Seitan:
Seitan is rich in protein and easy to marinate. It absorbs flavors as well as tofu but is firmer, and can be grilled until beautifully caramelized.
Meat substitutes for barbecues.
Meat substitutes encompass various types of products that mimic meat, such as veggie burgers, soy nuggets, or vegan mince. Their texture and taste are similar to what a meat-based diet offers, but without any animal products.
If, in addition, you are short on time or you are curieux.euse To discover the latest taste innovations in meat substitutes for your BBQ, many brands and products are now available in grocery stores and supermarkets.
The plant-based steak:
A barbecue staple, steaks now have plant-based versions, with vegetarian and vegan burgers available to suit all tastes and preferences. Some are more like vegetable patties (usually made with pea and wheat protein), while others, made from soy, are remarkably similar to burgers thanks to subtle adjustments to flavors and textures.
Often enhanced with spices and herbs for a savory taste, plant-based steaks are easy to grill - especially soy steaks - and they pair perfectly with fresh vegetables.
Plant-based sausages:
Vegetable sausages, made from soy, peas, or wheat, are a delicious and flavorful alternative for barbecues. Some are more like chipolata-style sausages, while others are more like knackwurst-style Strasbourg sausages. They can be smoked or even flavored with herbs for added variety.
Vegetarian merguez sausages:
These vegetarian merguez sausages will add a spicy touch to your barbecue. The filling is made from plant-based protein, seasoned with spices for a taste and texture very similar to that 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 a pita bread with grilled vegetables.
Vegetable minces:
Vegetable strips are similar to cutlets. Generally made from soy or wheat, they're ideal for kebabs, or grilled with mustard. Thread them onto skewers with pieces of vegetables like bell pepper, and let the magic of the barbecue happen.
Vegetables to put on the grill.
Alongside or instead of meat substitutes, grilled vegetables are essential for a successful barbecue. Here are our recommendations for your vegan barbecue.
The eggplant:
Cut into thick slices or strips, eggplant transforms into a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth dish once grilled. Drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite herbs for a tender texture and a delicious Mediterranean flavor.
Courgette:
Perfect for barbecuing, zucchini can be cooked sliced or cut into sticks on the grill, or wrapped in foil. Quick to cook, it becomes tender and juicy after grilling.
The bell pepper:
With its summery colors, the bell pepper is undoubtedly one of, if not THE, essential vegetables for a veggie barbecue. Cut into wide strips or wedges, it grills easily and develops a slightly sweet and smoky flavor when caramelized by the heat. Brush it with a little olive oil, herbes de Provence, or curry powder to enhance its taste. Grilled bell pepper is delicious on its own, but it's also perfect for topping kebabs, accompanying veggie steaks, or being tossed in salads.
The tomato:
Cherry tomatoes on skewers or thickly sliced, salted tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and color to your barbecue. A truly sweet and flavorful treat.
The ear of corn:
While not the most environmentally friendly vegetable to grow, grilled corn on the cob is a barbecue classic with a flavor that will win you over. If 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.
Vegetable skewers for grilling:
We take a bit of everything and pile it up. The seasonal vegetable skewer is a crowd-pleaser. Vary the delicious options by alternating mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, onions, garlic, eggplant, zucchini, etc.
To add a bit of protein and flavor, marinate cubes of tofu, seitan, or shredded vegetables in soy sauce, drizzle with olive oil, and season with a few tasty spices before grilling. Guaranteed success!
Are plant-based meats healthy?
Numerous plant-based meat brands and alternatives have emerged in recent years. Plant-based steaks, vegan cordon bleu, and breaded plant-based products... It's up to you to explore this new plant-based world.
However, a plant-based diet doesn't always equate to a balanced diet, and it would be a mistake to think that eating less animal protein necessarily means eating better. A balanced plant-based diet also means varying your meals and limiting your consumption of processed meat substitutes, which can be high in fat, salt, or sugar. Therefore, their consumption should remain occasional—for example, at a barbecue with friends—and it's important to check the ingredients before consuming them.
Finally, it should be noted that some meat substitutes contain egg white and are not compatible with a vegan diet.
Some side dish ideas for a successful vegetarian barbecue.
To complement your meat alternatives, consider these delicious options:
Salads:
It's summer, it's hot, and even without a barbecue, they're always welcome! We're not talking about vegan ice cream or sorbet here, but salads!
Perfect as a main course or as a side dish for your vegetables, marinated tofu, or vegan steaks and veggie sausages, fresh salads can be made in a thousand different flavors to suit your taste. chacun.e. Quinoa salad, tabbouleh, rice salad, vegetable salad or pasta salad; bring lightness and contrasting flavors to your meal while getting plenty of vitamins.
For a creamy and comforting salad, take the time to make a homemade salad dressing with walnut oil, whole-grain mustard, and just the right amount of balsamic vinegar. A delight to prepare with love and enjoy almost without restraint.
Vegan cheeses or plant-based cheeses :
As the pun suggests, vegan cheeses resemble cheese but are made without dairy products. Made primarily from cashews or soy, they offer a creamy and flavorful alternative to traditional cheese and are ideal as an accompaniment to a barbecue, spread on a slice of fresh bread, or melted over grilled vegetables.
Vegan sausages: Faux-cissons and sin chorizo.
Vegan charcuterie, often made from wheat or pea protein, is a type of vegan charcuterie. Served on a board as an appetizer or sliced in a sandwich, it adds a delicious touch to your vegan barbecue.
Sin chorizo is rich in spices, and brilliantly imitates traditional chorizo; it can enhance your kebabs or simply be nibbled on as a starter.
The sauces:
Sauces are essential for a successful barbecue. Vegan pesto without parmesan, curried hummus, chili sauce and homemade barbecue sauces or vegan mayonnaise: they add a delicious finishing touch to your dishes.
To limit your fat intake, mustard is the ideal alternative to sauces. A natural, flavorful, and low-fat plant, it's perfect for a plant-based and healthy diet.
The final ingredient for a perfect vegan barbecue.
We're there! With all this, your vegetarian barbecue and vegan grilling are guaranteed to be a success. Your taste buds will dance and sing.
All that remains is for you to add the unique and perfect seasoning of any self-respecting festive meal: camaraderie and good cheer shared with your loved ones.
We'll leave that up to you :)
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 has positive repercussions on animal species.
Feel free to introduce these products and share this article with your friends and family, and thank you for also talking about COG's approach through our eco-friendly shoes Made in Europe and our vegan sneakers, which help to reduce the impact of the footwear industry on the planet. Sneakers in vegan leather, shoes man women based on Grape-based vegetable leather, Your support and shares are essential for us to advance sustainable fashion.
Until next time! ethical readings, Enjoy your meal! 🍅🌽
The team COG.