Vegan Grill Recipes: Main Dishes Part 2 – Next-Level Plant-Based Vegan BBQ

🔥 Transform your outdoor cooking with these five innovative vegan BBQ mains that push the boundaries of live-fire flavor. From whiskey-glazed “ribs” to cedar-plank “salmon,” these vegan grill recipes showcase the incredible versatility of plant-based proteins over flames.

🌱 Why These Vegan BBQ Mains Stand Out:
✔ Restaurant-quality techniques adapted for home grills
✔ Global flavor profiles from Jamaica to Japan
✔ Structural integrity that holds up to high heat
✔ Dramatic presentation perfect for entertaining

“The future of grilling is plant-based, and these recipes prove why,” says Chef Priyanka Naik, author of The Modern Tiffin.

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1. Whiskey-Glazed Seitan Ribs with Applewood Smoke 🥃🍖

Flavor Profile: Sticky, smoky, with caramelized whiskey depth

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs homemade seitan ribs (vital wheat gluten base)
• ½ cup bourbon
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tbsp liquid smoke
• Applewood chips

Method:

1. Smoke ribs over indirect heat with applewood 30 mins
2. Glaze with whiskey mixture, finish over direct flame
3. Baste every 5 mins for lacquered shine

Pro Tip: Braise seitan in veggie broth before grilling for fall-off-the-bone texture

Perfect For: Vegan BBQ gatherings where you want wow factor

Source: Smoke & Spice by Cheryl and Bill Jamison

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2. Cedar-Plank Grilled Carrot “Lox” 🥕🌲

Flavor Profile: Silky, smoky, with dill cream cheese coolness

Ingredients:

• 6 large heirloom carrots, peeled into ribbons
• 1 untreated cedar plank (soaked 2 hours)
• 2 tbsp alderwood smoked salt
• ½ cup cashew cream cheese

Method:

1. Massage carrots with oil and smoked salt
2. Grill on cedar plank over indirect heat 15 mins
3. Serve with bagels and dill cream

Hack: Add capers and red onion for full lox experience

Ideal For: Upscale vegan grill recipes with seafood vibes

Source: The Vegan Atlantic by Lauren Toyota

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3. Jamaican Jerk Grilled Hearts of Palm “Lobster” 🇯🇲🔥

Flavor Profile: Fiery, allspice-forward, with buttery finish

Ingredients:

• 4 cans whole hearts of palm
• 3 tbsp Jerk seasoning paste
• 2 tbsp vegan butter
• 1 Scotch bonnet, minced

Method:

1. Score hearts of palm to resemble lobster tails
2. Marinate in jerk paste 1 hour
3. Grill over charcoal 3 mins per side

Pro Tip: Serve with grilled lime halves for acidity

Great For: Tropical vegan BBQ theme nights

Source: Caribbean Vegan by Taymer Mason

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4. Harissa-Grilled Cauliflower Steak with Zhoug 🇮🇱🥬

Flavor Profile: Spicy, herbaceous, with cooling yogurt

Ingredients:

• 2 large cauliflower heads, cut into 1″ steaks
• ¼ cup harissa paste
• ½ cup vegan yogurt
• 1 batch zhoug sauce

Method:

1. Brush steaks with harissa, grill 5 mins per side
2. Serve with zhoug and yogurt swirl
3. Garnish with pomegranate seeds

Chef’s Secret: Steam whole cauliflower 5 mins before cutting for perfect steaks

Source: Sababa by Adeena Sussman

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5. Maple-Miso Grilled Tofu “Pork Belly” 🍁🍯

Flavor Profile: Sweet-salty, umami-rich, with crisp edges

Ingredients:

• 2 blocks extra-firm tofu, pressed & sliced
• ¼ cup white miso paste
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp five-spice powder

Method:

1. Score tofu in crosshatch pattern
2. Glaze with miso mixture, grill 4 mins per side
3. Finish with sesame seeds

Pro Tip: Freeze and thaw tofu twice for meatier texture

Perfect For: Vegan BBQ with Asian fusion flair

Source: Japanese Cooking for the Soul by Tim Anderson

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Vegan BBQ Pro Techniques

✔ Two-Zone Fire: Sear over direct heat, finish indirect
✔ Press Proteins: Use grill weights for better contact
✔ Rest Before Serving: 5 minutes ensures juiciness

“Plant-based proteins behave differently than meat—embrace it,” advises Chef Rich Landau of Vedge. “Their ability to absorb smoke and marinades is actually superior.”

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Essential Gear for Vegan Grill Recipes

• Grill basket (for smaller items)
• Meat thermometer (even veggies have ideal temps)
• Silicone basting brush (no bristle contamination)

Pro Tip: Dedicate one grill zone to sauces only to prevent cross-contamination.

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Final Flame

These vegan grill recipes redefine what’s possible with plant-based mains over fire. Whether you’re craving Caribbean heat or Japanese umami, your vegan BBQ spread just got infinitely more exciting.

“The grill doesn’t care if it’s meat or plants—it just makes everything taste better,” says Steven Raichlen, host of Project Smoke.

Which main will headline your next cookout? Tag #VeganBBQMains!

Sources:

1. Plant-Based BBQ by Randolph Cook
2. Fire, Smoke, Green by Richard Turner
3. Chef interviews conducted 2023

Want more? Make sure to see all our posts for vegan bbq, and vegan grill recipes. We have a bunch!