Summer is here, and that means it’s BBQ season! Having friends and family over to enjoy some outdoor dining is one of the enduring pleasures of life. However, for many, barbecues are synonymous with meat, and this can create quite the dilemma for hosts attempting to accommodate a range of tastes and preferences. Don’t fret! RiceSelect® is here to inspire you with a range of delicious vegan options perfect for serving at BBQs. So whether you’re looking to offer vegan alternatives at a traditional BBQ event, or exploring the idea of having a vegan-themed cookout, we’ve got you covered.

Easy Vegan BBQ Bowls

Let’s kick things off with a rice bowl recipe that stands out from the crowd. Vegan cuisine is famous for its use of varied ingredients with bold flavors, and this is certainly the case with our Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Rice Bowl recipe. Made with a plethora of flavorful ingredients such as RiceSelect® Black Rice tahini, miso, ginger, onions, garlic, Sriracha, grated carrots, and sauteed mushrooms, this dish is a dazzling example of the exquisiteness of vegan food.

New to cooking with Black Rice? Don’t fret! Our Home Chef’s Guide to Cooking with Black Rice will fill you in on everything you need to know.

Ingredients for Customizing Vegan BBQ Bowls

One way to make your vegan BBQ a more interactive and creative experience is to set up a vegan rice bowl table where guests can customize their vegan rice bowls. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular rice bowl ingredients for guests to mix and match.

  • Rice

  • Chickpeas

  • Legumes

  • Assorted vegetables

  • Hummus

  • Nuts and Seeds

  • Avocado

  • Vegan-friendly sauce option

Mexican Burgers with Adobo Sauce Recipe

Vegan BBQ Burger Ideas

What would a barbecue be without mouthwatering burger options? It’s hard to imagine. The good news is that vegans need not miss out on this culinary tradition. In fact, in recent years, vegan burger recipes have been taking the world by storm! Vegan burgers are versatile and adaptable, incorporating a wide range of textures and flavors. These Mexican Burgers in Adobo Sauce are delicious rice-based burgers with a chili kick to boot! Perfect for lovers of spicy Mexican cuisine and traditional hamburger recipes.

Similarly, this Grilled Veggie Burger Recipe makes for a highly-satisfying vegan burger experience. The burgers are made using aromatic RiceSelect® Royal Blend® Rice, resulting in a fragrant, meat-free rice burger.

Gourmet BBQ Grilled Vegetables Recipes

Let’s face it, any BBQ event will be judged primarily on the strength of its grilled offerings, and vegan BBQs are no exception. That’s why it’s essential to be ready with delicious grilled vegetable recipes to dazzle both vegans and non-vegans in attendance. This seasonal Thai Grilled Eggplant with Spicy Peanut Sauce is sure to be a hit. The aromatic blend of charred eggplant and RiceSelect® Jasmati White Rice makes it an irresistible grilled eggplant recipe.

Likewise, these Satay Tofu Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce are a terrific option. After all, no BBQ would be complete without a skewer dish for guests to snack on.

Craveworthy Vegan Steak Recipe

If you’re looking for a marquee vegan BBQ recipe, then we’ve got just the recipe for you. This Lion’s Mane Mushroom Steak is the dish that will get everyone talking. Boasting the texture and smoky flavors of classic steak recipes, it’s a meat-free masterpiece that will simply blow your guests away. Don’t be surprised if some of the non-vegans in attendance sidle up to you and ask you for the recipe!

Cold Vegan Desserts for Summer

Finally, what better way to cap off a successful BBQ event than to serve up some cool and refreshing vegan desserts. First up is a vegan variation of one of America’s most beloved dessert options: the humble rice pudding. This Vegan Cinnamon Cranberry Rice Pudding recipe uses coconut and almond milk to achieve the creamy texture synonymous with traditional rice pudding recipes. What’s more, the inclusion of cranberries elevates the dish, making it a tart and zesty treat!

If you’re looking for something with tropical flavors to complement the warm summer weather, look no further than this Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut. Fruity and delicious, it’s an easy-to-make summer dessert that will add to the broad spectrum of flavors on offer.

Tips for Planning Successful BBQ

The key to any successful social gathering is in the planning. If you follow these easy steps, your BBQ event will be sure to go off without a hitch.

  1. Guest list: Make a guest list and confirm how many people will be in attendance. It’s important to know this for steps 2 and 3.

  2. Meal prep: Decide on your recipes well in advance so you can start sourcing ingredients that may not be readily available in your local store.

  3. Calculate ingredient quantities: Once you know how many people are coming, start thinking about quantities. Don’t skimp on servings. Expect people to ask for seconds so prepare plenty of food!

  4. Make sure there’s shade: On a hot summer’s day people will need an area where they can go to cool down. Consider erecting parasols or awning in your outdoor area.

  5. Refreshments: Provide a wide range of cool refreshments that will cater to a variety of tastes. There’s nothing worse than attending a gathering with a lack of refreshment options.

  6. Create a group chat: Having expedient communication on the day will make your life easier. Guests can provide updates on their arrival times and you can adapt your schedule according to how the day goes.

Now that you’ve got plenty of vegan-inspired recipes to sink your teeth into, it’s time to get planning! Make your next BBQ one that both vegans and non-vegans will always remember. For expert cooking tips and new recipes, visit our blog and get inspired!