Going vegan doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour. We’ve collected our favourite, delicious vegan barbecue skewer ideas to get you started.
Vegan barbecue basics
A supply of reliable, natural bamboo skewers is essential for any barbecue. To avoid burning, soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before use.
Be sure to lay out compostable tableware and cutlery for guests, to keep with the sustainable theme.
Sides, sauces, and wraps
Pita breads, corn tortillas, and flatbreads make great accompaniments for any skewers. They should be vegan friendly – but do check listed ingredients.
To really impress, swap the usual salad bowl for curtido, a simple central American slaw. Slice white cabbage, onion, and carrot, and drizzle with a sauce made from apple cider vinegar, caster sugar, and coriander.
Get guests grazing by filling bowls with roasted, spiced chickpeas and juicy barbecued corn on the cob. Serve the corn on small paddle skewers for easy eating. Finish your table with dipping bowls of hummus, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or peanut satay sauce.
Delicious barbecue marinades
Classic staples of vegan cuisine, such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan, are excellent meat substitutes in any dish – that’s no different for kebabs.
Adding protein makes a dish more filling. Pack in the flavour with tasty marinades before cooking. This could be a simple ginger-and-garlic teriyaki, miso, sweet barbecue, or chilli sauces – ranging from sweet, to smoky or fiery.
Making the most of unexpected sun and don’t have time to marinade? Spice mixes infuse protein sources and vegetables alike with flavour. Turn tofu to tandoori or tikka; permeate aubergines and courgettes with warming paprika; and dust potatoes with aromatic rosemary or thyme.
Vegan barbecue skewer ideas
Deconstructed burger skewers
Start with your chosen protein patty, pushed to the paddle end of a medium paddle skewer, then stack your preferred accompaniments. Pulled jackfruit, vegan cheese, gherkins, and onions are all good choices. You can even toast a bun on the grill for a finishing touch.
Vegan pepperoni (made with cured pea protein), green peppers, and mushrooms could be used as alternative burger toppings.
Barbecue cauliflower lollipops
Cauliflower is a versatile staple of vegan and vegetarian cuisine that can also bring joy to a barbecue.
While full cauliflower steaks would be a little unwieldy on a skewer, ‘caulipops’ are a delicious, fun way to enjoy the same hearty flavour. Season with a marinade or spice mix before placing on small paddle skewers and grilling.
Vegan hot dogs
‘Not dogs’ are simple to make. Layer sliced vegan sausage between paprika or rosemary-seasoned potato chunks and fresh onion. Use Dijon seasoning for an authentic mustard flavour or cherry tomatoes for a healthy take on ketchup.
Falafel, beetroot, and red onion skewer
Falafel is another delicious base for a vegan meal. Try layering falafel with marinaded beetroot in balsamic vinegar and sliced red onion. Drizzle with mint yoghurt dressing as a final flourish.
Avocado also complements falafel, either as fresh chunks grilled on the skewer or blended with chilli and mint as an accompanying dip.
Vegetable curry skewer
On a long natural skewer, add curried butternut squash and sweet potato to cherry tomatoes or cubed coconut, and grill for a twist on a classic dish. Serve with rice or roti, and homemade mango chutney.
Appetising afters
Why not grill your dessert? Coat slices of banana in maple syrup and combine with cinnamon spiced apple for a warming, sweet treat.
Another option is to stack cubes of watermelon and pineapple with sliced peaches on long paddle skewers, and grill until caramelised. Squeeze a fresh lime over for a citrus tang.
You can also add fruit into any of the skewer ideas above to freshen up existing flavour combinations with a hint of sweetness.
Refreshing fruit slushies
Blend unused fresh fruit with ice to make delicious, refreshing vegan smoothies. Pop in a reusable bamboo straw for a sustainable flourish.
Presenting your versatile vegan BBQ ideas
Whichever recipes you opt for, FOOGO green’s sustainable bamboo skewers are a great way to serve them. Completely natural, and devoid of any harmful binding chemicals, they can be composted after use, making post-party clean-up a breeze!
To see our complete range of eco-friendly tableware and catering supplies, visit our online store.