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Barbecuing without meat: Ideas and tips

    05/14/2025

    6 min.

Barbecuing doesn't always have to mean meat. 

 

Whether vegetable skewers or vegan alternatives - grilling without meat is varied and offers a surprising number of options. From savoury ideas to grilled desserts: Here you can find out how to make meat-free barbecuing a real flavour experience that also appeals to vegetarians and vegans. 

The most important facts in brief

    Vegetable skewers and grilled vegetables offer a healthy and creative alternative 

    Meat substitutes bring variety to the barbecue 

    Grilled desserts such as fruit skewers provide a sweet finish 

    Homemade dips and marinades perfect the flavour experience 

    With the right side dishes, meatless barbecuing becomes a highlight

Ideas for barbecuing without meat

Barbecues have many advantages: the burnt charcoal generates smoke, which lends food an unmistakable char-grilled flavour, the high temperatures give meat and vegetables a crisp crust, and the caramelisation of the sugar contained in many foods creates a particularly sweet and intense taste. However, a barbecue evening without meat doesn't have to be boring. On the contrary: The variety of plant-basedingredients and modern meat alternatives opens up exciting possibilities. 

    A variety of vegetables on the grill 

    Whether peppers, courgettes, aubergines or corn on the cob - vegetables are a classic on the barbecue. Both as a side dish and as a main course. Simply prepare in slices or skewers and refine with a aromatic marinade of olive oil, garlic, herbs and spices. It is best to pre-cook firm vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and pumpkin before putting them on the barbecue. 

    Would you like to try something new? Then why not try stuffed mushrooms topped with savoury cheddar. You can be creative with the filling - from sun-dried tomatoes to spinach and feta, anything that tastes good is allowed. You can also prepare classic BBQ skewers with vegetarian ingredients, such as halloumi and vegetables. Barbecued feta with a Mediterranean marinade is particularly appetising. 

      Creative meat substitutes

      Modern meat substitutes offer flavourful alternatives. Popular are among others: 

       

      • vegan burger patties made from lentils, peas, soya, tofu or seitan

      • plant-based sausages

      • grilled cheese - harmonises wonderfully with sweet chutneys 

        Perfect companion for barbecues

        In addition to vegetables and meat substitutes, creative side dishes also go down well: 

         

        • Flatbread with herbs

        • Potatoes, sweet potatoes or smashed potatoes

        • Pasta salad with seasonal ingredients

        • Grilled avocado and corn on the cob 

          Homemade dips and marinades

          Dips and marinades add the finishing touch to grilled dishes. Instead of buying sauces and dips, you can simply prepare them yourself and match them perfectly to the barbecue ingredients. 


          Ideas for dips: 

           

          • Guacamole: Creamy avocado with lime juice and coriander

          • yoghurt dip: Greek yoghurt with mint and lemon juice

          • Hummus: Classic with chickpeas or creative with beetroot 

            Marinades for vegetables, tofu & Co: 

             

            • Asian Soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil

            • Mediterranean: Olive oil, garlic, rosemary and thyme

            • Fruity: Orange juice, honey and mustard 

              Sweet ideas: Grilled desserts

              Who hasn't experienced it - a full belly after a barbecue but there's still room for dessert? Dessert can also come straight from the grill. Grilling fruit makes it particularly sweet and flavoursome. 

              Try it: 

               

              • Grilled pineapple slices, refined with cinnamon and honey

              • Peaches filled with nuts or almond cream

              • Fruit skewers of strawberries, bananas and grapes with chocolate sauce

              • Tip: Add some coconut yoghurt or vegan ice cream to make the dessert even more sophisticated. 

                Healthy barbecuing without meat

                Barbecuing without meat not only has culinary advantages, but also health benefits. Vegetable skewers and grilled vegetables contain lots of vitamins and fibre, while avoiding unnecessary fats. Make sure you only grill vegetables briefly so that the nutrients are retained. With the right combination of vegetables, meat substitutes, marinades and dips , every barbecue evening is an experience. Try it out - your guests will be delighted. 

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