Beyond Burgers: Plant-Based BBQ Delights in 2024 

beyond burgers, plant-based BBQ, vegan grilling, vegetarian grilling, BBQ recipes

Gone are the days when BBQ meant solely meaty delights. The rise of beyond burgers, plant-based patties packed with flavor and texture, is opening a delicious world of possibilities for grill masters and home cooks alike. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a curious meat-eater, or simply looking to explore new grilling options, Beyond Burgers offers a chance to create impressive and satisfying BBQ experiences for everyone.

Beyond the Ordinary: Why Go Beyond Burgers? 

There are several reasons why Beyond Burgers is becoming a popular choice for BBQ enthusiasts:

• Sustainability: Plant-based alternatives often have a lower environmental impact than meat production. By incorporating burgers into your BBQ, you can make a conscious choice towards sustainable grilling.
• Dietary Inclusivity: These burgers cater to vegetarians and vegans, expanding your menu and ensuring everyone at your gathering enjoys a delicious meal.
• Flavor Explosion: Beyond burgers are no longer bland substitutes. They come in various flavors and textures, offering an exciting culinary experience.

From Classic to Creative: Beyond Burger Recipe Inspiration 

Here are some delicious and diverse beyond-burger recipes to spark your grilling creativity:

• The Classic Beyond Burger: Opt for a tried-and-true approach with a classic Beyond burger topped with all your favorite BBQ fixings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, and BBQ sauce. It’s a familiar and satisfying option for everyone.
• Spicy Black Bean Beyond Burger: Kick things up a notch with this flavorful recipe. Combine mashed black beans with your favorite spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for a delicious and slightly spicy burger. Complement it with a cool and creamy avocado cream for a perfect balance.
• Asian-Inspired Beyond Burger: Embrace global flavors with this exciting option. Marinate your Beyond burger in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar, then grill to perfection. Serve it on a bed of stir-fried vegetables and finish with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for a unique and flavorful BBQ experience.

Beyond the Burger: Plant-Based Sides and More 

Don’t stop at the burger! Explore the world of plant-based sides and accompaniments to complete your BBQ spread:

• Grilled Vegetables: Skewers of colorful vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions are a healthy and flavorful addition to your BBQ. You can marinate them in olive oil, herbs, and spices for extra flavor.
• Lentil Salad: A protein-packed and refreshing option, this salad combines cooked lentils with chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
• Creamy Vegan Coleslaw: This side dish offers a delicious and refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors of the grill. Use plant-based yogurt or mayonnaise to create a creamy dressing and combine it with shredded cabbage, carrots, and your favorite herbs. (Keywords: vegan coleslaw recipe, refreshing BBQ side dish)

Beyond the Usual: Unique Beyond Burger BBQ Delights

While classic Beyond Burgers are delicious, let’s explore some unique and exciting recipe ideas to truly impress your guests at your next BBQ:

1. Korean BBQ Beyond Bulgogi:

• Marinate: Combine your Beyond Burger with soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, gochujang (Korean chili paste), ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar. Marinate for at least 30

  

  minutes.

• Grilling: Grill the marinated patty over medium-high heat to your desired doneness.
• Assembly: Serve on lettuce wraps with kimchi, pickled vegetables, and gochujang mayo for a delightful Korean BBQ experience.

2. Mediterranean Falafel Burger:

• 

  Falafel Twist: Mash chickpeas, chopped parsley, mint, onion, garlic, and spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. Form into patties and pan-fry until golden brown.

• Beyond Burger Fusion: Layer a Beyond Burger patty with the falafel patty for a double-decker protein punch.
• Mediterranean Flair: Top with hummus, crumbled feta cheese, sliced cucumber, and a drizzle of olive oil for a taste of the Mediterranean.

3. Smoky Chipotle BBQ Jackfruit Burger:

• 

  Jackfruit Magic: Shred young jackfruit and simmer in a mixture of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and spices like chili powder and cumin.

• Beyond Burger Synergy: Combine the smoky jackfruit mixture with a mashed Beyond Burger patty for a unique flavor and texture combination.
• Smoky Finish: Top with grilled pineapple slices, pickled red onion, and a creamy chipotle sauce for a smoky and tangy explosion.

4. Tandoori Spiced Beyond Burger:

• 

  Indian Inspiration: Marinate your Beyond Burger in yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, garam masala, turmeric, and tandoori spice mix.

• Grilled Perfection: Grill the marinated patty over medium-high heat until slightly charred and cooked through.
• Indian Flavors: Serve on naan bread with chopped onions, cilantro chutney, and raita (yogurt dip) for an authentic Indian street food experience.

5. Tex-Mex Black Bean Beyond Burger:

• 

  Black Bean Boost: Mash black beans with corn, diced jalapeño, chopped onion, cilantro, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.

• Beyond Burger Blend: Combine the mashed black bean mixture with a mashed Beyond Burger patty for a hearty and flavorful base.
• Tex-Mex Toppings: Top with shredded cheese, pico de gallo salsa, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream for a taste of Texas.

Spicy Pakistani Masala Beyond Burger

• 

  Spice Mix: In a bowl, combine ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

• 

  The Marinade: Mix plain yogurt, chopped cilantro, grated ginger, minced garlic, lemon juice, and half of the spice mix. Add your Beyond Burger to this and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.

• The Patty: Form the marinated Beyond Burger into a patty, or you could even mix it with some ground lamb or beef for a hybrid approach.
• Grill Time: Grill the patty over medium-high heat until cooked through and slightly charred.
• Spicy Build: Serve on toasted buns with sliced onions, tomatoes, green chilies, a creamy mint yogurt sauce (see recipe earlier in this conversation), and a sprinkle of the remaining spice mix for an extra kick.

Tips:

• Adjust the level of heat by tweaking the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper.
• Serve with a side of chutney or raita (a yogurt-based dip) for additional Pakistani flair.
• Experiment by adding chopped fresh chilies to the marinade for an extra burst of spice.

Pakistani Mutton Taka Tak

Ingredients:

• 1 kg mutton chops (ribs or shoulder cuts)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3-4 tomatoes, chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, chopped
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup cooking oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinade (Optional): If you have time, marinate the mutton chops with a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and some of dry spices for at least 30 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat.
2. Heat the oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot or karahi, heat oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Then add the ginger and garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Spice It Up: Add the tomatoes, green chilies, and all the dry spices (turmeric, red chili powder, coriander, cumin, garam masala, and salt). Cook the spices for a few minutes until they release their aroma.
5. Add the Mutton: Add the mutton chops to the pot and brown them on all sides.
6. Simmer and Braise: Add enough water to partially cover the chops, lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-45 minutes or until the meat is tender. You may need to add more water to prevent the dish from drying out.
7. The “Taka Tak” Technique: Once the mutton is tender, raise the heat to high. Uncover the pot and cook, stirring continuously until the liquid evaporates rapidly, causing a rhythmic “taka tak” sound as the meat hits the sides of the pot. This process helps intensify the flavors and create a slight char and caramelization on the meat.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Tips:

• Spice Adjustment: Adjust the red chili powder for your desired heat level.
• Fattier Cuts: Mutton chops with a little fat add great richness and flavor.
• Taka Tak Variation: Some variations include other organs like kidneys or heart along with the chops.

Bonus Tip: Get creative with your toppings! Explore different sauces, cheeses, vegetables, and even fruits to personalize your Beyond Burger creations and cater to diverse palates.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With these unique Beyond Burger recipes, you’re sure to impress your guests and elevate your next BBQ gathering!

Conclusion: Embrace the Beyond 

Beyond Burgers offers a delightful and innovative way to elevate your next BBQ experience. They’re not just for vegetarians and vegans anymore; they’re a delicious and versatile option for everyone to enjoy. So, fire up the grill, explore the diverse world of plant-based burgers, and create memorable and flavorful moments with friends and family.

Disclaimer: Adjust spice ratios in recipes according to your taste preference.

BBQ on a Budget : Delicious Dishes in 2024