Gone are the days when plant based BBQ options meant a lonely salad or a dry veggie patty. Today, plant based cooking has become bolder, tastier, and capable of holding its own on any summer grill. Whether you’re fully vegan, flexitarian, or just curious, there’s a world of flavour waiting for you — and yes, it’s satisfying enough to win over even the most devoted meat eater.
With more people turning to plant based eating for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, the backyard BBQ is evolving. From hearty mains to smoky sides, we’ve rounded up plant based BBQ recipes that are big on flavour, texture, and crowd appeal.
- Smoky BBQ Mushroom Steaks
Thick, meaty portobello mushrooms are a plant based BBQ essential. Marinate them in a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, smoked paprika and a dash of maple syrup, and then grill until tender and charred. These mushroom steaks are rich, juicy, and perfect as a burger filling or served with grilled corn and slaw.
The umami packed flavour profile makes them a top pick in food columns and magazines in Australia, proving they’re anything but an afterthought.
- Grilled Corn with Chilli Coconut Butter
An Aussie BBQ classic gets a plant based makeover. Char grilled corn on the cob becomes a standout when slathered with spicy coconut butter. Mix softened plant based butter with chilli flakes, lime zest, and a spoonful of coconut cream, then brush it over hot corn straight from the grill.
Top it off with a sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut or fresh coriander for an extra burst of flavour and texture. It’s sweet, spicy, and totally addictive — an easy crowd pleaser for all ages.
- BBQ Jackfruit Sliders
Pulled pork who? Jackfruit is a tropical fruit with a surprisingly meaty texture when cooked. Simmer young green jackfruit in BBQ sauce, garlic, and onion until it pulls apart like slow cooked meat. Pile it high on mini buns with pickled red onions and crunchy coleslaw.
Perfect for entertaining, jackfruit sliders are often featured in magazines in Australia as a go to for plant based party food with plenty of bite.
- Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herby Marinade
Skewers are a BBQ staple, and they’re easily made plant based. Put alternate chunks of capsicum, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and tofu on skewers. For extra flavour, marinate them in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and mustard before grilling.
The mix of textures and colours makes this dish as beautiful as it is tasty. Serve with a side of tzatziki made with coconut yoghurt and cucumber for a fresh finish.
- BBQ Cauliflower Wings
These crispy, spicy cauliflower bites are the ultimate finger food. Coat cauliflower florets in a batter of flour, plant based milk and spices, bake until golden, and then toss them in smoky BBQ sauce before finishing on the grill. They’re crunchy, tangy and utterly moreish.
They are great as a side, snack, or even a main for those craving something with crunch and heat. Plus, they’ve gained popularity in BBQ features across several food focused magazines in Australia.
- Grilled Stone Fruit with Balsamic Glaze
Dessert deserves a spot on the BBQ too. Halve fresh peaches, nectarines or plums and grill them until caramelised. Drizzle with a balsamic reduction and top with toasted nuts or a scoop of coconut ice cream for a simple yet elegant finish.
You can also add a sprig of fresh thyme or mint to enhance the aroma and elevate the presentation. The natural sugars in stone fruit caramelise beautifully over the flame, making this a sweet, smoky treat to end the meal on a high note.
Conclusion
Plant based BBQs are no longer just a trend — they’re here to stay. With bold marinades, hearty textures, and fresh produce taking centre stage, these recipes prove that meat free meals can be just as satisfying and exciting. Whether you’re catering to a crowd with mixed dietary needs or simply trying something new, plant based BBQ cooking opens the door to endless creativity.
So fire up the grill, try something unexpected, and let the flavours speak for themselves. Your guests — meat lovers included — might be surprised just how much they enjoy these delicious, smoky, and satisfying plant based bites.
