Fire Up the Flavor: How to Master Vegan Grilling with Plant-Based BBQ Staples, Recipes and Why Give Up Meat

Summer is here, and so grilling season.

As more people turn away from meat (yay!) for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, the BBQ is becoming a hotbed for innovation. In fact, a 2020 survey by The Harris Poll found that more than 60 percent of Americans are actively reducing their meat consumption, with nearly one-third identifying as flexitarians.

And it’s not just about salads and veggie skewers anymore. 2025’s plant-based grilling scene includes everything from vegan burgers that actually sizzle to steaks made from fermented soy, BBQ ribs made from seitan, and even grilled “seafood” from mushrooms or banana blossoms.

With major brands like Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, and Daring dominating grocery aisles and even small-batch indie makers entering the market, there’s never been a better time to light the grill and go meatless.

I’m breaking down the best vegan grilling options and tips for turning your next cookout into a 100 percent plant-based party. It doesn’t matter if you’re vegan, veg-curious, or just here for the good eats, I’ve got you, fam.

Best Vegan Burgers for Grilling

PHOTO: Beyond Burgers

When it comes to vegan burgers that can hold their own on the grill and that will seriously impress meat-eaters, Impossible is my top pick. Available in both ground form and pre-shaped patties, their burgers deliver a convincing meaty texture and they sizzle and sear like the real thing.

Each serving packs in 19 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, 0mg cholesterol, and 13 grams of total fat, making them not only satisfying but nutritionally solid. If you’re looking to boost the protein even further, mixing lentils into the ground version is a great hack, especially for those concerned about plant-based protein intake.

Beyond Meat is another solid contender in the plant-based burger world.

While the flavor profile is a bit different from Impossible’s (think more smoky and rich thanks to the use of avocado oil), it’s really about personal preference. Their burgers and patties come in at 21 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, 14 grams of total fat, and 0mg cholesterol per serving.

For folks who prefer something more vegetable-forward, there are plenty of options too: Boca’s Original Vegan Veggie Burger offers that classic veggie burger taste, while Dr. Praeger’s and Sweet Earth bring a more whole-foods-based, lightly seasoned profile to the table. Whether you’re craving a meaty replica or a veggie-packed patty, there’s a vegan burger out there that fits the bill.

Best Vegan Hot Dogs for Grilling

PHOTO: Impossible Hot Dogs

Of all the plant-based hot dogs on the market, my favorite is Impossible’s version.

With 12 grams of protein per link, these vegan hot dogs deliver on both flavor and texture. They grill and have a satisfying smoky bite that closely mimics the real thing. They’re also juicy, well-seasoned, and hold their shape on the grill, making them a go-to for classic cookouts or topping with mustard, relish, and all the fixings. Bonus: you can also air fry these, and damnit they are good in the air fryer, too.

Several other brands have also stepped into the vegan hot dog space with varying results. Oscar Mayer launched its plant-based dogs — Not Hot Dogs — in 2024. However, the texture can be a bit soft, especially when sliced, which revealed a less-than-ideal casing-to-filling ratio. It was too life-llike for me, and I couldn’t stomach biting into it because of it. That said, many people still enjoy them as a familiar, nostalgic option.

Upton’s Naturals Updog offers a fun, Chicago-style snap, while Lightlife continues to be widely available and grill-friendly. (although def not my favorite of the bunch). Field Roast’s Signature Stadium Dog, made from pea protein and smoked using traditional methods, is another favorite for its robust, meaty flavor and satisfying bite.

Best Vegan Chicken for Grilling

PHOTO: Daring Foods

There are several standout vegan chicken products a with incredible taste and texture designed for the grill.

First up, Daring Foods. The product has become a favorite among home cooks and chefs alike, thanks to its realistic texture, clean ingredients, and flavors. They are perfect for tossing on skewers or grilling whole.

Next is TiNDLE, originally created for restaurants, offering a juicy, thigh-like plant-based chicken that holds up beautifully on a grill and adapts well to marinades and custom seasoning.

Rounding out the top options are classics like Gardein’s Ultimate Plant-Based Chick’n Filets, a go-to for those craving grilled sandwiches or breaded cutlets with a crisp finish, and Tofurky’s Lightly Seasoned Plant-Based Chick’n, which works great when cooked in foil or grill baskets for that charred, smoky flavor.

These all have high protein content, and broad availability in major grocery stores like Whole Foods, Target, and Sprouts.

Best Vegan Red Meat for Grilling

PHOTO: Juicy Marbles

If you’re looking for vegan alternatives to red meat that deliver on juiciness, texture, and that rich, savory flavor profile, there are several standout options that go far beyond basic veggie patties.

One of the most buzzed-about is Juicy Marbles, known for their ultra-realistic plant-based filet mignon. Made with soy protein and fat marbling derived from sunflower oil, their steaks are tender, buttery, and visually stunning. They offer a true “fork-and-knife” experience that’s ideal for special occasions or wowing meat-eaters without compromise.

Other red meat-style options include Beyond Steak, which you can toss on the grill in foil. Additionally, there are Gardein’s Ultimate Plant-Based Beef Tips with a hearty texture that holds up in stews, skewers, or with BBQ sauce. 

Easy plant-based swaps

For ingredients, these are some of my top picks you can swap out easily in your dishes:

• mayo in potato salad, cole slaw – swap with a vegan version like Follow Your Heart or other
• butter on corn, buns, etc. – swap traditional butter for Miyoko’s butter or other plant-based butter
• honey – no, honey isn’t vegan because it uses products made from bees. Apple honey is an excellent option,  made by Langer’s
• mac and cheese – there are plenty of vegan mac and cheese varieties on the market like Banza and Upton’s
• cheese on burgers – swap it for Miyoko’s, Violife or other plant-based option

Bonus: Easy Grilled BBQ Tofu (5-Ingredient Recipe)