We’re taking every opportunity to get outside while the sun still shines, and that includes plenty of plant-based cookouts, especially during Independence Day weekend. In fact, cookouts have been a part of American life since the 1500s, according to Food52.
And today, thanks to the mouthwatering innovations in plant-based meat, those who abstain from meat can still enjoy a delicious barbecue. So it’s high time to don that “Kiss the Vegan Cook” apron and get grilling! From vegan burgers to bratwurst sausages, here is your comprehensive guide to vegan grilling.
What is vegan meat made from?
Vegan meat looks, cooks, and tastes very similar to animal-based meat, only instead of animals, it’s made from plants. While a number of different ingredients can be used to replicate the feel of meat, most brands opt for soy or pea protein, or even fungi. Ingredients like tofu, seitan, jackfruit, and tempeh can also be used to create homemade burgers, sausages, wings, and more. In other words, you don’t have to buy meat to enjoy the sizzle of the barbecue this summer.
The best vegan meat for summer grilling
We’ve gathered some of our favorite vegan meats ideal for the grilling season. What are you waiting for? Get ready, get set, grill!
Impossible Foods
1 Best burgers: Impossible Burgers
These impossibly beefy vegan patties are a summer essential. Add Impossible Burgers to your grocery shopping list when hosting backyard barbecues this summer. Stack them high with vegan cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and grilled onions. You’ll want to make these on repeat all season long.
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Lightlife
2Best hot dogs: Smart Dogs
Lightlife’s plant-based hot dogs have been a longtime vegan go-to, and for good reason. Made from soy and pea protein, Smart Dogs are perfect for throwing on the grill. The texture, flavor, and snap replicate their meat-based analog to our liking. Load them up with mustard and grilled onions or a pile of sauerkraut—these links can handle it.
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3Best ribs: Morningstar Farms Sweet BBQ Riblets
Yes, vegans can enjoy juicy, saucy ribs, and Morningstar Farms makes it easy. The brand’s soy-based ribs come slathered in sweet barbecue sauce made with tomatoes and molasses. Enjoy on their own with a side of corn on the cob, or pile onto fluffy buns for a Riblet sandwich.
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Chunk Foods
4Best steak: Chunk Foods Steakhouse Cut
Summer steaks are getting a major upgrade with a little help from Chunk Foods. The brand’s Steakhouse Cut Plant-Based Steaks are made for grilling masters. Slap these premium cuts onto the grill, and you’re just five minutes away from your favorite summer steak.
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Beyond Meat
5Best sausages: Beyond Sausage
There’s a Beyond Sausage for every craving and every occasion. For that classic meaty taste and texture, go for the Hot Italian or Mild Italian varieties. Prefer something a little more wholesome? The brand’s Sun Sausages are made with pea protein, red bell peppers, brown rice, and oats. Choose between cajun, pesto, and pineapple jalapeño sausages.
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MyForest Foods
6 Best pulled pork: MyForest Foods MyPulledPork
This meat isn’t meant for the grill (unless you want to spend the rest of the afternoon cleaning it), but this smoky pulled pork replica is a wonderful complement to grilled onions and toasted buns. Get some char on those veggies then pile on this pulled pork made from oyster mushroom mycelium.
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Tofurky
7Best brats: Tofurky Beer Brats
The flavor is what truly brings us back to these hearty links. Made with amber ale, onions, garlic, and a medley of spices, Tofurky’s Beer Brats become even more flavorful when grilled—resulting in a sausage that really doesn’t even need toppings. Plus, the combination of seitan, tofu, and konjac imparts that classic brat texture.
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8 Best chicken: Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick’n Filets
You can grill way more than burgers and sausages, and this juicy chicken patty proves it. The breading crisps up nicely on the grill—leaving Instagram-worthy char marks. Pair it simply with lettuce, mayo, and a thick beefsteak tomato slice.
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Switch Foods
9Best kebab: Switch Foods Kebab
Add a bit of international flare to your backyard barbecue with these plant-based kebabs from Switch Foods. Made from pea protein and flavored with a blend of spices, Switch Foods’ kebabs are best enjoyed with grilled tomatoes, cucumber salad, warm pita, and fluffy rice.
The Herbivorous Butcher
10Best grill pack: The Herbivorous Butcher Summer Grill Packs
The original vegan butchery is supplying our cookouts with grillable proteins we’ve yet to find elsewhere. Complete with burgers, Buffalo Bleu Cheese Brats, flank steaks, and chicken pesto brats, this collection is perfect for a large family barbecue or an al fresco dinner party. Cooking for one? Check out the à la carte online ordering option.
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Tanya Flink is a VegNews writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.
Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the plant-based lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include links where we might earn a small commission, but in no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.
