Meatless and Delicious: Which Vegetarian and Vegan Burger Recipes Should You Try Next?

There seem to be new meatless alternatives for your BBQ available every day. Whether it’s a trendy meat substitute or simply whole vegetables, there are a million ways to liven up your barbecues– all while keeping your vegan and vegetarian guests happy, too! 

• What are the most popular types of meatless burgers?
• Veggie burgers ideas you’ll love
• Your new favourite vegan burgers
• Choose the right patty for you!
• Top tips for barbecuing meatless burgers
• Ready to try something new? 

There are two main groups of meatless substitutes for grilling: vegetarian and vegan options. The key difference is that vegetarian burgers can include dairy and other ingredients that might not fit with a completely vegan diet. Vegan burgers, on the other hand, are usually entirely plant-based. 

While vegan and vegetarian burgers can be quite similar, vegetarian burgers often use classic patty ingredients like breadcrumbs and eggs as binding agents.

• Halloumi burgers: Rather than use a meat patty, a slice of halloumi cheese is grilled, drizzled with lemon, and takes the place of the traditional hamburger patty, with all the trimmings.
• Black beans: Beans are a great source of protein, have great flavour, and hold the patty structure well. Check out this recipe for a black bean patty that even includes tortilla chips.
• Beetroot burgers: This option is closer to the classic veggie burger patty. By simply blending 1 raw shredded beetroot with a handful of chickpeas, then rolling it in egg and breadcrumbs, you can create a patty that is healthy and flavoursome!

Vegan options are an inclusive and incredibly tasty option! You can either go for a prepared vegetable protein like tofu or tempeh, or even try a whole cooked vegetable instead. Here are our favourite vegan options: 

• Portobello mushroom burger: As one of the bigger mushrooms available, the portobello is a great stand-in for the traditional patty. Grilled simply with a little olive oil and herbs, this simple idea is a great source of flavour and makes for a satisfying substitute. Red lentils: Lentils are budget friendly and blend well into a patty shape. Try this recipe for a tasty take on the lentil burger (just replace the Greek yoghurt with a soy plain yoghurt). 
• Tofu burgers: Tofu takes on flavours well and is so easy to grill. That’s why it’s the perfect vegan-friendly option for a bbq. Try a slice of firm tofu and pair it with a satay sauce for an exciting update on the classic burger. 

When grilling vegan or vegetarian burgers, it’s a great idea to put them on the barbecue first, before the meat options. This is the best way of keeping the meat and non-meat meals separate and ensuring no stray juices or grease make their way into a vegetarian’s dinner. 

Another thing to keep in mind is the cooking time itself. Vegetable-based patties often take a little less time to cook, and some ingredients, like tofu, can burn easily. Keep an eye on the grill and make sure to flip the patties regularly.