In the U.S., Labor Day is typically considered the last opportunity of the season to show off our barbecue skills! So why not go all out?
Meaty entrées like ribs, burgers, wings, hot dogs, and more are iconic barbecue foods — luckily, we can also make them meat-free. Whether you are a fan of uncanny meat substitutes like seitan and tofu or are more comfortable sticking with just veggies, there are a ton of options for you to bring to your Labor Day function. So, we searched the Food Monster App to find the best recipes for Labor Day, and boy, are we excited. These “meaty” yet meatless dishes are vegan versions of iconic summery cookout foods that are even better than the original:
1. Battered Cauliflower Wings
Source: Battered Cauliflower Wings
Wings are a cookout must-have for many people — including people following plant-based diets! Making wings like these Battered Cauliflower Wings by Victoria Rand and Christopher Bill using the amazing veggie cauliflower has been a vegan meat-substitute secret for years. When baked, the cauliflower gets stringy and tender on the inside as chicken does. The best thing about these cauliflower wings is that you can coat them in whatever sauce you want, so they can be different all the time.
2. The Ultimate Grillable Veggie Burger
Source: Ultimate Grillable Veggie Burgers
Just look at the grill marks on these Ultimate Grillable Veggie Burgers by Denisse Salinas! These burgers have the perfect texture for grilling, thanks to a variety of grains, veggies, and kidney beans.; they’re not so moist that they’re mushy, but they’re moist enough to stick together! Protein-rich, smoky, and perfect for that BBQ, you’ve got to take this recipe out to the grill and share it with your friends and family! No one will be missing meat.
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3. 4-Ingredient Tandoori Tikki Tofu
Source: 4-Ingredient Tandoori Tiki Tofu
Stressed about having to prepare food for a large group of people? Then opt for these super simple 4-Ingredient Tandoori Tiki Tofu skewers by Melanie Sorrentino! After all, they only take 4-ingredients and 3 steps to make. The red curry paste and garam masala marinade give the tofu bites tons of spice and flavor that are only intensified after charring on the grill.
4. California-Style Veggie Dogs
Source: California-Style Veggie Dogs
No matter what Labor Day celebration you intend this weekend, you are bound to encounter some hot dogs. These California-Style Veggie Dogs by Zsu Dever will win the hearts of vegans and non-vegans alike! They come dressed with avocado, basil crema, carrot, roasted corn, lettuce, cucumber, jalapeño, and vegan bacon. With all these fresh and savory add-ons, your veggie dog will be boring no more!
5. Nourishing Black Bean Burger With Thousand Island Dressing
Source: Nourishing Black Bean Burger With Thousand Island Dressing
This Nourishing Black Bean Burger With Thousand Island Dressing by Maria Koutsogiannis will be the star of the show. The corn and black bean patty is well dressed with sprouts, spicy vegan cheese, and a generous spread of thousand islands dressing. These burgers are super delicious, nutritious, and easy to follow!
6. Barbecue Seitan Ribs
Source: Barbecue Seitan Ribs
If you are looking for the perfect barbecue dish that will fool everyone with its likeness to meat, then you have to make these Barbecue Seitan Ribs by Joni Marie Newman. These smokey ribs are molded around ‘bones’ and then slathered in BBQ sauce, slowly baked in the oven, and then finished off on a grill.
7. 5-Ingredient Garlic Onion Black Bean Burgers
Source: 5-Ingredient Garlic Onion Black Bean Burgers
These 5-Ingredient Garlic Onion Black Bean Burgers by Michele Elizabeth will convince you that making your own burger patties from scratch is not tricky. Paired with a tahini lime sauce, these burgers are melt-in-your-mouth, let’s-have-these-every-night kind of delicious. Party tip: Make extra sauce and put it on everything. Yup, everything.
8. Root Beer BBQ Seitan’ Wings’
Source: Root Beer BBQ Seitan “Wings”
The sweetness of root beer makes it a perfect addition to smoky, spicy wings. These delicious Root Beer BBQ Seitan “Wings” by Steven Seighman have the best flavor profile- spicy, smoky, and a bit sweet. YUM. You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already. What’re you waiting for?
9. Three Bean Sriracha Chili
Source: Three Bean Sriracha Chili
If you find burgers and hot dogs exhausting, whip up a big batch of Three Bean Sriracha Chili by Mindful Avocado to share with family and friends! This chili is packed with protein from the three different types of beans and gets its kick from Sriracha, the hot sauce close to everyone’s heart. This chili is perfect alongside some mixed greens, over quinoa, or with some yummy cornbread.
10. King Oyster Skewers With Spicy Peanut-Ginger Sauce
Source: King Oyster Skewers With Spicy Peanut-Ginger Sauce
To make Wicked Healthy’s King Oyster Skewers With Spicy Peanut-Ginger Sauce, King Oyster mushrooms are pressed, sliced, marinated, skewered, grilled, and then smothered in a ginger-peanut sauce. This type of mushroom is extremely versatile and has a meaty texture, which makes them a great stand-in for grilled meat skewers.
11. Teriyaki Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches
Source: Teriyaki Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches
These Asian-inspired Teriyaki Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches by Rosie Newton and Dillon Sivyour are a major improvement on pulled pork. Tender pulled jackfruit is coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and paired with a crisp, spicy, and tangy purple cabbage slaw between two toasted buns. They’re sweet, sticky, tangy, crisp, and finger-lickin’ delicious.
12. Grilled Portobello Burger With Black Bean Beet Patty
Source: Grilled Portobello Burger With Black Bean Beet Patty
These are not what you imagine when you hear the words “Portobello burger;” in fact, it’s even better! This Grilled Portobello Burger With Black Bean Beet Patty by Nele Liivlaid uses two gorgeously grilled Portobello caps as the buns. Earthy, sweet black bean beet patties are sandwiches with turmeric hummus between the two meaty Portobello caps. With spices like smoky cumin, garlic powder, and fresh coriander, these delicious burgers don’t skimp on flavor.
13. Grilled Tofu Tikka Kebabs
Source: Grilled Tofu Tikka Kebabs
These Grilled Tofu Tikka Kebabs by Pavani Nandula are marinated in tikka masala (a spice blend of ground cumin, garam masala, red chili powder, salt, and pepper) and coconut yogurt. The tofu is then threaded on a skewer along with red onion, bell pepper, and onion and grilled until cooked through and charred. Kebabs are ideal for parties because it is an entire tasty meal on one portable stick. No plate is required!
14. Black Bean Sausages With Homemade Buns
Source: Black Bean Sausages With Homemade Buns
These Black Bean Sausages With Homemade Buns by Travis Piper pack much more flavor than any store-bought veggie dog you will find! The black beans provide the skeleton for these sausages that are taken to the next level by the outrageously tasty blend of spices and herbs. Be forewarned, they do take some time to make, so plan accordingly.
15. Beet Chickpea Burgers With Harissa Spread
Source: Beet Chickpea Burgers
It’s amazing how some grains, beans, and vegetables can turn into a burger that is so satisfying! I mean, just look at the bright fuchsia hue of these Beet Chickpea Burgers by Denisse Salinas– is any other burger prettier to look at? The combination of quinoa and red rice in the patties is great for the texture. The harissa and mayonnaise spread adds a nice bit of heat and creaminess to the dish. These burgers are perfect for plant-based skeptics!
16. Extra Crispy Cauliflower Wings
Source: Extra Crispy Cauliflower Wings
As we’ve mentioned above, using cauliflower to imitate buffalo wings is the ultimate vegan hack! The vegetable gets a stringy, meaty texture after being baked, and after being battered and twice-baked, these wings are likely to fool even the most devout meat eaters. Alongside the garlic mayo dip, these Extra Crispy Cauliflower Wings by Marieke Gruwel are irresistible.
17. Coconut-Crusted Fishless Sticks
Source: Coconut-Crusted Fishless Sticks
These Coconut-Crusted Fishless Sticks by Rosie Newton and Dillon Sivyour will be a hit with kids and adults alike! Since fish is such a unique texture and flavor, it can be a hard one to mimic, but this recipe has got it down. Hearts of palm helps to create a soft, flaky seafood texture. These crunchy fishless sticks are great as an appetizer or as a main.
18. BBQ Chickpea Sliders With Pineapple Slaw
Source: BBQ Chickpea Sliders
These simple BBQ Chickpea Sliders by Frugal Vegan by Katie Koteen & Kate Kasbee use nothing but chickpeas, BBQ sauce, and a few seasonings to create the savory, delicious filling on these bad boys. They are best served with this pineapple slaw to add just the right amount of sweetness and crunch for an irresistible party snack or summery dinnertime dish.
19. Sweet Potato Bean Burger With Avocado Bun
Source: Sweet Potato Bean Burgers With Avocado Buns
If your Labor Day event is a bit on the fancier side, bring Sweet Potato Bean Burgers With Avocado Buns by Meghna Purandare that are guaranteed to impress. Elegantly grated carrot and beet add to the aesthetic appeal of the dish. Colorful, flavorful, and nutritious, this burger is perfect for a summer BBQ or dinner!
20. Meat-Free Haute Dogs
Source: Meat-Free Haute Dogs
The iconic hot dog has been transformed into a healthy sausage link using plant-based ingredients! These Meat-Free Haute Dogs by VEGANIZE IT! are made from tofu, wheat protein, and oat flour seasoned with a blend of savory spices to make them taste just like the American classic. Serve with mustard, ketchup, and plenty of relish.
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