There have never been more vegetarian options for barbecuing as there are today.
Why do Vegetarians Want Burgers?
They want to fit in. They want to be part of social gatherings. It can be difficult to assimilate vegetarian cuisine into a communal meal.
Vegetarian burgers (“veggie burgers”) can help those who don’t eat meat integrate into an omnivorous culture. But some vegetarians enjoy meatless burgers (and dogs) as a tribute to the BBQ creations of yesteryear – nostalgia is a powerful thing. A convenient and easy meal, such items have become staples of many vegetarian kitchens.
Summer and Outdoor Meals
Barbequing keeps the house cool during hot summers and is a tradition in many households. Here are the best vegetarian burger alternatives for grilling. Most are also vegan.
Best Vegetarian Burger Alternatives
1. Portobello (Portabella) Mushrooms
Grilled Portobello mushrooms are a favourite, even among meat-eaters. Their thick, meaty texture makes them popular alternatives for those who enjoy juicy and flavourful burger-bun fillings.
Before grilling, marinade the mushrooms with balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil and herbs, or lemon aioli (see recipe below) and grill until tender and juicy.
- Nutrition: mushrooms feel substantial, but are inherently low in fat and calories. They don’t supply half as much protein has a regular burger or burger alternative. Nobody wants to be hungry an hour after their meal! To prevent this, serve Portobello Burgers with heartier side dishes like potato salad with hard-boiled egg, barbecued tofu, or a garden salad topped with mixed nuts.
Lemon-garlic Aioli Recipe:
Mix approximately ½ cup mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise with 1 tsp. chopped garlic (or 1 clove, pressed or minced), and 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice. Optionally add a dash of hot sauce, to taste, and/or 2 tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
2. “Garden” burgers
Vegetarian patties were the original veggie burger. True to their name, they are made from...vegetables and are available in most grocery stores.
Garden burgers include chopped mushrooms and carrots, other vegetables and pulses, such as lentils. Sometimes the patties are held together with egg or egg whites, so read the ingredients carefully if this is a concern.
- Nutrition: garden burgers are generally earthy-tasting and healthy, perfect for the nutrition-conscious or long-time vegetarian who is not afraid of a little extra veg. They might not go over so well with a new convert or omnivore, if they are expecting the taste of a “real” burger.
3. Soy Veggie Burgers
Soy veggie burgers are the most common (and some would say most delicious) type of burger found in restaurants nowadays. They are also available frozen or fresh to cook at home.
Made with soy (TSP), these burgers are the most realistic substitute for those made with ground meat. Examples include Boca Burger, Yves Veggie Cuisine, or (for those lucky enough to find them) Lick’s Nature Burgers.
Soy veggie burgers are not always vegan and sometimes contain egg or cheese to improve the texture, taste, or to help hold it together. Their nutrition profile and taste make them the closest approximation to meat. Their taste can be so close to the real thing, it's hard to tell the difference. In fact, many meat-eaters are switching to veggie burgers at least once in a while to cut down on unhealthy saturated fat and excess calories.
- Nutrition: these burgers are saltier and higher in protein than mushrooms or garden burgers. Depending on the brand, soy burgers can be low in the calories and fat associated with a “real” burger. Read labels though – some veggie burgers can still pack in these fats with the addition of oil, cheese, butter, or egg, which improve the texture and flavour.
