A Handy Guide To Hosting Vegans At A Barbecue

It might seem nerve-wracking to host a guest with special dietary requirements. But with a little bit of research and preparation, it’s an absolute breeze. Everything you need to know about vegans and hosting a vegan at a barbecue is covered in the following article. I hope it helps! 

Veganism excludes anything that has come from or is produced by an animal; this includes eggs, meat, dairy, and honey. It’s a diet that goes beyond food, as vegans do not wear animal skins or use products tested on animals. 

The more vegans you meet in life, the more you’ll realise how varied the diet can be. Some vegans favour a diet rich in whole foods, and others prefer processed foods like plant-based meat and cheese. There’s no harm in asking your vegan guest what kind of food they enjoy and where to get their favourite products. They’ll appreciate it! 

Vegan sausages are usually made from tofu, seitan (wheat gluten), or soy protein. They’re delicious, and you might be surprised at how realistic they can taste. So grab some vegan buns, sauerkraut, crispy onions, and extra helpings of ketchup and mustard!

Vegan burgers are all the rage at the moment, from the Beyond Burger to the Impossible Burger. They’re meaty, filling, and taste heavenly covered in melty vegan cheese and your favourite condiments.

Tofu sometimes gets a bad rep for being bland, but you can make it into whatever you want it to be, from crispy bacon to deep-fried ‘chicken’. 

Tempeh is tofu’s lesser-known cousin. It’s made from soybeans but has a nuttier, earthier flavour than tofu. It makes the perfect alternative to bacon, or you can chop it into cubes and grill it for a tasty, nutritious snack. 

Steak is one of the meatiest foods on the planet, so it may seem hard to believe that you can make it without the meat! Fry up one of these vegan steaks with a spritz of oil and extra seasoning, then put in between soft buns and some salad for the ultimate barbecue sandwich. 

Many drinks are accidentally vegan, meaning that they haven’t been marketed as a vegan product but coincidentally. However, if you feel more comfortable with purchasing fully vegan products, here are a few recommendations. 

Barbecues aren’t all about the meat; sometimes the best tasting food is lurking amongst the side dishes, from creamy potato salad to buttery corn on the cob.

Just like meat products, vegan alternatives need flavour, too. If you’re aiming for a smoky, umami flavour, use products like soy sauce and smoked paprika. 

If you’d like to really impress your vegan guest you could whip up some home-cooked meals for everyone to try. There are tonnes of naturally vegan foods that you’ve probably made before without even realising, aka hummus, salad, stir fry. So don’t feel intimidated!