Now that a new year is officially upon us, many people across the world are making New Year’s resolutions (whether they follow through with them is an entirely different matter) from losing weight and changing their diet to changing careers, maybe working towards being kinder, etc. Some people are even making the switch to eating less meat or going completely vegetarian/vegan as part of their New Year’s resolution. With this in mind, Paradise Grills wants to help you stick with your resolution of eating less meat or going “veg”, by offering delicious meat-free recipes, that you’ll want to incorporate into your regular menu.
Note: There are no hard and fast rules that say “non-vegetarians” can’t enjoy the following foods. Even if you’re a self-proclaimed carnivore, these recipes will be a great alternative to your regularly scheduled mains and sides. Remember, mom said to always eat your veggies!
Below you’ll find, mouth-watering vegetarian dishes that can be grilled to perfection using your outdoor grill in Tampa.
Vegetarian Grilling on an Outdoor Kitchen in Tampa
A common complaint among recently turned vegetarians or vegans of the past is the lack of variety and flavor options they have when attending a barbecue, however, these days, vegetarian chefs and companies have made significant advances towards making delicious vegetarian/vegan food for barbecues. Just like a regular barbecue goes, when grilling on your Tampa outdoor grill, you want to have a basic idea of what your “main” entree will be, the same can be said for vegetarian grilling. Here are just a few ideas to serve as your vegetarian main:
- Portobello Tacos with Vegan Jalapeno Sauce – Mushrooms are a great alternative to meat, but very few people know how to prepare them properly. This recipe gives you all the steps you need in order to make this meatless taco and even if you’re not about mushrooms, the creator of this recipe says it’s really all about the sauce anyway.
- Grilled-Zucchini Subs with Fresh Mozzarella and Olivada – One thing you’ll start to notice about cooking vegetarian meals is that it’s really all about the sauce or seasonings you use-and this recipe is no exception. This sub gets its punch of flavor from a generous “smothering” of olivada made from green olives, lemon, and oil. The lightly smoked grilled-zucchini slices and fresh mozzarella make this dish a staple for the summer. Additionally, this sandwich pairs well with grilled fish or chicken.
- Grilled Eggplant, Halloumi, and Pesto Burgers – A burger that even meat lovers will enjoy (probably because of the salty, dense Halloumi cheese). This is a perfect burger for grilling on your Tampa outdoor grill this weekend.
In addition to the above recipes, many vegetarian and vegan companies make great tasting meat substitutes in the form of meatless burgers, “beef tips”, sausages and more. A helpful tip is to try meat alternatives from different brands to find out which flavor profile you most enjoy before throwing a “veg” grill party for family and friends.
One of the reasons that many people return to eating meat is because veggies and other meatless foods don’t leave us with the same type of “fullness” that you get when you eat meat. Because of this, you’ll need to eat a little more to fill up or until your body is used to the “lighter” feeling of not eating meat.
So now that we have an idea for our Tampa outdoor grill mains, let’s move onto the sides, of which there are many. We’ve listed just a few here, but make sure to do your own research, you may find another recipe that you’d love to try:
- Grilled Avocados Stuffed with Veggie Ceviche – This recipe gives you the opportunity to grill more than just your basic veggies (zucchini, peppers, corn) and try something new! Grilling avocados enhances the creaminess of the avocado and when paired with the cool veggie ceviche creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Honey-Buttered Grilled Corn – Can you really consider it a barbecue if there isn’t corn on the cob? At a vegetarian barbecue, it’s almost required. To wow your guests, spread butter, honey, and a dash of cayenne to the cob and grill in the husk. You’ll get a little sweet and a little heat-the perfect combination.
- Grilled Caprese Skewers – It’ like Caprese Salad, but on a stick and with Halloumi cheese instead of Mozzarella. The creator of this recipe recommends using halloumi or another bread cheese to hold up to the high heat of the grill. Add cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, french bread, and balsamic vinaigrette and voila, you have an amazing side on a stick. (Pro tip: Make extra, these will go fast).
- Grilled Onion Dip – Some people prefer their veggies in dip form. This recipe is for them. Grill your onion before making this creamy, delectable dip. Use veggies, pita chips, or regular chips as scoops.
- Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cherry Salsa – A healthy and unusual side that’s a step above just a plain old salad. Turns out you can have veggies and enjoy them too! The creator of this recipe suggests boiling the sweet potatoes for a few minutes before throwing them on the grill. This recipe is worth the extra effort.
Desserts You Can Make on Your Tampa Outdoor Grill
The grilling doesn’t have to stop at savory foods. Round off your meal with the following scrumptious desserts which are all vegetarian, of course:
- Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Sorbet – This wouldn’t be complete until we had at least one recipe with grilled pineapple, so here it is! Add fresh mint and coconut sorbet to this perfectly grilled, warm pineapple dessert.
- Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries in Balsamic – Just like hamburger buns, the cake is better served grilled. Fresh balsamic soaked strawberries lend a sophisticated feel to this otherwise traditional dessert.
- Grilled Banana Splits with Coffee Ice Cream and Mocha Sauce – The creator of this recipe, Jean Georges marinates the bananas in rum, coats them with sugar, and grills them until the outside is hard and crackly. Add coffee ice cream and mocha sauce for a dessert that’s out of this world.
Making the switch to vegetarianism or trying to eat a little less meat is a personal choice and we hope these recipes can help you enjoy the foods you love on an outdoor grill in Tampa. If you need to increase or upgrade your current grill, be sure to visit a showroom near you.
