When you think of BBQ, meats often come to mind, but there’s so much exciting variety out there!
For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle or simply seeking lighter meal options, vegetarian BBQ is a delicious and healthy alternative that’s definitely worth trying!
One of the best things about any great BBQ – whether it’s vegetarian or not – is the drink pairing, and what could be better than beer? Beer is the perfect partner for a vegetarian BBQ! Its wide range of flavours, from crisp and refreshing to rich and robust, makes it an ideal choice to accompany the delicious, smoky, grilled goodness of a vegetarian BBQ.
Beer is suitable for vegetarians. It’s as simple as that. The only exception is if a brewer has used animal products as ingredients, but this is very rare, thankfully.
However, it’s essential to consider that not all beers are created equal, especially if you’re adhering to vegan principles. The great thing about beer is that it’s usually made from plant-based ingredients like barley, hops, and water. But some beers undergo a filtration process that uses animal-derived products such as isinglass (from fish bladders), gelatin, or casein. These agents help clarify the beer, which is great, but unfortunately they do compromise its vegan purity. So, if you’re looking to keep your vegetarian BBQ 100% plant-based, it’s a great idea to seek out brands that clearly label their beers as vegan. That way, you can be sure that no animal products were used at any stage of production!
And the great news is that unfiltered beers are also vegan! At Fermento, we are proud to say that all our beers are vegan. They are unfiltered, and only the honey beer Ventuno has a little bit of honey, which makes this beer not vegan.
In this blog article, I’m thrilled to delve into the incredible world of pairing beers with veggies to create an absolutely amazing vegan experience, and with cheese to make this an absolutely delicious vegetarian combination. I loved to experiment on the BBQ and to share my vegetarian BBQ and beer pairing tips!
Veggies on the Grill: A Fresh Take on BBQ and Beer Pairing
Now, let’s dive into the heart of this article—vegetarian BBQ. Grilled vegetables are not only vibrant and nutritious but also packed with flavor that can be amplified with the right beer. Here are some perfect Vegetarian BBQ and beer pairings:
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: Take your taste buds on a wild ride by adding a BBQ sauce or a balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the flavours of grilled portobello mushrooms. I tried the Thorin Tungtol sauce on Portobello mushrooms and the result was amazing. These ingredients enhance the umami undertones of the mushrooms, creating a robust and savoury dish that will blow your mind. Paired with a Bockbier or a delicious stout Fermento Liberica, the duo’s caramel notes amplify each other, making it a delectable combination for your Vegetarian BBQ.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Why not experiment with different seasonings on grilled corn? experimentieren? You could try smoked paprika, parmesan cheese or even a dusting of chilli powder – the possibilities are endless! These creative touches are the perfect way to complement a wheat beer (Fermento Mistral) or hefeweizen’s slightly citrusy notes, creating a delightful contrast that will make your taste buds sing with joy!
Grilled Zucchini and Squash:Here’s a tasty tip! Marinate zucchini and squash in olive oil, garlic, and fresh lemon juice before grilling. This flavourful marinade enhances the veggies’ natural sweetness, pairing wonderfully with a Belgian Witbier’s hints of orange peel and coriander. This combination provides a light and refreshing balance, perfect for a summer Vegetarian BBQ.
Grilled Bell Peppers: The lovely, gentle heat of the grill brings out the sweetness and smoky flavour of these gorgeous peppers Pairing them with an American Pale Ale is a match made in heaven! The citrus and floral notes of the beer bring out the best in the peppers, creating a harmonious taste experience that is both refreshing and flavorful.
BBQ Eggplant: Why not try marinading your eggplant in a delicious blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger? The result is a dish with bold, Asian-inspired flavours that pair excellently with the caramel notes of a Pale Ale or stout beer. The rich, smoky taste of the grilled eggplant is a perfect match for the beer’s sweet malt backbone, creating a taste sensation that will delight any palate!
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Grilled Portobello Mushrooms:
BOCK, STOUT
Grilled Corn on the CobWHEAT BEER
Grilled Zucchini and SquashWit beer
Grilled Bell PeppersAMERICAN PALE ALE
BBQ EggplantPALE ALE, STOUT
Read more about our recipes with beer
Cheese on the Grill: A Perfect Pairing with Beer
BBQ Halloumi: A Squeaky Delight!
Adding halloumi to your vegetarian BBQ lineup is a game-changer. This lovely semi-hard, brined cheese with a high melting point is absolutely perfect for grilling because it holds its shape so well and develops a delicious golden crust. Toss slices of halloumi in a little olive oil and your favourite herbs (oregano or thyme are great). Now, grill them until they’re all crispy and golden on the outside, but still nice and warm and squeaky on the inside.
You simply have to try pairing grilled halloumi with a pale lager or a pils (Fermento Golden Breeze) – it’s a match made in heaven! The light, crisp, and slightly hoppy profile of these beers is just perfect with the salty and creamy texture of the halloumi, creating a beautifully balanced pairing that you’ll absolutely love! And there’s more! The carbonation in these beers helps cut through the richness of the cheese, providing a refreshing finish.
You can serve it on its own, as part of a veggie skewer, or as a topping for a fresh salad. Grilled halloumi paired with a Pale Lager or Pilsner is sure to be a highlight at your next vegetarian BBQ!
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Hallouimi
PALE LAGER, PILS
Read our blog post about the combination of beer and cheese
Conclusion: Elevating Your Vegetarian BBQ with the Perfect Beer
A Vegetarian BBQ is not only a healthier and more sustainable option but also a canvas for an exciting array of flavors and textures.
By pairing your grilled veggies with the perfect beers, you can turn a simple BBQ into a gourmet feast that celebrates the art of plant-based grilling.
Don’t forget to look for vegan-friendly beers to make your BBQ fully plant-based and to enjoy all the delicious flavour combinations these pairings offer. Whether you’re grilling portobello mushrooms, corn, zucchini, bell peppers or aubergine, the right beer can make your vegetarian BBQ even more special, creating happy memories for you and your guests. So get the grill going, open a cold one and enjoy the wonderful combination of vegetarian BBQ and beer pairings.
Read also our tips for BBQ with meat and beer
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