Here we are, doing this annual officially unofficial beginning of summer that we do every Memorial Day! BBQs, backyard get-togethers, pool openings, it’s all happening!
Grilling out is a cinch for veg-forward people, especially nowadays. There are so many great plant-based burger options and you can get them almost anywhere. People say we’re in a Golden Age of television, I say that we are also in a Golden Age of plant-based eating.
I’m not going to tell you what burger to eat. You have to find your own. Personally, I go for an O.G. Beyond Burger or Hillary’s World’s Best Organic Veggie Burger.
Preparation is simple: Light up the grill, spray a little cooking oil on the grates, toss your burger on and cook for about five minutes per side. Voilà!
But the best part of a burger, IMHO, is the bun and the condiments. Even my husband, who’s long been a meat-eater, agrees that it actually does not matter as much what protein you put in between a bun, as long as the bun itself and all of the condiments you use with it are tip top. Take note:
Always toast your buns (in the sun and for your burger!)
Try a nice ciabatta roll, a hearty whole wheat, visit a local bakery and see if they’ve got some French rolls, or maybe you like a Brioche (not typically dairy free, but you do you, no judgment!).
Condiments to mix and match to your taste:
Vegenaise (no one in my family will even glance at real mayo anymore), Dijon mustard (I prefer Maille or Grey Poupon), Yellow Mustard (French’s!), Ketchup, A-1 Sauce (it’s NOT just for steak!), Siracha (if you’re spicy), BBQ sauce, or Ranch Dressing (there are some great vegan varieties out there, like Follow Your Heart).
Don’t stop there, toppings take things to the next level. Here are some topping ideas:
Sliced tomato or avocado with salt & pepper, guacamole, crisp lettuce, pickles, sautéed mushrooms, fresh or grilled onions, giardiniera (more spice), even think sliced and grilled Brussels sprouts can work. If you’re going for vegetarian, not vegan, of course you have to add cheese - American, cheddar, Jack, goat, gouda, gruyere - the sky is the limit with toppings!
If you go all out with your burger bun, condiments, and toppings, I promise you won’t miss the meat! Happy Memorial Day darlings!