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Do you want to devour some smoky vegetables? Let us satisfy our cravings with some vegetarian smoker recipes! While most people think of meat when they hear the word “smoking,” the growing popularity of plant-based diets is giving rise to creative new ways to incorporate smokey flavors into vegetarian fare. Whether you’re an experienced vegetarian or just looking to expand your culinary horizons, using a smoker can bring out your dishes’ full flavor. Let us learn about adding some smoke to the veggies with helpful hints for making the best plant-based BBQ. But first, let us take a look at why we use smoke to make our meals exciting.
Why Use a Smoker for Vegetarian Dishes?
Now, what is so good about adding a touch of smoke to your veggies? Vegetarian recipes are elevated to a whole new level of flavor with the addition of smoking. You may seal in moisture and preserve nutrients using this procedure on fruits, veggies, tofu, and tempeh. Whether you’re making smoked vegetarian food or searching for smoker recipes that are non-meat, smoking adds a dynamic flavor to vegan recipes. Vegetarian and vegan options abound regarding smoker recipes, from smoked sides to smoked main courses. Make delicious and nutritious meatless dishes with simple items like garlic powder, olive oil, and liquid smoke. Let cook up some good smoked veggie delights!
11 Smokin’ Hot Veggie Recipes to Try
Here’s a look at some of these vegetarians smoked up recipes to add a unique flavor to our dishes.
1. Smoked Stuffed Bell Peppers
Juicy bell peppers are filled with a quinoa and black bean mix, absorbing smoky goodness as they cook.
- Smoke at 250°F for 1-2 hours
- Use mesquite wood for a bold flavor
- Top with cheese for extra richness
2. Smoked Portobello Mushrooms
These large, meaty mushrooms absorb the balsamic marinade, resulting in a tender and flavorful bite.
- Smoke at 225°F for 1-1.5 hours
- Ideal for cherry or apple wood chips
- Perfect as a burger patty replacement
3. Smoked Tofu Skewers
Tofu cubes are marinated in soy sauce and maple syrup, creating a sweet and savory dish.
- Smoke at 225°F for 1.5-2 hours
- Turn skewers halfway for even smoking
- Use alder wood chips for a mild, balanced flavor
4. Smoked Cauliflower Steaks
Thick cauliflower slices are seasoned and smoked to perfection, becoming a hearty and satisfying entrée.
- Smoke at 250°F for 1.5-2 hours
- Hickory wood pairs well with cauliflower
- Great with a yogurt-based dipping sauce
5. Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Naturally sweet and smoky, these sweet potatoes are perfect as a side dish or main course.
- Smoke at 250°F for 2-3 hours
- Pecan wood adds a nutty depth to the flavor
- Top with cinnamon and maple syrup for a sweet finish
6. Smoked Eggplant
Eggplant slices absorb smoke beautifully and can be transformed into a smoky dip like baba ghanoush or enjoyed as a side.
- Smoke at 225°F for 1.5 hours
- Use applewood for a subtle sweetness
- Drizzle with tahini for extra flavor
7. Smoked Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a summer favorite, enhanced with smoky aromas for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Smoke at 225°F for 1-1.5 hours
- Butter and herbs bring out the corn’s sweetness
- Cherrywood adds a light fruitiness to the corn
8. Smoked Tempeh
Tempeh takes on smoky flavors beautifully when marinated in soy sauce and spices. Use in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
- Smoke at 225°F for 1.5-2 hours
- Ideal with hickory or mesquite wood chips
- Brush with BBQ sauce halfway through for extra flavor
9. Smoked Tomato Bruschetta
Smoked tomatoes make for an elevated bruschetta topping or pasta ingredient with a rich, smoky undertone.
- Smoke at 225°F for 1 hour
- Use cherrywood for a sweet, mild flavor
- Serve on crusty bread with garlic and olive oil
9. Smoked Zucchini Boats
Hollowed-out zucchinis are filled with a savory rice or quinoa stuffing, then smoked to perfection.
- Smoke at 250°F for 1-2 hours
- Pair with mesquite wood for a deep, smoky taste
- Top with fresh herbs and Parmesan
11. Smoked Carrots
Smoked carrots are surprisingly sweet and make for a great side dish or salad ingredient.
- Smoke at 250°F for 1-1.5 hours
- Applewood complements the natural sweetness of the carrots
- Toss in a honey glaze before serving for extra sweetness
Best Wood Chips for Vegetarian Smoking
For vegetarian smoker recipes, getting the appropriate wood chips is critical to getting the finest flavor. Vegetables, tofu, and plant-based proteins benefit from the unique flavors of different woods. These are a few well-liked choices;
Applewood
Its sweet and subtle aroma enhances the flavor of fruits and lighter vegetables, such as zucchini.
Mesquite
This one has a strong taste complements heartier veggies like mushrooms and sweet potatoes.
Hickory
Cauliflower, bell peppers, and Portobello mushrooms benefit from the rich, smoky flavor of hickory.
Pecan
Tofu and sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with pecan, a wood with a sweet and nutty flavor.
Cherrywood
This wood imparts a subtle, slightly fruity flavor when smoking eggplant and tomatoes. These can also be store bought.
Tips for Perfect Vegetarian Smoking
To ensure your vegetarian smoker recipes turn out perfectly, keep the following tips in mind;
- Keep the Temperature Low: Smoking is a slow process, so maintain a temperature between 200°F and 250°F for the best results.
- Use a Water Pan: A water pan in your smoker helps to maintain moisture, preventing your vegetables from drying out during the long cooking process.
- Pre-Season: Marinating vegetables or tofu before smoking enhances their flavor. You can also rub them with spices and herbs for added taste.
- Check for Doneness: Vegetables should be tender and easily pierced with a fork when done. Tofu and tempeh should have a firm texture but remain moist. Also, dab with paper towels.
Final Thoughts
Summing up, vegetarian smoked recipes are a tasty way to add smokiness to plant-based dishes. Vegetarian and vegan ingredients are shown off in these meals, which range from smoked stuffed bell peppers and portobello mushrooms to smoked sweet potatoes and carrots. Savor the richness of Smoked Tofu Skewers, Smoked Cauliflower Steaks, and Smoked Corn on the Cob, or savor the decadence of Pepperoni and Zucchini Boats.
In conclusion, try different wood chips, season with garlic powder and chili powder, and add barbeque sauce to your vegetarian smoking recipes until you find the perfect combination. You won’t be disappointed with these smoked vegan meals.
Make your veggie meals smokin’ hot!
