The Best Meat-Free July 4 Recipes

If you follow a plant-based diet – or, hell, if you just want a break from meat now and again – the summer can pose a challenge. It’s grilling season, and burgers, sausages, and chops are in full flow…and meat-free options can sometimes be lacking. That’s not to say that a lot of people don’t have some go-to meat-free entrées under their belt – most of us are now well-versed in the art of catering for all – but they can sometimes be an afterthought.

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So, this July 4, make sure that’s not the case with these recipes. We put together a couple of options that are pretty easy to pull together, and which will help you avoid spending loads of money on plant-based alternatives. No carrot dogs in sight.

Black Bean Burgers

Bean burgers have taken a backseat in a plant-based market dominated by Beyond Meat and Impossible, but don’t write them off. When done right, they can be just as good as imitation meat and give you that virtuous glow of having made (and eaten) something nutritious and fiber-rich.

The key with black bean burgers is to spice them well and incorporate binders and fats so that they don’t get crumbly and dry. For a simple recipe, mix two cans of puréed black beans with two large eggs and a half-cup each of breadcrumbs and feta cheese. Add chopped bell peppers, onion, garlic, and plenty of spices (paprika, cumin, and chili powder are a must). Form into patties and cook.

BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches

Tempeh is super easy to work with and can be an excellent substitute for meat at a July 4 party – namely because it takes on BBQ flavors effortlessly and retains a hearty chew. For easy BBQ tempeh sandwiches, slice a tempeh block into planks, and then fry (or grill) them until browned on both sides. Then, heat up some BBQ sauce in a skillet until it’s bubbling, throw the tempeh in, and simmer together for a few minutes. Pile the planks into a sandwich with some homemade coleslaw. Done.

Baked Buffalo Tofu Bites

Need a July 4 appetizer that caters for everyone? Baked buffalo tofu bites might just be the one. Chewy, flavorful, and shareable, they’re great for keeping hungry guests at bay while you work on the main event.

They’re super easy, too. Chop a block of extra-firm tofu into cubes, then mix them with a batter made from water, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and buffalo sauce. Then, coat the cubes in breadcrumbs, and bake them for 30-40 minutes until browned and crispy. You can also shallow- or deep-fry them, if you wish. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Jackfruit Pulled Pork

Like tempeh, jackfruit pairs excellently with BBQ flavors – and while it used to be much harder to find, it’s now fairly easy to find in canned form at specialty retailers or larger grocery stores with world food sections. Drain it, shred it, and mix it with BBQ sauce and your chosen seasonings, simmering until everything’s tender and flavorful.