Vegan Barbecue: Tips for Perfect Vegetable and Tofu Kebabs

Yummy vegetable and tofu kebabs are a great addition to any vegan barbecue. They are healthy, easy to make and are sure to please vegans and non-vegans.

Use skewers made from bamboo, which is a renewable resource or metal, which will last a lifetime. If you use skewers, you can wrap them in tin foil to keep the juices inside and safeguard from any chunks falling off onto the barbecue, and will make flipping your kebabs over much easier. Alternatively, if you like to grill on a regular basis, you might prefer the ease of reusable grilling baskets for your vegetables and tofu. If you use bamboo skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before adding the vegetables and tofu and putting them on the grill - this will keep them from burning.

You can either have the skewers premade and ready to go when your guests arrive, or to save you work and allow your guests to make their own kebabs, you could also cut up the vegetables and tofu and set them out with skewers so that guests can create their own. Some vegetables that work great for vegan kebabs are yellow squash, zucchini, cherry or plum tomatoes, peppers (green, red, yellow or orange), onions, garlic cloves, eggplant and button mushrooms.

For the tofu, you can purchase extra firm plain tofu, or one of several marinated varieties including teriyaki, hickory smoked and other grill-friendly flavors. Vegan kebabs made from teriyaki flavored tofu, pineapple and onions are delicious and definitely something worth trying for your next barbecue.

Cut the vegetables and tofu into 1 to 2 inch chunks and make sure you center each piece when placing it on the skewer. This will help your chunks stay on the skewer. If you and your guests don't mind a little fat, brush the vegetables with olive oil before placing the skewers on the grill. This will add a great flavor and will keep them from sticking to the grill if you aren't using tin foil or a grill basket.

If you will be cooking both vegan and non-vegan items on the same grill, make sure that the grill has been cleaned and designate an area for the vegan food to avoid contamination by meat products.

Review and Tips for successful vegan skewering:

1. Use tin foil or olive oil to keep the vegetables from sticking to the grill.

2. Use tin foil to keep the juices intact and make it easier to flip your vegetables while on the grill.

3. To ensure even cooking and full flavor, cook like items on individual skewers. For example, put all of the tofu on one skewer, all of the peppers on another and the onions on another. You can then mix them on the plate after grilling.

4. If you use bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before use so they won't burn.

5. To save time, cut all of your vegetables and tofu before beginning to create kabobs.

6. Designate a section of your grill that will only be used for vegan items to avoid contamination by meat products.

7. Cut the vegetables and tofu into 1 to2 inch chunks for even cooking and easy eating.