20 Summer BBQ Mains That Aren’t Just Burgers

Summer grilling means more than just flipping burgers! I’ve gathered 20 incredible BBQ recipes that will transform your outdoor cooking game. From smoky pulled mushrooms to perfectly charred cauliflower steaks and flavor-packed kebabs, these dishes bring bold flavors and satisfying textures to your table.

Each recipe celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients while delivering that amazing char-grilled taste we all crave during summer months. Think juicy portobello burgers dripping with sauce, crispy eggplant slices with Mediterranean herbs, and sticky-sweet teriyaki mushroom steaks that’ll make your mouth water just thinking about them.

These recipes work perfectly for backyard parties, weekend cookouts, or casual family dinners. The best part? They’re simple to prepare and most can be made ahead, giving you more time to enjoy the sunshine with your guests. Plus, they’ll appeal to everyone at your table – even the pickiest eaters will find something to love in this collection.

BBQ Pulled Mushroom Burger

You’ll want to add this juicy BBQ pulled mushroom burger to your summer cookout menu! Shredded oyster mushrooms create a tender, meaty texture while soaking up a sweet and tangy homemade BBQ sauce. The secret lies in pan-frying the mushrooms until they get that perfect golden-brown color before mixing them with the sauce.

Serve these hearty burgers on toasted brioche buns with crunchy coleslaw and pickled red onions. Add a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh corn salad to round out your plate. For an extra kick of flavor, top with sliced jalapeños or a dollop of chipotle mayo.

Find the Recipe here: BBQ Pulled Mushroom Burger

Teriyaki Oyster Mushroom Steak with Bok Choy

Transform your summer BBQ with these juicy oyster mushroom steaks! The meaty texture and rich umami flavor shine through a sweet and tangy teriyaki marinade. A quick sear on the grill creates those perfect char marks and caramelizes the marinade into a glossy coating that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pair these savory steaks with grilled corn on the cob and a fresh Asian-style slaw for a complete meal. You can also serve them alongside coconut rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. For extra flavor, top with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Find the Recipe here: Teriyaki Oyster Mushroom Steak with Bok Choy

Cauliflower Steak

Want to wow your guests at your next BBQ? Slice thick cuts of cauliflower into hearty “steaks,” brush them with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Grill these beauties for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and tender. Top them with a rich, creamy peppercorn sauce made from veggie broth, coconut milk, and black peppercorns for an irresistible main dish.

Serve these grilled cauliflower steaks alongside roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a fresh garden salad. The peppercorn sauce adds an extra layer of flavor that makes this dish truly special. For extra flair, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.

Find the Recipe here: Cauliflower Steak

Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant

Transform your summer BBQ with tender Mediterranean grilled eggplant slices. Just brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, oregano, and thyme before they hit the grill. After a quick 3-4 minutes on each side, top the smoky, charred pieces with fresh tomatoes, red onions, and crumbled feta cheese for an irresistible blend of flavors.

Make this dish shine as a main course by serving it alongside a crisp Greek salad, warm pita bread, and homemade tzatziki sauce. For a heartier meal, pair it with fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up all the delicious Mediterranean juices.

Find the Recipe here: Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant

Sheet Pan Veggie Shawarma

Transform your backyard BBQ with this Middle Eastern-inspired Sheet Pan Veggie Shawarma! Your guests will go wild for the tender cauliflower, sweet potato, and chickpeas coated in a bold blend of shawarma spices. This dish brings incredible flavors right to your table in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for those busy summer evenings.

Serve these roasted veggies in warm pita bread with a dollop of tahini sauce, fresh tomatoes, and crisp cucumber slices. Want to make it a complete feast? Add some fluffy quinoa or rice on the side, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an extra punch of freshness.

Find the Recipe here: Sheet Pan Veggie Shawarma

Beet Burger

This gorgeous deep purple burger will add a splash of color to your summer BBQ spread! Fresh beets blend beautifully with chickpeas, onions, and a mix of warm spices like cumin and paprika. The patties stay tender on the inside with a perfectly crispy exterior after a quick pan-fry or grill.

Stack your beet burger on a toasted brioche bun with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and creamy avocado. For sides, try serving it with sweet potato wedges, a light quinoa salad, or grilled corn on the cob drizzled with lime juice and chili powder.

Find the Recipe here: Beet Burger

Grilled Vegetable Kabobs

You’ll love how these colorful kabobs bring summer’s best produce to your BBQ table! Just toss bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and red onions in a simple marinade of olive oil and fresh herbs. Thread them onto skewers and grill for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until you get those perfect char marks and tender-crisp veggies.

Serve these vibrant kabobs over fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up all the smoky flavors. A side of grilled corn on the cob and a fresh Greek salad would round out this light yet satisfying summer meal perfectly. The leftovers make great additions to salads or grain bowls the next day.

Find the Recipe here: Grilled Vegetable Kabobs

BBQ Chickpea Meatballs

These smoky BBQ chickpea meatballs pack a punch of flavor! Made with chickpeas, oats, and BBQ sauce, they have a perfect golden crust and tender middle. A quick blend in the food processor, a roll in breadcrumbs, and 25 minutes in the oven will give you these hearty meatballs that your guests will ask for again and again.

Pair these meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or turn them into sliders with some coleslaw. Want a lighter option? Add them to a fresh summer salad or serve them on top of quinoa with grilled corn and avocado for a filling BBQ bowl.

Find the Recipe here: BBQ Chickpea Meatballs

Tofu Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

You’ll transform firm tofu into a mouth-watering main dish with this quick marinade of soy sauce, maple syrup, and garlic powder. After pressing and slicing the tofu, a quick pan-sear creates a beautiful golden crust. The bright chimichurri sauce, made with fresh parsley, oregano, and a kick of red pepper flakes, adds zesty freshness to every bite.

Serve these tofu steaks alongside grilled corn on the cob, roasted sweet potatoes, or a fresh quinoa salad. For a complete summer spread, add some charred bell peppers and a crisp cucumber salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.

Find the Recipe here: Tofu Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Buffalo Cauliflower

Transform your BBQ spread with this zesty Buffalo Cauliflower that packs a spicy punch! The crispy florets get their crunch from a golden breading, while the tangy buffalo sauce adds that perfect kick of heat. You’ll only need 30 minutes to make this crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Serve these crispy bites alongside celery sticks and a cooling ranch or blue cheese dip. They make an excellent appetizer or main dish paired with a fresh coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a bright summer salad. The combination of cool and spicy creates a balanced plate that’s perfect for outdoor dining.

Find the Recipe here: Buffalo Cauliflower

Portobello Mushroom Burger

You’ll want to add these juicy, meaty portobello mushroom burgers to your summer grilling rotation! First, marinate the mushroom caps in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic for deep flavor. Then grill them until tender and pile high with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado slices on a toasted bun.

Make it a complete meal by serving these satisfying burgers alongside grilled corn on the cob or a bright summer salad. A side of crispy sweet potato wedges or coleslaw would also complement the rich mushroom flavors perfectly.

Find the Recipe here: Portobello Mushroom Burger

Butternut Squash Steaks

Get ready to shake up your BBQ menu with these juicy and tender butternut squash steaks! A quick marinade of garlic, paprika, and Italian herbs transforms thick slices of butternut squash into mouthwatering mains. Simply brush with olive oil, season generously, and grill until those beautiful char marks appear.

These hearty steaks pair beautifully with grilled corn on the cob, a fresh garden salad, or roasted potatoes. For extra flavor, top them with chimichurri sauce or a dollop of garlic butter. Your guests won’t miss the traditional BBQ fare with these satisfying steaks on their plates!

Find the Recipe here: Butternut Squash Steaks

Pan-fried Green Herb Oyster Mushroom

Give your BBQ a fresh twist with these crispy pan-fried oyster mushrooms! A quick 15-minute marinade in garlic, thyme, and rosemary creates tender, flavorful mushrooms that cook to golden perfection. The natural meaty texture makes them incredibly satisfying, while fresh herbs add an aromatic boost that’ll make everyone ask for seconds.

Serve these mushrooms alongside grilled corn on the cob and a bright summer salad. They also make fantastic sandwich fillings – try them in a toasted ciabatta with caramelized onions and fresh arugula. For a complete meal, pair with roasted baby potatoes seasoned with the same herbs.

Find the Recipe here: Pan-fried Green Herb Oyster Mushroom

Grilled Vegetable Napoleon

Stack up layers of grilled eggplant, zucchini, red peppers, and tomatoes with fresh mozzarella for a showstopping BBQ centerpiece. This Mediterranean-inspired dish brings bold flavors through a marinade of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs. The vegetables stay tender and juicy while getting those perfect char marks that add a wonderful smoky note.

Serve this colorful stack with a side of quinoa or brown rice to soak up all the delicious juices. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette makes the perfect fresh complement. For extra flair, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top just before serving.

Find the Recipe here: Grilled Vegetable Napoleon

Gobi Manchurian

Want to spice up your BBQ spread? Give your guests an exciting Indo-Chinese twist with crispy cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful batter and tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce. The combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce creates an irresistible blend that makes this dish a perfect addition to any outdoor gathering.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish alongside jasmine rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Add some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers and snow peas for extra color and crunch. For a complete meal, include some cooling cucumber raita or a simple Asian slaw on the side.

Find the Recipe here: Gobi Manchurian

Hoisin Tofu

Give your BBQ a twist with this sticky-sweet Hoisin Tofu that takes just 30 minutes to make! The secret lies in pressing the tofu until it’s extra firm, then coating it in a rich blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic. Each golden-brown cube soaks up the bold Asian flavors while staying crispy on the outside and tender inside.

Serve these flavorful tofu bites over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa. Add some crunch with stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers on the side. For extra zing, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top.

Find the Recipe here: Hoisin Tofu

Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas

Fire up your grill and add these smoky portobello mushroom fajitas to your BBQ lineup! The meaty mushrooms get a bold kick from cumin, chili powder, and paprika before mingling with colorful bell peppers and onions. A quick 20-minute marinade and 15 minutes on a sheet pan are all you need for these crowd-pleasing fajitas.

Load up warm tortillas with the grilled vegetables and top with fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and a squeeze of lime. Add Mexican-style rice and refried beans on the side for a complete fiesta-worthy spread that will make your guests ask for seconds.

Find the Recipe here: Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas

Marinated Tofu

Transform plain tofu into a flavor-packed summer BBQ star with this simple marinade! Just press your tofu, slice it into squares, and coat it in a mix of soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger. The longer you let it marinate, the more intense the flavors become – I recommend at least 30 minutes, but overnight creates magic.

Throw your marinated tofu squares on the grill for 5-7 minutes per side until they get those beautiful char marks. Serve them alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn on the cob. Add a fresh quinoa salad or some crispy roasted potatoes to round out your BBQ spread.

Find the Recipe here: Marinated Tofu

Butternut Squash Wellington

Want to wow your BBQ guests with something different? This elegant Butternut Squash Wellington brings a touch of sophistication to your outdoor gathering. The golden-brown puff pastry wraps around tender butternut squash, mushrooms, and nuts, creating a beautiful centerpiece that slices to reveal colorful layers inside. The filling gets extra depth from fresh herbs and garlic.

Serve this showstopper with roasted rainbow carrots, steamed green beans, or a simple arugula salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. A side of cranberry sauce or caramelized onion gravy makes the perfect accompaniment to complete this memorable meal.

Find the Recipe here: Butternut Squash Wellington

Grilled Buffalo Skewers

Add excitement to your BBQ with these tangy and spicy Buffalo skewers! The protein-rich cubes get a flavor boost from a zesty marinade of hot sauce, garlic, and seasonings before hitting the grill. You’ll love how the charred edges and smoky notes complement the bold Buffalo sauce coating, creating an irresistible combination that brings the heat to your outdoor feast.

Pair these fiery skewers with cooling ranch dip and fresh celery sticks to balance the heat. A crisp coleslaw or light potato salad makes the perfect side dish, while grilled corn on the cob adds a sweet contrast to the spicy main. For extra flair, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top before serving.

Find the Recipe here: Grilled Buffalo Skewers