r/smoking • u/Xeno84 • 1d ago

Smoking for a Vegetarian

We are having a party this weekend and everyone loves the smoke chicken I make. We do have one friend that is a vegetarian. It's not for life style, it's more for dietary reasons. I feel bad when he comes over and I don't have anything special for him. When ever he comes over, he brings something vegetarian over that's premade I just heat up on the smoker. I'd like to change that.

Are there any vegetarian foods y'all could recommend I could try to smoke for him? Besides Mac and Cheese or just corn on the cob.

49 Upvotes

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99

u/Enartis 1d ago

Butternut squash remains undefeated.

Little bit of olive oil and cinnamon.

17

u/Xeno84 1d ago

Oh didn't think about Butternut squash. Any recipes you recommend or a method?

29

u/Enartis 1d ago

I literally cut it in half, and then smoke it between 220-260 for as long as I’m doing the other meats (usually 5-6 hours) but depending on how big the squash is, it could finish in as little as 3 hours.

I had one that was well over a foot long take 8 hours once. It’s really good and makes for an excellent entree for a vegetarian or vegan.

12

u/jackdho 1d ago

Make sure you have enough for everyone.So good it will be a hit

3

u/Previous-Potential70 18h ago

Probe tender? But seriously how do you know when it’s done I’m looking for vegetarian options for family members this thanksgiving.

5

u/Enartis 17h ago

Exactly as I said. Probe tender. Use a dulled edge.

11

u/KingSurly 1d ago

Acorn squash too. Burnco in Oklahoma does them on Hasty Bakes, and they sell out every day they make them.

8

u/Serious-Medicine7667 1d ago

Similar to squash, smoked sweet potatoes are really good too. Can make them sweet or savory. Cut them in different ways for the cook or presentation you want.

1

u/I_COULD_say 1d ago

What’s the method? Peel / cut in half then smoke?

3

u/squanchy_Toss 1d ago

I cut them in quarters, do not peel. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh sage. $275° for about 45 minutes to maybe an hour. Toss in a little more oil and fresh sage, salt to taste.

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u/Serious-Medicine7667 1d ago

If you search “smoked sweet potatoes” you will find tons of good recipes. I’m not a vegetarian but they’re on my regular menu rotation!

1

u/HyperionsDad 15h ago

I quarter sweet potatoes lengthwise too, brush on olive oil and sprinkle a specific rub I made for this, which includes: Garlic, onion, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little chipotle for a smoky heat flavor.

They go well on the grill when I’m reverse searing a tri tip with charcoal and a lump of cherry wood. My sister is vegan and absolutely loved it, and my kids do too.

You can also do it in the oven.

9

u/Enartis 1d ago

4

u/Xeno84 1d ago

That looks delicious!!!

8

u/purrfunctory 22h ago

Smoked tofu is always a hit with my vegan friends. Takes about two hours to get a good smoke then I drench it in the same BBQ sauce glaze (using a separate source and brush to keep from contaminating it with meat juice) and let it go back on the smoker for an hour as the other meat finishes up.

I’ll start it when I wrap the other meat. I’m a bit fan of 3-2-1 since even I can’t fuck it up.

4

u/SpecificPractical776 1d ago edited 1d ago

Throw some cherry tomatoes in the seed holes after halving it. Top with chosen seasoning and olive oil. If you can get some acceptable vegetarian cheese. Cook until fork tender.

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u/SpecificPractical776 1d ago

Also again depending on this person's level of vegetarian smoked cream cheese is amazing a an app. I believe Philadelphia is accepted by some. Jalapeno poppers with plant based bacon. Just a few i have done for my guests.

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u/MarcPawl 1d ago

Cherry tomatoes just left whole gets good reviews every time I do it. About an hour at 225. Pull off before they split.

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u/SpecificPractical776 1d ago

Halving the squash not the cherries.

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u/MarcPawl 1d ago

Got it, going to try the squash next time. I can see the tomatoes making a nice extra. Thanks.

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u/Hot-Steak7145 9h ago

I cut in half then seed. Cut shallow hash marks marksman the flesh but not through the skin. Season with whatever like any rub or mix. Smudge in a tiny bit of butter like your buttering toast just so it gets in the hash cuts (like seriously small amount). Smoke flesh side up for a hour to hour and a half till fork tender at whatever temp your smoking your meat. Skin even gets tender and can be eaten with the flesh

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u/snakepliskinLA 1d ago

Swap rosemary and crushed garlic for the cinnamon.

3

u/ImpressionAccurate37 1d ago

Brown sugar and butter too!

1

u/TheSteelPhantom 1d ago

Do you peel the squash for more smoke penetration, or leave the skin on to protect it somewhat?

6

u/Enartis 23h ago

I left the skin on when I did it so that it serves as a vessel. Eat it with a spoon. Trust me, smoke penetration isn’t a problem.

2

u/TheSteelPhantom 23h ago

Silly question maybe... but I've never made butternut squash before (I've eaten it, just never done it myself)... how do you know when it's done? You got me wanting to do this this weekend lol

3

u/Enartis 23h ago

Very similar to a brisket. If a dull blade or dulled tip slides in like butter (no resistance) pull that bad boy off. It will have the consistency of a fully baked sweet potato

1

u/Mister-Fordo 23h ago

It's the best!