Jamaican Jerk for Veggies & Vegans?

[Lilpaisley]

OK Ladies I could use some help on this one. FI and I are thinking of throwing ourselves a engagement party/BBQ in June. We are getting married in Jamaica so I want to a Caribbean theme and serve Jerk Chicken.

 

My problem is that we have close friends that are vegetarian and a couple of serious vegans. My homemade jerk sauce is already vegan so that isn’t a problem…it’s what to put it on? What do I use instead of chicken? Is there some kind of fake chicken I can use that grills? I was raised in a serious meat eating family and have no idea. I’d love some help.

 

Also…what else should we serve with the jerk?

[Alyssa]

you should PM Heidi, she is vegetarian and just got back from Jamaica - she may have some insight or ideas!

[Heidi]

YES! Get Seitan. Not sure what stores are near you, but you can buy it at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. It has a chicken-like consistency. Easy to cook with. Before you make your recipe, boil the seitan for a few minutes in veggie broth (or water, but veggie broth gives it a better taste) - then cook as you would for your normal meat recipe.

 

It comes in different shapes: chunks, strips, etc. Not sure what you'd want for Jerk chicken - chunks I guess? Also, seitan is textured wheat gluten, so it's safe for vegans as well. I've only ever baked with it - not grilled.

 

Also, an FYI on vegetarian/vegan ettiquitte (to all you meat eaters out there)!!! When you're grilling meat, do NOT use the same utensils on the non-meat food. Also - if you are so kind - don't cook our non-meat on the same part of the grill as the meat. We appreciate it!

[Lilpaisley]

Thanks I'll have to check that out. We have both Whole Foods and Trade Joes near us.

 

We got the BBQ covered. What gave us the idea was the new grill that FI bought. I've named it Behemoth. The thing is gigantic and we ar going to have a veggie side and a meat side.

 

[LadyP]

I am not a vegan like Heidi but I dont do alot of meat. you can jerk shrimp and fish or even just vegetables. I really is just a seasoning like salt. So be creative.