Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These BBQ vegan lentil meatballs are a fantastic combination of flavors and textures. The lentils provide protein, the rice adds a little extra texture, and the mushrooms lend a savory depth that will satisfy even the most die-hard meat lovers. The BBQ sauce and liquid smoke bring a smoky, tangy finish that complements the meatballs perfectly. You can either pan-fry or bake them, depending on your preference, and the result is a crispy, caramelized outside with a tender, flavorful inside.

Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these meatballs can be served with a side of veggies, on top of pasta, or even in a sandwich. They are an excellent way to enjoy the smoky flavors of BBQ while sticking to a plant-based diet.

BBQ Vegan Lentil Meatballs

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
½ medium onion, chopped
2 cups sliced mushrooms (16-ounce package)
2 cups cooked lentils, divided
1 cup cooked brown rice
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
⅔ cup instant oats
½ cup breadcrumbs
Handful parsley and cilantro
2 tablespoons vegan worcestershire sauce
¼ cup vegan BBQ sauce
½ teaspoon liquid smoke
½ – 1 cup extra vegan BBQ sauce

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Pan Frying Instructions

Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and mushrooms, cooking until the vegetables are fully translucent. Once cooked, turn off the heat and set aside.
In a food processor, add half of the cooked lentils, along with the cooked mushrooms and onions. Process until just combined. The mixture will be wet and sticky, but it should hold together without issue.
Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining lentils, cooked rice, sea salt, garlic powder, basil, oats, breadcrumbs, parsley, cilantro, vegan worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, and liquid smoke. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
Begin forming lentil balls using a spoon or ice cream scooper.
Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the lentil balls and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, ensuring they form a caramelized coating. Do not leave unattended.
Add ½ to 1 cup of vegan BBQ sauce to the pan, lowering the heat. Coat the lentil balls with the sauce and let them simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides or as an appetizer.

Baking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Form the lentil balls and place them on a pan lined with parchment paper.
Brush the lentil balls with 1 teaspoon of oil and your desired amount of BBQ sauce to achieve a caramelized color.
Bake for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. Optionally, add more BBQ sauce at the halfway mark.
Once fully cooked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool. Serve with your favorite sides or as an appetizer.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 5 (makes approximately 20 medium-sized lentil balls, 4 lentil balls per serving)
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Spicy BBQ Lentil Balls: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary for a unique flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds to make the recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover lentil meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the lentil meatballs for up to 2 months. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a sealed container.
Reheating: To reheat, you can either pan-fry them in a skillet or bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. How do I make these lentil meatballs more crispy?

To make the lentil balls extra crispy, try pan-frying them until golden brown and caramelized on all sides. You can also bake them for a bit longer or add a little more oil for a crispier texture.

2. Can I use other types of beans instead of lentils?

Yes, you can substitute lentils with other beans such as chickpeas, black beans, or kidney beans. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.

3. Are these BBQ vegan lentil meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe can easily be made gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds.

4. How can I make these meatballs spicier?

To add more heat, mix in chili flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the mixture before forming the meatballs or add it to the BBQ sauce.

5. Can I use canned lentils for this recipe?

Yes, canned lentils work fine, but be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid.

6. Can I bake these meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes, you can bake these meatballs instead of pan-frying. Simply follow the baking instructions in the recipe.

7. How do I keep these lentil meatballs from falling apart?

The lentil balls should stay together if you process the mixture well and form them tightly. If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs or oats to help bind them.

8. Can I make these BBQ vegan lentil meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lentil mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze the meatballs and cook them when ready.

9. What are some good sides to serve with these BBQ vegan lentil meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

10. Are these BBQ vegan lentil meatballs suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These meatballs are perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch and store them in the fridge or freezer for easy meals throughout the week.

Conclusion

BBQ vegan lentil meatballs are a delicious and nutritious option for those looking to enjoy a plant-based dish with all the smoky, savory flavors of traditional meatballs. Whether you bake or pan-fry them, these meatballs are sure to impress with their satisfying texture and rich flavor. Easy to prepare and versatile, they can be served in numerous ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them as an appetizer, main course, or snack either way, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!