It’s September, and that means it’s braai month! Let’s squash the idea that the only burgers that belong on a braai are the meaty kind. In fact, it’s entirely possible to have a totally meat-free braai without compromising on taste or texture! MyKitchen and Fry’s are here to show you how.

If you’re vegan, vegetarian or just looking for ways to cut down on the meat this Braai Day, don’t worry. You won’t end up eating nothing but charred red peppers and onion skewers (although these are delicious). There are so many other plant-based options out there that will satisfy the meatiest of cravings.

One of our favourites is The Fry Family Food Co. They have gone beyond the impossible to create their brand new Big Fry Burger. If you’ve been searching for a burger that is 100% plants and 0% perfect meat, with all the flavour and sizzle of a beefy burger, you’ve come to the right place. The big Fry Burger is also GMO-free, cholesterol-free and contains a whopping 20 g of protein per R112 g patty.

And that’s not all! Fry’s have also launched their Beyond the Impossible cookbook, which you can download for free right here. It is full of all the burger inspiration you need to whet your appetite for your next braai.

So let’s get down to business. Here are 9 ways you can put together show-stopping burger braai with the Big Fry Burger this Heritage Day weekend:

1. MARINADE, MARINADE, MARINADE!

Dress up your burgers in a basting sauce that you love before you throw them on the coals. It’ll take your patties to the next level of smoky yumminess.
Try it: Sodium-free condiments, spice mixes & marinades

2. PLANTS MAKE GREAT APPETIZERS

Impress your friend and family with a bountiful array of veggies, crackers and hummus, mini mushroom pizzas with vegan cheese, meatballs and fresh fruit.
Try it: Avocado & roast cauliflower hummus

3. KEEP IT FRESH

Prepare a fresh salad that isn’t your typical garden variety, with loads of crunchy veggies and hints of fruit for sweetness. Think raisins, mango and strawberries. Yum!
Try it: Powerhouse quinoa salad

4. VEGANISE YOUR SIDES

Use vegan mayonnaise in your good ol’ faithful potato salad – your guests won’t know the difference. You can also get nice and creative with veggies here.
Try it: Swiss chard roll-ups with chilli-peanut sauce

5. BREAD IS CRUCIAL FOR BURGERS

Did you know that most bread is vegan because it’s basically just flour, salt and water? Choose from rye bread, ciabatta rolls, baguettes, tortilla wraps and sough dough if you want to mix it up, but regular burger buns are always perfect. If you are vegan, or serving vegan guests, always double-check the ingredients list if you using store-bought bread.
Try it: Home-made tomato & basil bread

6. DESSERT ANYONE?

Since you’ve already got the braai going, why not grill some fruit over the coals? You can enjoy this as is, or bake it into your favourite vegan sweet treat.
Try it: No-bake vegan brownies with cherry sorbet

7. LEAVE PAPER OUT OF IT

We know that when you have loads of people over, it’s much easier to just use paper plates to minimise clean-up. If you’re feeling festive, head over to your local thrift store to buy a few mismatched dinner and dessert plates for special occasions. The more colourful the better! They’re more fun and sturdier than paper, and you won’t be contributing to our ever-increasing landfill problem. Did you know you can’t recycle paper that has come into contact with food?

8. HAVE FUN & COOK FOOD YOU LOVE

Your friends and family are much more likely to embrace a plant-based meal (and especially a braai!) if they can see how much you are enjoying your meal and how leaving meat off the grill doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing time!

Photography: Courtesy images