Lent is a 40-day religious period primarily observed by Catholics and Protestants. Lent is designed as a time to repent, fast, and prepare for Easter. Most observers give up something during this time, such as chocolate, caffeine, social media, or alcohol.
Additionally, those who observe Lent give up meat on Ash Wednesday and every subsequent Friday until Easter. This is a way to commemorate Jesus's sacrifice on the cross.
However, if you’re a die-hard Texas BBQ fan who’s never had to give up meat, this may be a bit of a sacrifice. But there’s help: Goode Co. Shop.
We have plenty of Texas BBQ-themed food for Lent that doesn’t require meat; you just have to have a little faith and some inspiration.
So, if you’re fixing to give up meat and are wondering what to eat during Lent, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for some inspiration.
Lent-Friendly BBQ Alternatives
You may have agreed to abstain from eating chicken, pork, or beef. However, if you’re wondering what’s left to eat on Fridays during Lent, there are plenty of acceptable ways to combine your love of Texas BBQ and a meatless meal.
Fish & Shrimp
The best type of fish for grilling or smoking depends on personal taste, but some popular varieties include salmon, swordfish, mackerel, and halibut. These fish have a firm texture that holds up well on the grill or in the smoker, and their rich flavors complement BBQ's charred and smoky taste. For an authentic Texas-style fish and shrimp recipe, try seasoning your seafood with bold, smoky rubs and grilling them using mesquite wood for a truly authentic Lone Star State Flavor.
You can use our Seafood Shake rub or any of the four rubs featured in our Goode Co. Four Spice Gift Box on your choice of fish. Begin by soaking your fish in a brine that includes water, cumin, sugar, and salt for approximately two hours. Rinse it off and pat it dry. Then season it with the rub of your choice. Here’s how Goode & Co. rubs pair with different fish based on their flavors and textures:
- Goode Co. Mesquite Rub is an excellent complement for swordfish. It is meaty and well-suited to bold, smoky flavors.
- Goode Co. Rib Rub is a good choice for mackerel. Its rich flavor complements rib rubs' slightly sweet and smoky elements.
- Goode Co. Poultry Rub is a strong partner for halibut because this fish has a delicate and mild taste. It complements a poultry rub's balanced and herbaceous flavors without overpowering it.
- Goode Co. Brisket Rub is a perfect match with salmon, thanks to the latter’s rich, fatty texture. It complements a brisket rub's deep, peppery, and slightly smoky profile.
For any shellfish such as shrimp, marinate them in BBQ sauce, lime juice, garlic, and a smidgeon of cayenne for a Texas-style shrimp recipe. Then, grill them until they’re perfectly charred.
Whether grilling fish or shrimp, the best Texas-made ingredients, including the right rubs and cooking techniques, will give your seafood a Texas BBQ flavor.
Vegetarian
BBQ sauce's smoky, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors can add tremendous depth to vegetarian meals in creative ways. If you’re looking for vegetarian BBQ ideas, there are many innovative ways to incorporate BBQ flavors into your vegetable dishes.
BBQ Roasted or Grilled Vegetables
Whether you like zucchini, cauliflower, mushrooms, onion, or bell peppers, toss your preferred vegetables in Goode & Co Shop’s Heavy Garlic BBQ sauce. The garlic enhances the umami, one of the five basic tastes (sweet, sour, bitter, and salty), described as savory, rich, and deeply satisfying.
BBQ Pizza & Flatbreads
One of the best Texas BBQ alternatives for Lent is Goode & Co.’s Jalapeno BBQ Sauce as a base or topping to your favorite flatbread or pizza. Its combination of spice and sweetness will pair well with whatever you put on your pizza, including caramelized onions, cheese, and roasted vegetables.
BBQ Glaze or Dipping Sauce
There’s no easier way to get your Texas BBQ fix than Goode & Co.’s Original BBQ Sauce as a dip for crispy cauliflower bites, carrots, fries, or even roasted brussel sprouts.
Meatless
From tofu and tempeh to chickpeas and lentils, there are many ways to incorporate your love of Texas BBQ into meatless BBQ dishes, making them perfect food ideas for Lent. Whether you’re hosting a Texas BBQ at home during Lent or simply looking for plant-based alternatives, there are plenty of flavorful options.
For example, you could marinate tofu or tempeh using a BBQ sauce from our Goode & Co. gift box. You could also coat roasted chickpeas or stir one of our BBQ sauces into cooked lentils for a savory, protein-packed addition to your meatless BBQ dishes.
Goode & Co. Shop: Your Source for Lent BBQ
If you do the math, Lent lasts 40 days. That means you must stop eating meat only on Ash Wednesday and the subsequent seven Sundays. Once this observance period ends, you can enjoy as much Texas BBQ as you want, regardless of the day. Whether you're savoring our Slow-Smoked Ribs, Classic Mesquite-Smoked Brisket, or Sausage Sampler, Goode Co. Shop has all the pre-prepared meat your heart desires! Order any of our meat selections and shop for ingredients on our website so you can bring the bold flavors of Texas BBQ straight to your table. Shop online at Goode & Co. and get your favorite meats and seasonings delivered today!