5 Steps to Prepare a Gluten-Free Father’s Day BBQ Party

Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD

Planning a Father’s Day barbecue party? But what if your dad needs a gluten-free way to enjoy his burger? Here are some simple ideas that do not require being a gluten-free expert.

Simple Gluten-Free Burger Ideas for Dad

1. Make a gluten-free burger patty from scratch

Store-bought frozen burger patties may have wheat ingredients added. Make your own burger patty from scratch and skip the breadcrumbs, using ground meat and boost up nutrition by mixing in lentils. Then a couple of tablespoons of water to keep it moist, and dried spices or herbs such as minced onion, garlic, rosemary, and salt and pepper.

Try this super-easy Beef & Lentils Patty recipe.

2. Choose gluten-free burger buns

Commercial gluten-free packaged buns are sometimes made with refined gluten-free flour with low fiber content. Try to choose ones made with most whole grain possible with considerable fiber content (at least 3 g per serving)

3. Try beyond beef

If you want to go a step further, make a beef-less patty. You can always prepare a burger with white meat like chicken and turkey. For example, here is an interesting recipe of a Curry Chicken Lentil Burger patty. Skip the panko breadcrumb. Try to use a pan to hold the patty at the beginning on the grill or precook one side in the oven first to help hold the shape.

In addition, you can always throw a fish filet or a slab of extra-firm tofu or tempeh on the grill. Pre-marinate the item for extra flavor before it goes on the grill. Fish can be marinated with a tangy marinade using lemon juice, garlic, onion, and parsley before going on the grill,

4. Go bun-less

For an easy way to make a home-made gluten-free bun, look no further than Portobello mushroom caps: simply cut off the stem before grilling. Go open-faced and serve the patty on top of the grilled mushroom cap for a lighter fare, and you’ll have some room for dessert.

Also another vegetable that can work as a vegetarian patty or “bun” is eggplant. You can either make eggplant into a patty such as this Curried Eggplant, Lentil, and Quinoa Burger or simply slice them into thick coins, baste them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill to use as burger buns.

5. Pile on the toppings

Nothing cheers up a burger like a collection of tasteful toppings! Most toppings are naturally gluten-free! Think caramelized pineapple, roasted bell pepper, and creative homemade strawberry preserve and apricot jam.

Even on Father’s Day, making a gluten-free meal for dad can be simple. Just follow the above recipes and your meal will sure to be a hit! Gluten-free is not complicated and can even be tasty and good for you.