BBQ Tempeh Sandwich

This BBQ Tempeh Sandwich uses deliciously smoky and savory tempeh heaped on a soft, fluffy bun! It is so easy to throw together for a quick yet filling lunch or dinner. This healthier and lighter, but totally satiating vegan BBQ sandwich is a sure crowd-pleaser for vegans and meat-eaters alike!

What Is Tempeh and Why Use It?

Also called tempe, this protein-packed vegan alternative to meat is made of fermented whole soybeans packed in cake form. It is often compared to tofu, as they are both made from soy. However, tempeh offers a different nutritional package. It has higher fiber and vitamin content plus has a firmer texture.

So, while it is the less well-known sister of tofu, tempeh is something that I love using in my recipes! It is so versatile and can be cooked in a lot of different ways!. You can fry, grill, boil, and bake it. And with its mild flavors and chunky-firm texture, it can be transformed into a variety of your fav dishes, like this finger-licking delicious vegan BBQ sandwich!

Ingredients Needed for a Vegan BBQ Sandwich

• Tempeh: I used regular tempeh for this recipe, which I diced into bite-sized proportions for a good bite. But feel free to cut it in strips instead.
• BBQ sauce: Use your favorite vegan flavor and brand! You can opt to use sweet, smoky or tangy – it is up to you.
• Garlic and red onion: I used as a savory base for the tempeh BBQ sauce.
• Liquid smoke: This gives the tempeh patties a deep smoky, and grilled flavor. You can use any type like hickory or mesquite.
• Buns: You can use round or long buns, whichever you prefer.
• Burger toppings: Stack your sandwich with whatever toppings you like! You can go classic with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Or you can simply garnish with crunchy garlic and parsley.

How to Make a BBQ Tempeh Sandwich

This recipe is really quite simple! You will have your yummy sandwiches in under 30 minutes, including prep time.

1. Saute the Aromatics. Cook garlic and onion in a non-stick pan until fragrant.
2. Add Tempeh and Liquid Smoke. Let the tempeh cook for 5 minutes until browned on all sides.
3. Add BBQ Sauce. Add enough to submerge the tempeh pieces and let them simmer until caramelized.
4. Serve! Place the tempeh filling in the buns and add your favorite toppings.

Toni’s Tips for Making a Vegan BBQ Sandwich

• Balance the flavors: If you are using smoked BBQ sauce, you can omit the liquid smoke in this recipe so it does not become overpowering.
• Grill the tempeh: You can also cook the tempeh patties on a grill if you are making this as part of your backyard BBQ party. Just cook them in a foil packet instead of a pan.
• Add some spice: If you like to make it spicy, use a spicy BBQ sauce or add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red chili flakes to the mix.
• Go gluten-free: Make this sandwich gluten free by using gluten-free buns. Also, check that your BBQ sauce is free of gluten.
• Add coleslaw: Slap some Vegan Coleslaw instead of your usual burger toppings. It is an absolute match made in heaven!

FAQs

Serving Suggestions

This recipe is quite versatile and can be served in a lot of different ways!

• Salad: Pair your BBQ Tempeh Sandwich with a light salad on the side like this Fresh Crunchy Salad with Peanut Dressing or Garbanzo Bean Kale Salad.
• Lettuce Wraps: Instead of placing them on buns, you can also use the tempeh filling to make lettuce wraps! They would be the perfect appetizer for your next BBQ party.
• BBQ Wraps & Fusion: Or, you can use them as fillings for tortillas, tacos, and quesadillas too.
• BBQ Pizza: Make some good old BBQ pizza by using the tempeh pieces as toppings together with some greens, onions, and vegan cheese.
• Sides: Whip up some favorite BBQ sides to serve with the sandwich, like Green Beans, Mac and Cheese, Summer Pasta Salad, Crunchy Kale Slaw, French Potato Salad, or Homemade Baked Beans.

Storage Instructions

Fridge: If you have any leftovers, place them in a sealable plastic/Stasher bag or tightly lidded container and put them in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezer: The tempeh filling is also also freezer-friendly and can be frozen for a month or two.

Reheat: You can reheat using a microwave or stovetop.

More Delicious Tempeh Recipes

Vegan Dinners

Vegan Kabobs with Marinated Tempeh

Vegan Dinners

Sweet and Sour Tempeh

Vegan Dinners

Sticky Tempeh Strips with Sweet Jalapeño Glaze

Vegan Lunches

Pan Fried Tempeh with Ginger Soy Sauce

If you tried this BBQ tempeh sandwich recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!

Photos by Alfonso Revilla