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This quick and easy pan-grilled BBQ Tempeh, slathered in BBQ sauce, is packed with sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Cooked in a pan until caramelized and charred to perfection, this healthy meatless recipe is a guaranteed hit to bring to BBQs, parties, and picnics.
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Why You’ll Love This Delicious BBQ Tempeh Recipe
This drool-worthy recipe delivers the crispy BBQ flavor you crave, in the comfort of your kitchen, using your stove! It’s a go-to recipe that is quick and easy, using only 6 ingredients a few simple steps.
It’s the perfect dish to bring to a backyard cookout (to be sure there’s a yummy vegan option!). I also love taking BBQ tempeh on our camping trips in pre-cooked foil packets, together with potatoes, corn, and squash. Enjoy summer BBQ all year round with these delectable tempeh BBQ strips, ready to be devoured in less than 20 minutes.
What is Tempeh?
Tempeh is an Indonesian delicacy made from fermented whole soybeans. After being carefully cultured and processed, the soybeans are bound into a compact, cake-like form that gives them a firm and meaty texture.
This healthy food is an excellent protein, fiber, and probiotic source and can be found in most major supermarkets. Tempeh is a high-protein food that absorbs spices and other flavors really well, making it great for marinating. To add a little variety to your typical barbeque flavor, experiment with different marinades. It will surely be a hit!
Ingredients
- Yellow Onion: gives the tempeh strips an additional caramelized sweet taste!
- Garlic: minced and toasted for some savory and slightly sweetened bits of flavor.
- Tempeh: It makes the perfect BBQ meat alternative with its mild and earthy flavor and meat-like texture.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite vegan brand! You can use sweet and tangy, spicy, smoked, or original flavors.
- Olive Oil: If olive oil is not available, you can choose any neutral-flavored oil that you like.
- Salt and Pepper: to taste.
How to Make Homemade BBQ Tempeh
Step 1: First, prepare the tempeh by slicing it in thin strips around ¼ inch thick. Set aside.
Step 2: Next, using a large frying pan, sauté garlic and onion over medium heat until translucent. Then, cook the tempeh on both sides until crispy brown.
Step 3: Next, coat tempeh with barbecue sauce. Using a spatula, spread the BBQ sauce over tempeh season with salt and pepper. Finally, while stirring continuously, let it cook for 10minutes over med-low heat.
Toni’s Recipe Tips
- If the mixture gets too caramelized, add a little more oil.
- You can also add more sauce if you like a more intense flavor.
- If you really must have the grilled taste, you can make this same recipe in a foil packet on the grill.
- You can also use your air-fryer to make these! Place the slices on the basket in a single layer, then air-fry at 400 degrees for 12 minutes.
- Serve with grilled vegetables to make a full meal, such as corn, mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
FAQs
With either of these, you can’t go wrong. However, due to its nutritional profile, Tempeh provides a greater nutritional value than tofu. Protein, fiber, and vitamins are all present. Tempeh also undergoes less processing compared to tofu. If you want to learn more about tofu, here’s a great Guide to Tofu!
Not cooking it may be harmful, as it is fermented. Tempeh needs to be cooked or pasteurized before consumption.
Not needed. Most steam it to remove the tempeh’s strong flavor. However, the intense flavor is usually neutralized when BBQ sauce is added.
Any vegan barbeque sauce of your choice should work. Just a reminder, though many store-bought sauces are naturally vegan, some use honey as a sweetener. So, I suggest you always check the label.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty protein-packed tempeh recipe is great for a meal of any occasion. Whether it’s a simple family dinner, a neighborhood potluck, or a park picnic, there’s something for everyone. Here’s some recommended ways to serve it:
- As an appetizer: This BBQ tempeh is the ideal meal starter or party appetizer. You can serve it as it is, or use it as a stuffing for Sweet Potato Stuffed Mushrooms or Southwest Stuffed Bell Peppers.
- On a sandwich or wrap: Stack it with some crispy fried onions, spicy peppers, and lettuce to make a delightful BBQ Tempeh Sandwich. You can also wrap it to a tortilla with some veggies and make a delicious Sweet & Spicy Tempeh Wrap. Perfect for potlucks and picnics.
- With a salad: Toss cooked tempeh on top of, or alongside some greens for a nutritious, protein-rich meal. Peach Salad, Rainbow Salad, and Vegan Broccoli Salad pair well!
- With classic BBQ sides: Keep it simple with some favorite BBQ sides like Summer Pasta Salad, Crunchy Kale Slaw, French Potato Salad, or Homemade Baked Beans.
- On rice bowls: Slice into cubes and add on top of a steaming bowl of Brown Rice Veggie Stir Fry. This is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner for the family.
Storage Instructions
Fridge: Store the BBQ Tempeh slices in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days at most.
Freezer. You can store it if in the freezer if needed for 1 to 2 months.
Reheating: You may reheat BBQ tempeh in the microwave or pan-fry with a dash of oil for about 3 minutes.
Uncooked Tempeh: Can be refrigerated for up to 7 days and can be stored in the freezer for 6 to 8 months.
More Tempeh Recipes
Vegan Dinners
Vegan Kabobs with Marinated Tempeh
Vegan Dinners
Sweet and Sour Tempeh
Vegan Lunches
Pan Fried Tempeh with Ginger Soy Sauce
Vegan Dinners
Sticky Tempeh Strips with Sweet Jalapeño Glaze
If you tried this BBQ Tempeh 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
If you’re loving my recipes and would like a more comprehensive resource, check out my cookbooks!
BBQ Tempeh
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Ingredients
- ½ medium yellow onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 package tempeh 8-ounce, sliced
- ¼ cup BBQ Sauce or more depending on preference
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Once oil is heated, add in the onions and garlic and let them cook until they become tender and translucent, about 1 minute.
- While the onions and garlic are cooking, slice the tempeh in thin strips about, ¼-inch thick.
- Place the tempeh in the oil and cook on both sides until it is a crispy brown.
- Pour in your favorite BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper and mix with a spatula, coding all the tempeh. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let cook for about 10 minutes. Be sure to stir.
Notes
- If the mixture gets too caramelized, add a little more oil.
- You can also add more sauce if you like a more intense flavor.
- If you really must have the grilled taste, you can make this same recipe in a foil packet on the grill.
- You can also use your air-fryer to make these! Place the slices on the basket in a single layer, then air-fry at 400 degrees for 12 minutes.
- Serve with grilled vegetables to make a full meal, such as corn, mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
