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BBQ Tempeh Sandwich

BBQ Tempeh Sandwich: 5 Easy Steps for the Perfect Vegan Lunch!


  • Author: recipeinspire
  • Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This BBQ Tempeh Sandwich is a bold and hearty plant-based option that’s packed with smoky flavor and texture. Marinated and pan-seared tempeh slices are slathered in BBQ sauce and stacked on a bun with slaw for the ultimate vegan sandwich experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8 oz) block tempeh, sliced into thin strips
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 sandwich buns
  • 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional toppings: pickles, sliced red onion, avocado, extra BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Steam the Tempeh: Place tempeh slices in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness. Pat dry.
  2. Marinate: Toss steamed tempeh with BBQ sauce in a bowl. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight).
  3. Cook the Tempeh: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear tempeh slices for 2–3 minutes per side, until caramelized and lightly crisp.
  4. Assemble Sandwiches: Toast buns if desired. Layer BBQ tempeh on the bottom half of each bun, top with coleslaw and any optional toppings. Finish with the top bun and serve warm.

Notes

Steaming is key to mellowing tempeh’s flavor. For extra kick, stir a little hot sauce into the BBQ marinade. Great with sweet potato fries or a crunchy salad on the side.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vegan BBQ

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: bbq tempeh sandwich, vegan bbq sandwich, plant-based sandwich, smoky tempeh, easy vegan lunch