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    Oh My Veggies » Vegetarian Recipes » 30 Minutes or Less

    Vegan BBQ Tempeh (Gluten-free)

    Published: Jan 10, 2021 · by Nicole · Updated: Feb 9, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This vegan BBQ tempeh has a deliciously savoury and smoky flavour, perfect for serving in salads and sandwiches. Gluten-free, easy to make in under 30 minutes.

    Vegan BBQ Tempeh (Gluten-free)

    As we continue with my Veganuary series, featuring my favourite simple go-to vegan recipes, I couldn't go for very long without featuring tempeh. I discovered this ingredient pretty early in my vegan journey, and fell in love with it immediately!

    Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian product that is made from fermented soy beans. It has a firm texture and a distinctive nutty flavour. It also absorbs flavours really well, making it a fantastic versatile ingredient.

    Closeup of baked BBQ tempeh in a bowl

    About this vegan BBQ tempeh

    If you love rich and savoury flavours, you will love this recipe! It is made with a delicious BBQ sauce and glaze that the tempeh absorbs perfectly. And you only need a few ingredients to achieve a smoky, savoury flavour with a hint of spice.

    Vegan tempeh with BBQ sauce, avocado and rice

    I steamed the tofu, then coated it in some of the the sauce before baking, and added the rest of the sauce afterwards. The end result is so delicious, I have been making it a few times a week and don't see myself getting bored any time soon!

    Why steam tempeh?

    BBQ tempeh bowl with rice and avocado

    Tempeh straight out of the package has a little bit of a bitter aftertaste. Steaming helps to get rid of this. You can either place the tempeh in a steamer basket for 10 minutes, or cover it in boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes, until most of the water evaporates.

    Ingredients you'll need

    Ingredients for BBQ tempeh
    • Tempeh. Make sure to get an unflavoured variety.
    • Tamari. You can use soy sauce if not avoiding gluten.
    • Balsamic glaze. Balsamic vinegar also works.
    • Coconut sugar. You can also use maple syrup.
    • Apple cider vinegar.
    • Peanut butter. You can leave this out, but it does help to add a great nutty undertone.
    • Smoked paprika.
    • Cumin.
    • Garlic powder.
    • Cornstarch. This is to help thicken the sauce.
    • Water.

    How to make BBQ tempeh

    Firstly, preheat the oven to 180 degrees C (350 F) and line a baking tray with a sheet of parchment paper.

    • Tempeh in a saucepan
    • Vegan BBQ sauce in a bowl

    Meanwhile, add the tempeh to a saucepan and just about cover it in water, simmering for 5 minutes. Drain if there is any water left.

    Meanwhile, add the tempeh to a saucepan and just about cover it in water, simmering for 5 minutes. Drain if there is any water left.

    • Vegan BBQ sauce in a pan
    • Vegan BBQ sauce in a pan 2

    Prepare the sauce by stirring together the tamari, balsamic vinegar, coconut sugar, apple cider vinegar, peanut butter, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cornstarch and water.

    Pour the sauce into a small pan and stir over a medium heat for around 3 minutes, until it thickens.

    • Tempeh in a BBQ sauce in a bowl
    • Tempeh on a baking tray

    Stir the tofu with around ½ the sauce and transfer to the baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.

    • Tempeh with a BBQ sauce in a bowl
    • Crispy baked tempeh on a baking tray

    Stir the baked tempeh with the rest of the sauce and serve.

    BBQ tempeh on a plate

    How to serve this baked tempeh

    • As you can see in the photos, I served the BBQ tempeh in a bowl with rice and mashed avocado.
    • It works really well in nourish bowls and salads.
    • Add it to sandwiches together with vegetables.
    • Serve it as part of a breakfast/brunch with toast, baked beans and scrambled tofu.
    Bowl with tempeh, rice and avocado

    Other Veganuary recipes

    • Falafel.
    • Easy cashew cheese.
    • Granola bars.
    • Zucchini fritters with red lentils.
    • Chickpea salad sandwiches.
    Vegan BBQ Tempeh (Gluten-free)

    Let me know in the comments: what's your favourite way to cook with tempeh? If you give this vegan BBQ tempeh a go, be sure to tag me on Instagram (@ohmyveggies), and leave your feedback in the comments below together with a star rating.

    Recipe

    Vegan BBQ Tempeh (Gluten-free)

    This vegan BBQ tempeh is rich, savoury, and smoky, as well as perfectly crispy. It is delicious in salads, sandwiches or nourish bowls, as well as easy to make in under 30 minutes. Gluten-free.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Email Recipe
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Vegan
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Keyword: BBQ, earth of maria, easy, tempeh, to move, Veganuary
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 366kcal
    Author: Oh My Veggies

    Equipment

    • Conventional oven
    • Baking tray
    • Sauce pan x 2
    • Mixing bowl

    Ingredients

    • 8 oz tempeh chopped
    • 2 ½ tbsp tamari
    • 1 ½ tbsp balsamic glaze
    • 1 ½ tbsp coconut sugar
    • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tbsp peanut butter
    • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    • 1 tsp cumin
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch
    • ¼ cup water
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C (350 F) and line a baking tray with a sheet of parchment paper.
    • Add the tempeh to a saucepan and just about cover it in water, simmering for 5 minutes. Drain if there is any water left.
    • Prepare the sauce by stirring together the tamari, balsamic vinegar, coconut sugar, apple cider vinegar, peanut butter, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cornstarch and water. Pour the sauce into a small pan and stir over a medium heat for around 3 minutes, until it thickens.
    • Stir the tofu with around ½ the sauce and transfer to the baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.
    • Stir the baked tempeh with the rest of the sauce and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 366kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 26gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 1328mgPotassium: 626mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 493IUCalcium: 135mgIron: 5mg
    Craving more veg-friendly recipes? Shop our collection of vegetarian and vegan cookbooks, including our new Vegan Thanksgiving and Vegan Christmas cookbooks!
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    Vegan BBQ tempeh gluten-free
    « Healthy Stuffed Zucchini
    Vegan Sweet Potato Soup (Gluten-free) »

    30 Minutes or Less, Earth of Maria, Gluten-free Vegan Recipes, Tofu and Tempeh Recipes, Vegan Dinner Recipes, Vegan Recipes, Vegan Weeknight Meals, Vegetarian Recipes Apple cider vinegar, Balsamic glaze, bbq, coconut sugar, Cornstarch, Cumin, garlic, Paprika, peanut butter, Tamari, tempeh

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    Nicole is a life long vegetarian and the author of the popular vegan cookbook, Weeknight One Pot Vegan Cooking. She loves sharing her recipes and showing the world just how easy and delicious meatless meals can be!
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