BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches

Name: BBQ Tempeh Sandwich
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 8 Ounce Blocks Tempeh (crumbled); 1 Small Yellow Onion (minced); 3/4 Cup BBQ Sauce; 2 Cloves Garlic (minced); 1/4 Teaspoon Salt; 4 Burger Buns; 2 Cups Vegan Coleslaw (optional)

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Ready in 20 minutes and packed with plant-based protein, these BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches are a delicious and easy meal for cookouts or weekday dinner.

A bbq tempeh sandwich on a plate with chips.

Sweet, tangy, bbq sauce meets tempeh and onion for the easiest ever bbq sandwich. This plant-based version of a classic bbq sandwich is so easy to make. Just throw all the ingredients in a pan and cook for a few minutes.

Great for cookouts, summer picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner.

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Why I love these BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
How to make BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches
FAQ & Expert Tips
Recipe Prayer
More Plant-Based Burgers & Sandwiches
Tried this recipe?
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An open faced bbq tempeh sandwich on a plate, with coleslaw on the side.

Why I love these BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches

Dietary needs - these bbq sandwiches are vegan/plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free, and sugar-free.
Real foods - no fake meat here! Just tempeh and onions
Quick & Easy - these sandwiches are ready in just 20 minutes. All you have to do is throw everything in a pan and stir.
Meal prep friendly - make a batch of these bbq tempeh sandwiches and enjoy a sandwich each day for lunch
High protein - tempeh is a great source of plant-based protein

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Tempeh: tempeh is a block of fermented soy beans. It is high in protein and great for making vegan versions of ground beef recipes because it crumbles into small pieces. You can find tempeh in the refrigerated vegan section of the grocery store.
Yellow Onion: a red onion would be fine here too
BBQ Sauce: I used a store-bought sauce. For a healthier version, feel free to use my plant-based bbq sauce
Garlic
Salt
To serve: buns, coleslaw, chips

How to make BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches

Step 1. Add all the ingredients to a skillet over medium heat, and stir. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until the onion is soft and all the ingredients are thoroughly warmed.

BBQ Tempeh Sandwich Step 1 - cook the tempeh.

Step 2. Serve on a bun, topped with slaw, if desired.

BBQ Tempeh Sandwich Step 2 - assemble the sandwiches.

FAQ & Expert Tips

Add more veggies

If you want, you can add some vegetables to the sandwiches. Diced zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, carrot, or a can of diced tomatoes would all work well.

Make it gluten-free

These sandwiches are naturally gluten free. If you'd like to serve these joes with a gluten-free bun, I recommend the Udis brand.
Or, grab a large piece of bibb lettuce and serve in a lettuce wrap.

Storage & Reheating

Store these sandwiches in an air tight container in the fridge, separately from the buns.
Reheat in the microwave or over medium low heat on the stovetop.

Recipe Prayer

Thank you God for these easy, delicious sandwiches. Thank you for healthier versions of our favorite foods. Allow these sandwiches to nourish our bodies. Amen.

A bbq tempeh sandwich, with coleslaw on the sandwich, and chips on the side.

More Plant-Based Burgers & Sandwiches

Tried this recipe?

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