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4-Ingredient BBQ Tempeh Sandwich

on February 17, 2022
last updated December 17, 2024
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This BBQ Tempeh Sandwich is crispy, saucy, goodness sandwiched between a bun with minimal ingredients and less then 20 minutes required!
straight on photograph of stacked bbq tempeh sandwich

Looking for a tasty meatless sandwich? This BBQ Tempeh Sandwich is crunchy, tangy, hearty perfection in between two tasty buns.

It can be whipped up with as little as 4 ingredients and ten minutes, making it the easiest way to get all the deliciousness of BBQ without having to fire up the grill.

As a mom balancing family life and a sophisticated taste for food, a flavor-packed meal with such few ingredients is a lifesaver!

bbq tempeh sandwich with avocado and greens

BBQ Tempeh Sandwich Ingredients


Here’s everything you need:

  • Tempeh. An 8-ounce pack will make more than enough for one sandwich. If you have leftovers, they will keep for 3-5 days.
  • BBQ Sauce. The most important ingredient! I highly recommend this Easy Vegan BBQ Sauce if you want to whip one up homemade!
  • Olive Oil. To fry the tempeh in.
  • Bun. To make it a sandqich!
  • Toppings of choice. I kept it simple with fresh spinach, sliced avocado, and tomato.
all ingredients needed for a BBQ tempeh sandwich - tempeh, bbq sauce, a bun, and olive oil

BBQ Tempeh Sandwich Tips and Tricks


Tofu Vs. Tempeh

Tempeh, like tofu, is made from fermented soybeans. It’s similar to tofu in that it has a similar ability to take on any flavor, but has a much denser, chewier texture.

Slice it Up

Start by slicing your tempeh into strips with a sharp knife. I keep each strip about an inch wide, but you can opt to make them even thinner if you want your meatless BBQ sandwich extra saucy!

slicing a block of tempeh

Fry It Til It’s Golden

Get your oil hot in a pan over medium heat first.

Then, drop your tempeh in and fry it for about 5 minutes on each side. You should hear it sizzling.

Pro tip: You’ll know your tempeh is ready when both sides are golden brown.

frying tempeh until golden brown

Soak Up Excess Oil

When you are happy with the color of your tempeh strips, remove them from the pan and transfer them to a paper towel.

Just beware, they’re super hot! Give your tempeh a couple of minutes to cool down so you don’t burn your fingers. Then, use a second paper towel to blot the top.

placing tempeh on paper towel to soak up excess oil

Smother It In Sauce

I like to use a pastry brush to brush the BBQ sauce evenly onto each strip of tempeh.

You can also toss the tempeh strips in the sauce in a large mixing bowl—whatever works for you!

Just make sure you generously coat the tempeh on both sides to give it that flavor-punch of BBQ sauce.

smothering fried temped in bbq sauce

Stack It Your Way

Stack 6-8 slices of BBQ tempeh on your bun, followed by your toppings of choice!

Get creative and add your favorites. Caramelized onions and mushrooms, greens, tomato, avocado, pickles, cheese, coleslaw, all make great toppings, just to name a few.

You can also opt to toast your bun!

stacking tempeh on bun to make a sandwich

How to Properly Store and Reheat BBQ Tempeh Strips

The prepared tempeh will last 3-5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I sometimes just eat these leftovers cold, but you can also reheat in the oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until heated thoroughly.

This BBQ Tempeh also makes for a great addition to a salad, rice, or quinoa bowl, or even just as a delicious appetizer on its own.

What To Serve Your Sammy With

Aside from your toppings of choice, your meal can be customized by choosing your favorite sides!

To me, a BBQ sandwich is just begging for a side of Parmesan Truffle Fries or Baked Old Bay Fries, but it also pairs amazingly with roasted veggies.

Try this Purple Asparagus or Sweet and Salty Brussels Sprouts for a lighter option!

vegan bbq sandwich with chips and a coca cola

Why You Should Make this BBQ Tempeh Sandwich


  • The texture. Crispy, meaty tempeh, with light and fresh toppings and a pillowy bun to hold it all together.
  • It’s easy. Minimal ingredients, and ten to fifteen minutes to whip up!
  • It’s versatile. Add any toppings and sides you like!
straight on photograph of stacked bbq tempeh sandwich

4-Ingredient BBQ Tempeh Sandwich

5 from 1 vote
Marley Goldin
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This BBQ Tempeh Sandwich is crispy, saucy goodness sandwiched between a bun with minimal ingredients and only 15 minutes required!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1 sandwich

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ounces tempeh
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 bun
  • toppings of choice

Instructions
 

  • Slice your tempeh into 1-inch wide strips.
    4 ounces tempeh
  • Add olive oil to a large frying pan over medium heat and allow it to get hot (about 1 minute).
    2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Carefully add sliced tempeh to the hot oil and fry for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Transfer tempeh strips to a paper towel and allow to cool for a couple of minutes before using a second paper towel to blot any excess oil off the top of the tempeh.
  • Smother tempeh strips in BBQ sauce by painting on with a pastry brush or tossing the tofu in the sauce in a large mixing bowl.
    ¼ cup BBQ sauce
  • Assemble your sandwich by layering BBQ tempeh on the bottom bun and stacking your toppings on top. Finish with the top half of the bun and enjoy!
    1 bun, toppings of choice

Pro Tips

  • Leftover tempeh will last 3-5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • I love using my own vegan BBQ sauce on this sandwich!
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Diet Vegan
Keyword 30 Minutes or Less, 5 Ingredients or Less, Easy, Tempeh Sandwich, Vegan BBQ
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2 thoughts on “4-Ingredient BBQ Tempeh Sandwich”

    1. Aw, thank you so much Wanda! I’m working on it! I usually notify folks when my latest recipe is out through my (free!) newsletter—please feel free to sign up if you’d like (click subscribe in the menu at the top!) 😀

5 from 1 vote

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