Name: BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup bourbon; 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar; 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard; 2 (8 oz.) packages tempeh, cut crosswise into thirds, each third sliced lengthwise; Canola oil, for grill; 4 vegan hamburger buns, split; 3 tablespoons vegan butter; 1/2 cup vegan mayo; 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon celery seeds; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 cups green cabbage, very thinly sliced; 1 cup red cabbage, very thinly sliced; 1 small carrot, coarsely grated; 1 shallot, finely chopped

Ingredients

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup bourbon

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

2 (8 oz.) packages tempeh, cut crosswise into thirds, each third sliced lengthwise

Canola oil, for grilling

4 vegan hamburger buns, split

3 tablespoons vegan butter

1/2 cup vegan mayo

4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon celery seeds

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 cups green cabbage, very thinly sliced

1 cup red cabbage, very thinly sliced

1 small carrot, coarsely grated

1 shallot, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Make the BBQ sauce by combining ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground mustard in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and darkens, about 15 minutes. Transfer the sauce to a shallow dish or bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the tempeh by filling a medium saucepan with about 2 inches of water and fitting it with a steamer basket. Bring the water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Arrange the tempeh pieces in the basket, cover, reduce heat to medium, and steam for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Using tongs or a spatula, transfer the steamed tempeh directly into the BBQ sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight, covered and refrigerated.

Step 4: While the tempeh marinates, make the slaw. In a medium bowl, whisk together vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, celery seeds, and season with salt and pepper. Add green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, and shallot, then toss until well coated.

Step 5: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Remove the tempeh from the sauce, reserving any extra sauce. Grill tempeh pieces for about 8 minutes total, turning occasionally until lightly charred and heated through.

Step 6: Butter the cut sides of the buns with vegan butter and grill, cut side down, until toasted and golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Step 7: Assemble the sandwiches by placing grilled tempeh on the buns. Spoon reserved BBQ sauce over the tempeh if desired, then top with a generous portion of slaw. Serve with any remaining slaw on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.

Swap bourbon for apple juice or a splash of whiskey for a different twist.

Try using different types of cabbage or adding thinly sliced bell peppers to the slaw for more crunch.

To keep buns from getting soggy, toast them just before assembling the sandwiches.

FAQs

Can I prepare the BBQ sauce and tempeh in advance?

Yes, the BBQ sauce and marinated tempeh can be prepared a day ahead, which allows the flavors to deepen. Just keep the marinated tempeh covered and refrigerated until ready to grill.

Is tempeh suitable for those new to soy products?

Absolutely. Tempeh has a firm texture and a mild, nutty flavor that absorbs seasonings well, making it a great plant-based protein for those new to soy. Steaming helps soften it and remove any bitterness.