Description
Elevate all your plant-based meals with the sweet, tangy flavor of this marinated BBQ tempeh recipe made in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the air fryer!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces gluten-free plain tempeh
- 1/2 cup gluten free BBQ sauce or our nightshade free BBQ sauce
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1-2 Tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
- Optional: 1 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup (if using unsweetened BBQ sauce)
- Optional: A few drops of liquid smoke for extra BBQ flavor
Instructions
- Slice or cube the tempeh and steam for 5 minutes (recommended to take out the bitterness and help absorb the marinade). See notes.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder and ground black pepper. Adjust with water if the sauce is too thick.
- Add the tempeh and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook using your preferred method:
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange tempeh on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Cook at 400 F for the last 2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Pan-Fry: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook tempeh for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
- Grill: Grill over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side for a smoky char.
- Air-Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Once preheated, spray the basket with oil and evenly spread the marinated tempeh (cubed or thicker sliced tempeh work best) in the basket. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Perfect for grain bowls, salads, sandwiches, wraps, or as a meatless protein-packed side.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
To Steam on the Stovetop – Cut the tempeh into the desired shape (cubes, triangles, or slabs). Place it in a steamer basket over a pot with a couple of inches of water or broth. Bring the water to a simmer, cover, and steam for 10–15 minutes. Pat dry before marinating.
To Steam in the Microwave – This method helps reduce bitterness but may not be as effective as stovetop steaming. Place the tempeh in a microwave safe bowl. Add enough water or broth to cover the tempeh. Loosely cover the dish (to allow steam to escape slightly). Microwave at 50-70% power for 5-7 minutes instead of 10 minutes to prevent drying out. Drain and pat dry before using in your recipe.
*Gluten Free Ingredient Tip – Sometimes soy sauce or wheat berries, as well as other gluten-containing ingredients are used in tempeh. As a result, it is important to always double check the label if looking for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Rest Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: Stove Top, Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 ounces
- Calories: 331
- Sugar: 10.1 g
- Sodium: 391.2 mg
- Fat: 18.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 21.7 g
- Fiber: 2.4 g
- Protein: 23.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
