Easy 10-Minute BBQ Tempeh (Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal)

If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s lightning-fast, packed with protein, and bursting with smoky, savory flavor, you’ve found it. This 10-Minute Skillet BBQ Tempeh is a game-changer for anyone who thinks plant-based meals are complicated or time-consuming, making it an ideal option for busy families. Finding quick and nutritious meals is key, especially when you’re focused on raising healthy vegan kids.

We’re ditching the bitterness and creating perfectly tender, saucy tempeh that’s versatile enough to star in a hearty bowl, a satisfying sandwich, or alongside your favorite grains. Forget everything you thought you knew about tempeh—this simple recipe will make you a believer.

What Exactly Is Tempeh?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s get acquainted with our star ingredient. Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans.

Whole soybeans are cooked, fermented with a starter culture (Rhizopus oligosporus), and then pressed into a firm, dense cake. Unlike tofu, which is made from soy milk, tempeh uses the whole bean, giving it a higher content of protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins.

The fermentation process makes it particularly beneficial for gut health by introducing probiotics and making the nutrients in the soybeans easier to digest and absorb. Studies published in the Journal of Nutrition have highlighted that the fermentation of soy can enhance its health-promoting properties, including its antioxidant capacity.

Why This Quick Recipe Works So Well

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for so many reasons. If you’re looking for a go-to meal that delivers every time, here’s why this one is a clear winner:

• Incredibly Fast: From fridge to plate in about 10 minutes. It’s the perfect solution when you’re short on time but don’t want to sacrifice a satisfying meal.
• High in Plant-Based Protein: A single serving packs a significant protein punch, making it a filling and nutritious option that keeps you energized.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: You only need a few simple ingredients to create a dish that’s loaded with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.
• Perfectly Textured: Our steaming and pan-frying method guarantees tempeh that’s tender on the inside with a delightful golden-brown crust on the outside.

The Simple Ingredients You Will Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few core components to create something truly delicious.

• Tempeh: You’ll need two 8-ounce packages of plain, unflavored tempeh. Look for one that appears fresh, with a firm texture and minimal gray or black spots (which are harmless but can indicate over-fermentation).
• Barbecue Sauce: This is where most of the flavor comes from, so choose wisely! Any 18-ounce bottle of your favorite vegan BBQ sauce will work. We used Trader Joe’s Kansas City Style for its balanced sweet and smoky profile, but feel free to experiment with hickory, mesquite, or a spicy variety.
• Olive Oil: A few tablespoons are used for pan-frying the tempeh to give it that irresistible crispy exterior. You can use another neutral, high-heat oil like avocado oil if you prefer.

How to Make BBQ Tempeh Step by Step

Ready to see how easy this is? Just follow these simple steps for perfect BBQ tempeh every time. The key is a quick steam followed by a fast fry to create the ideal texture before adding the sauce.

1. Steam the Tempeh to Remove Bitterness: First, remove the tempeh from its packaging and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Place the cubes in a large skillet and add about a cup of water—enough to cover the bottom of the pan and come halfway up the tempeh. Cover the skillet and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Let it steam for about 5 minutes. This crucial step softens the tempeh and removes any potential bitter taste that it can sometimes have.
2. Sauté for a Golden-Brown Crust: Once nearly all the water has evaporated, turn the heat down to medium and add the olive oil. Sauté the tempeh cubes, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until they are golden-brown and slightly crisped on all sides. Don’t rush this step; this is where you build the delicious texture.
3. Coat and Simmer in Sauce: Now for the fun part. Pour the entire jar of barbecue sauce over the golden tempeh. Stir gently to coat every piece. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and glaze the tempeh cubes. If any pieces stick, use a spatula to gently scrape them from the bottom of the pan.

A Few Pro Tips for the Best Results

Want to take your tempeh from good to absolutely amazing? These simple tips from a seasoned professional will help you nail it every single time.

• Don’t Skip the Steam: I can’t stress this enough. Steaming is the secret to a better final product. It makes the tempeh more porous, allowing it to absorb the BBQ sauce more effectively, and ensures a tender, non-bitter result.
• Give it Space: Avoid overcrowding the pan when you’re frying the tempeh. You want the cubes to have direct contact with the hot surface to develop a nice crust. If your skillet is too small, it’s better to work in two batches.
• Read Your BBQ Sauce Label: BBQ sauces can vary wildly in sugar and sodium content. For a healthier option, look for brands with lower sugar or those sweetened naturally with ingredients like dates or molasses. This is important as the nutritional info can change drastically based on your sauce choice.
• For an Oil-Free Version: If you prefer to cook without oil, you can! Simply skip the frying step. After steaming the tempeh and all the water has evaporated, add the BBQ sauce directly to the pan and simmer until thickened. The texture won’t be as crispy, but it will still be delicious.

Creative Ways to Serve Your BBQ Tempeh

This BBQ tempeh is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines as part of a complete meal. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:

• The Classic Plate: Serve it with a generous portion of creamy vegan mashed potatoes and a side of Southern-style vegan collard greens or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli.
• Hearty Grain Bowls: Build a nourishing bowl with a base of quinoa or brown rice. Top with the BBQ tempeh, corn, black beans, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
• Flavorful Sandwiches: Pile the saucy tempeh onto a toasted brioche bun with vegan coleslaw and pickles for an epic BBQ sandwich. You can even crumble the tempeh for a ‘sloppy joe’ style filling.
• Loaded Salads: Add a scoop of warm BBQ tempeh to a bed of crisp romaine lettuce with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a vegan ranch dressing for a satisfying and protein-rich salad.

Storage and Meal Prep Instructions

BBQ tempeh is an excellent choice for meal prepping. Having a delicious, ready-to-go protein makes building healthy meals throughout the week incredibly easy.

• To Store: Allow the tempeh to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will meld and deepen over time, so leftovers are often even tastier!
• To Reheat: For best results, reheat the tempeh in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or a little extra BBQ sauce until warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, but you’ll lose some of the crispy texture.
• Freezing: While you can freeze the finished dish, the texture of tempeh can change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about cooking tempeh.

Do I really have to steam the tempeh first?

While you can technically skip it, we highly recommend you don’t. Steaming takes just 5 minutes and makes a huge difference in both the taste (removing bitterness) and texture (making it more tender and absorbent).

Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes! For a more hands-off approach, you can bake it. Toss the steamed tempeh cubes with a little oil and spread them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, pour the BBQ sauce over the top, toss to coat, and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce is caramelized.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Tempeh itself is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the ingredients in your BBQ sauce. Many brands are gluten-free, but some may contain soy sauce or other additives with gluten. Simply use a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce to ensure the entire dish is compliant.

Conclusion

There you have it—a meal that proves plant-based eating can be incredibly simple, fast, and satisfying. This 10-minute BBQ Tempeh isn’t just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy weeknights, a fantastic source of protein, and a delicious way to explore the world of fermented foods.

It’s versatile enough to become a staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try, and you might just find it’s your new favorite way to enjoy tempeh. And if you’re looking for another simple, crowd-pleasing recipe, our one-bowl vegan chocolate chip cookies are the perfect follow-up.