BBQ Tempeh Sandwich

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This BBQ tempeh sandwich recipe is an easy four-ingredient, one-pan dish for lunch or dinner with your favorite toppings.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Sandwich Topping Ideas
• Substitutions & Swaps
• Storage
• Recipe
• Comments

Tempeh is a great substitute for chicken, especially in sandwiches. It soaks up flavor well and has a hearty texture, unlike other vegan meat substitutions, like tofu or jackfruit. While both are delicious options, sometimes I just want more substance to bite into.

That's why these sandwiches have become my new favorite go-to vegan lunch recipe. They're also kid-approved and make an excellent low-stress dinner for busy weeknights too.

Ingredients

You only need four basic ingredients, plus your favorite toppings, to make this healthy BBQ tempeh sandwich recipe. Reminder: You can find the printable, detailed recipe in the recipe card below.

• Tempeh. I use Lightlife original tempeh, but another flavor will also work well. Instead of slicing, you can also chop up the tempeh into bite-sized pieces.
• BBQ Sauce. Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce (I love the original Sweet Baby Ray's). Or if you have time, make homemade BBQ sauce.
• Hamburger buns. Make sure that you're choosing vegan bread (brioche, for example, often includes butter or eggs).
• Vegetable stock. Use low-sodium stock so you can control the saltiness of the sauce.
• Toppings.
• Serve the sandwiches with your favorite veggies, roasted garlic potatoes, mashed potatoes, grilled corn on the cob, or baked vegan mac & cheese.

Sandwich Topping Ideas

Here are some of my favorite ways to top your BBQ tempeh sandwich:

• Vegan coleslaw
• Pickles
• Fresh or pickled red onions
• Pineapple
• Vegan ranch
• Avocado
• Sliced tomatoes

Substitutions & Swaps

• Gluten-Free Tempeh BBQ Sandwiches. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free buns or bread.
• Spicy BBQ Tempeh. You can add a bit of spicy either by using a hot BBQ sauce or adding a sprinkle of chili powder, cayenne, or crushed red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store leftover BBQ tempeh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

For longer storage, store leftovers in the freezer for up to three months. Defrost the tempeh in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave to serve.

Recipe

More Vegan Lunch Ideas:

• Chickpea Teriyaki Meal Prep Bowls
• Black Bean Tacos
• Vegan Caesar Salad
• Chickpea Salad Sandwich