Marinated BBQ Tempeh Recipe

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This marinated BBQ tempeh recipe is tangy with a hint of sweetness and is tender in the center with crisp edges. Prepare it in the oven, on the stove, or on the grill, and use it in a variety of recipes!

This tempeh recipe is one of my go-to vegan meat substitutes—especially for anyone just starting out on a plant-based diet or looking to explore more protein-rich, meatless options.

Tempeh can be a healthy and satisfying plant-based protein, but let’s be honest—it all comes down to how you prepare it. When done right, it can be so flavorful and filling. The trick? A little prep goes a long way… and a good barbecue sauce makes all the difference.

Trust me, even the biggest meat lovers might change their minds after one bite of this smoky, savory goodness.

What Is Tempeh, Anyway?

Although the two are commonly confused, tempeh is different from tofu. Tempeh is a plant-based protein source that originates from Indonesia. It’s most commonly made with fermented soybeans, but you can also sometimes buy tempeh made with beans or grains. During the fermentation process, the beans stick together and form a block, creating tempeh’s unique, firm texture. Keep reading to learn more about tempeh, its health benefits, and how to cook it!

Prep Tips Before You Begin

Steam the Tempeh First: Don’t skip this step! Steaming tempeh for just 5 minutes helps remove its natural bitterness and opens it up to soak in all that BBQ marinade flavor. See step-by-step instructions in the recipe section.
Use a Mild BBQ Sauce if You’re Adding Extras: If you plan to include honey, maple syrup, or liquid smoke, start with a milder or unsweetened BBQ sauce so things don’t get overly sweet or overpowering.
Cut Tempeh Into Thin Pieces for More Flavor: The thinner or smaller you slice it, the more surface area you create for the marinade to cling to. Cubes, strips, or triangles all work!
Marinate Longer for Bolder Flavor: If you have the time, marinate the tempeh overnight in the fridge. It really soaks up the spices and sauce that way.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this BBQ tempeh recipe. Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details and nutrition information including the prep time, total time, calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, etc.

Ingredients for marinated BBQ tempeh on a white marble countertop.

BBQ Sauce – Use a store-bought gluten-free barbecue sauce or nightshade-free barbecue sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar – This creates a tangy taste and helps tenderize the tempeh. Lemon juice also works.
Olive Oil – This creates a smooth marinate. Avocado oil works well, too.
Seasonings – Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper create a savory, slightly smokey flavor.
Gluten-Free Tempeh (Unflavored) – Double-check the ingredient label to ensure it’s truly gluten-free and free from added flavors. Some brands sneak in ingredients like soy sauce, which can contain gluten.

How to Make this Marinated BBQ Tempeh Recipe

Now that you’re set up with all the tips for success, just follow these simple steps to bring the recipe to life!

Prepare the tempeh. Slice or cube the tempeh, and steam it for five minutes. This helps remove any bitterness and allows it to absorb the marinade more easily.

Eight cubes of raw tempeh on a white platter.

Cubed tempeh in a colander in a soup pot.

Steaming Methods

To Steam on stovetop: Cut the tempeh into your 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 Microwave. – This method helps reduce bitterness but may not be as effective as stovetop steaming. Place 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.

While the tempeh is steaming, Make the marinade. Whisk all the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl.

BBQ sauce ingredients in a glass bowl on a white marble countertop.

Cubed tempeh marinating in homemade BBQ sauce.

Pro-Tip: Add water as needed if the sauce is too thick!

Marinate. Add the steamed tempeh to the bowl of marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for a deeper flavor.
Cook. Bake, pan-fry, or grill the tempeh. (See below.) Enjoy!

Cooking Methods

After marinating, tempeh can be cooked in a variety of ways—on the stovetop, in the oven, in an air fryer, or even on the grill. For the crispiest results, the stovetop or air fryer are your best bet.

A wooden spoon in a cast iron pan with sauteed BBQ tempeh.

Twelve cubes of roasted BBQ tempeh on a metal sheetpan.

Baked Option

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Arrange the marinated tempeh on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake until tender, flipping halfway through.

Pro-Tip: Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the last two minutes for an extra-crisp texture.

Pan-Fried Option

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Cook the tempeh on all sides until golden.

Air-Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Once preheated, spray the basket with oil and evenly spread out the marinated tempeh.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Grill

Heat a grill to medium heat.
Cook the tempeh on each side until lightly charred.

Note: Cubed or thicker sliced tempeh work best for air-frying or grilling.

Ways to Use

I love to use BBQ tempeh in my vegan tempeh quinoa salad, but it’s also great as a meat replacement in grain bowls, tacos, salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Or, it also works well in stir fry recipes with vegetables like broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, and onions. If you crumble it up, it even resembles the texture of ground meat.

A woman's hands using wooden spoons to toss a BBQ tempeh salad with fresh vegetables.

Common Questions

How long do leftovers for this BBQ tempeh last?

You can store leftover tempeh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can I freeze cooked tempeh?

Yes, you can freeze cooked tempeh for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, and reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

What does tempeh taste like?

Cooked tempeh is nutty and slightly earthy in flavor, similar to mushrooms. However, it takes on the flavor of any sauce or marinade well. So, for this recipe, it tastes like barbecue.

More of Our Favorite

Marinated BBQ Tempeh Recipe

What Is Tempeh, Anyway?

Prep Tips Before You Begin

Ingredients and Substitutions