Easy Baked BBQ Tempeh

This delicious BBQ baked tempeh is as easy as it gets! Use it as part of a Buddha bowl, on salads, or in sandwiches and wraps. 

This easy BBQ tempeh recipe requires just two ingredients and takes just a few minutes to prepare! It’s sweet, smoky, satisfying, hearty, and nutty. For the longest time I thought I would never like tempeh. I bought it once or twice and thought I would always prefer its cousin, tofu. Over the past few months, though, Yummy Hubby has been mentioning the delicious tempeh tacos he’s been having for lunch at work. Then I spotted BBQ tempeh in the Whole Foods deli and decided to try a piece. You guys, it was so good. It was rich and meaty and even my seven year old loved it. My mind was blown. Could it be that I just hadn’t had tempeh prepared the right way? Or that I needed to try it a few times to get used to the flavor and texture? The next day I was craving BBQ tempeh and had to make a batch.

This easy BBQ tempeh recipe is what changed my mind made me a tempeh-lover. I may even like this better than tofu, which is great news considering it is less processed. Over the weekend I made my hubby a tempeh BLT style sandwich and he said it had to go on the blog. I now have a comprehensive post all about how to cook tempeh and over 20 of the best tempeh recipes here. 

What is Tempeh?

Tempeh is a patty of fermented soybeans. Though it may be new to many of us, tempeh has been popular in Indonesia for hundreds of years. It’s said that tempeh accidentally came to be during the making of tofu. Soybeans that were being used for tofu were found fermenting and it was discovered that this was quite tasty and nutritious.

Tempeh today can be found in a variety of flavors. I like it best plain so that I can freshly marinate and cook it myself. At 31 grams of protein per cup, tempeh is a good source of plant based protein. Due to its fermented nature, tempeh contains proboitics, which may give our gut flora and immune systems a boost. Tempeh is also a good source of iron.

Not only is tempeh nutritionally a good alternative to meat, it’s darn cheap. A package is around $2, making it good for budget meals.

How to Eat Tempeh

Mild and versatile, with the right seasonings tempeh can be used just about anywhere you would use meat. It can be crumbled and seasoned for tacos, used in veggie burgers and “meatballs”, added to stir frys, curries, sandwiches and wraps, or simply served over rice and veggies. This BBQ Baked Tempeh recipe is what changed my mind about tempeh and a great place to start. I like to bake a batch of tempeh on meal prep days so that I have an easy protein option ready to go.

Have you tried tempeh? I’d love to hear about your favorite ways to use it. Next I’ve got my sights set on tempeh tacos and of course those BLTs.

More Tempeh and Tofu Recipes to Try

If you liked this recipe, you’ve got to try my easy Tempeh Tacos. They make an easy, hearty, delicious plant-based dinner.

If you get tired of tempeh, try this Easy Baked Tofu! It has a sticky ginger soy sauce glaze.