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    Home » Recipes » Sandwich

    BBQ Tempeh Sloppy Joes

    Mar 16, 2012 by Kaitlin

    An easy vegan Sloppy Joes recipe made with tempeh marinated in BBQ sauce! It's high protein, saucy, satisfying, and a great way to enjoy tempeh. (Vegan, gluten-free option.)

    Vegan BBQ Tempeh Sloppy Joes in a wheat bun on a white plate

    This saucy BBQ Tempeh Sloppy Joes recipe is so hearty, delicious, and easy to make.

    It's a flavorful vegan version of the classic sloppy joe. Plus it's a great source of plant-based protein.

    If you've never had tempeh before, this can be a good recipe to start with.

    Tempeh is a fermented soy product, but is less processed than tofu. It has a nice "meaty" texture which works well in these sandwiches.

    Tempeh, green bell pepper, onion, and garlic ingredients on a wooden table

    Ingredients for Tempeh Sloppy Joes

    For this recipe you will sauté in a large skillet:

    • Tempeh: You will need an 8 ounce package of tempeh for this recipe. I purchase organic tempeh when possible, which is made from fermented soybeans.
    • BBQ sauce: Be sure to use a BBQ sauce that you that enjoy because it is most of the flavor in this dish.
    • Green bell pepper: If you don't care for bell peppers, you can simply omit this. Or replace it with a small zucchini.
    • Yellow onion: Or you can use white onion or sweet onion instead.
    • Fresh garlic cloves: Or substitute dried garlic powder.
    • Smoked paprika: You can omit this if you'd like. I enjoy the added flavor and smoky taste.
    • Vegetable broth: Be sure to use low sodium if desired.
    • Hamburger buns: I try to find whole wheat or whole grain buns when possible. Use gluten-free buns if needed.

    Tip: Some tempeh patties include other grains. (For example, the brand Lightlife makes a "Three Grain Tempeh" which includes brown rice, barley, and millet in addition to the soybeans.) So be sure to check the label if you need a gluten-free option.

    Vegan BBQ sloppy joe mixture cooking in a large skillet with wooden spoon

    Customizing

    Flavors: Change up the sauce and taste as you see fit. Other classic sloppy joe flavors include Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, tomato paste, tamari or soy sauce, or vegan Worcestershire sauce.

    Spices + seasoning: In this recipe I use a little smoked paprika to accent the sauce. But feel free to omit it or add others as desired. Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, etc.

    Other meat substitute: Instead of tempeh, you can try this recipe with a different "meaty base" such as cooked red lentils, green lentils, or cooked vegan ground beef crumbles.

    Sloppy joe sandwich on a white plate with cilantro garnish

    Serving

    Enjoy this sandwich as is, or pile on your favorite toppings. A few ideas include:

    • Dill pickles
    • Sliced onions
    • Tomato
    • Coleslaw or lettuce
    • Vegan cheese slices

    Open-faced on toast: Sometimes I will simply spoon this BBQ tempeh mixture over a slice of toasted bread. Then eat it with a fork instead of a sloppy sandwich.

    Sides: These sandwiches are great served with a light salad, coleslaw, Vegan Potato Salad, baked oven fries, or sweet corn on the cob in the summertime.

    Close up view of vegan tempeh sloppy joes on a wheat bun

    For more inspiration, also browse all tempeh recipes or vegan comfort food recipes.

    Vegan BBQ Tempeh Sloppy Joes in a wheat bun on a white plate

    BBQ Tempeh Sloppy Joes

    Vegan sloppy joes made with flavorful tempeh marinated in BBQ sauce! High protein, easy to make, and so satisfying.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free Option, Vegan
    Servings: 4 sandwiches

    Ingredients

    • 8 oz. tempeh*
    • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
    • 1 small yellow onion
    • 1 green bell pepper
    • 3-4 cloves garlic
    • 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
    • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
    • 4 hamburger buns (whole grain if possible)

    Instructions

    • Marinate tempeh: Crumble tempeh into a medium bowl. Add BBQ sauce and stir well to combine. Set aside and let marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
    • Meanwhile, finely dice onion and bell pepper.
    • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté onion and bell pepper for 10 minutes or until soft. (I use 3 Tbsp. water/broth for no-oil sauté method, adding more as needed.)
    • Meanwhile, mince garlic.
    • When onion is translucent, add garlic and smoked paprika. Stir and sauté 1-2 minutes.
    • Add the BBQ tempeh and 1/2 cup broth. Stir. Bring to light simmer then cover, reduce heat, and lightly simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Scoop onto buns and add any toppings if desired.

    Notes

    *For gluten-free: Use your favorite GF buns, and ensure that your tempeh is gluten-free. (I've seen "three grain" tempeh patties that include wheat products like barley.)
    Toppings: Optional toppings include dill pickles, sliced onions, tomato, coleslaw, lettuce, or vegan cheese slices.

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    BBQ Tempeh Sloppy Joes
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    374
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    8
    g
    12
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    13
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Potassium
     
    561
    mg
    16
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    61
    g
    20
    %
    Fiber
     
    3
    g
    13
    %
    Sugar
     
    29
    g
    32
    %
    Protein
     
    16
    g
    32
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    457
    IU
    9
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    28
    mg
    34
    %
    Calcium
     
    175
    mg
    18
    %
    Iron
     
    4
    mg
    22
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    If you are enjoying these vegan BBQ tempeh sloppy joes, also check out:

    • Vegan Couscous Stuffed Peppers
    • Asian Style Toasted Quinoa with Mushrooms
    • Teriyaki Baked Tofu

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

    More Vegan Sandwich & Wrap Recipes

    • Southwest Black Bean Burger
    • Greek Salad Wrap with Hummus
    • Avocado Veggie Sandwich
    • TLT Sandwich with Tempeh Bacon

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Marie

      February 04, 2022 at 2:14 pm

      5 stars
      This was so tasty and EASY! Used slightly toasted sourdough bread instead of the buns.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        February 04, 2022 at 2:22 pm

        Great idea! Thanks for sharing your helpful feedback.

        Reply
    2. Nagel Family

      March 15, 2013 at 2:33 pm

      Thank you for posting this recipe. I am on a journey to feed my family healthier and eat clean. We all love sloppy joe's. I seriously thought the other day "dang, no more sloppy joes"! I have never tried tempeh, and I can't wait to try this!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        March 16, 2013 at 1:41 am

        That's great you're on a journey to eat healthier! Hope you and your family enjoy this one. Thanks so much for the message.

        Reply
      • Nagel Family

        March 26, 2013 at 1:37 pm

        Hi Kaitlin, I made these for dinner last night. Of course I didn't tell my hubby or kids that it was meatless. Kids didn't notice at all. Actually, my 6 year old scraped it off her bun and said she was eating just the meat! My hubby ate 2. He said he knew I had substituted but if was a healthy alternative he was all for it. This will be in our regular dinner rotation. Thanks again!

        Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        March 26, 2013 at 4:26 pm

        Yay! Great to hear they were a success. I appreciate you coming back and letting me know - thank you!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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