Easy tempeh sloppy joes make a satisfying meal any time of year. Prepared or homemade BBQ sauce adds most of the robust flavor needed for this high-protein sandwich that can be served open-face or covered.
Perfect for those with hearty appetites and family-friendly, consider this your go-to meal when you need something filling and un-fussy at the end of a busy day.
What to serve with tempeh sloppy joes
Keep it simple with a salad or slaw and tortilla chips. For a larger meal, consider adding baked sweet potatoes in cooler seasons, or fresh corn-on-the-cob in the summer.
If you don’t have a brand of bottled BBQ sauce that you love, try this Easy No-Cook Barbecue Sauce, which can be made in minutes with ingredients you may already have on hand.
Are you new to tempeh?
Traditionally made of fermented soybeans, tempeh (pronounced tem-PAY) is a great source of plant-based protein, it has gained a firm place in western markets, much as tofu did before it. But whereas tofu is bland and soft, tempeh has a chewier texture and a flavor with a unique character all its own.
Basically, tempeh is a dense, coagulated cake (or block) made of cooked fermented soybeans. The fermentation process breaks down some of the components of soybeans to make them easier to digest.
Chickpea tempeh is a recent innovation! Available from Lightlife and Franklin Farms (so far), look for it at natural foods stores (or ask them to special order it for you). The tempeh sloppy joes made for these photos was made with chickpea tempeh, so you can see what it looks like, above.
Tempeh’s flavor has been described as nutty or mushroom-like, but neither of these are completely accurate. Its flavor defies comparison. It may be an acquired taste (though with creative preparation, not a difficult one to acquire).
Why I love this recipe (and hope you will, too)
- Tempeh is an acquired taste, and this recipe is likely to win over skeptics.
- It’s a fantastic last-minute dinner centerpiece, as it comes together quickly.
- Anyone who loves the flavor of BBQ sauce will be a fan of this use for it.
- It’s easy and family-friendly.
Photos by Hannah Kaminsky, BittersweetBlog.com.
Explore more …
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- BBQ-Flavored Lentil Sloppy Joes
- Tempeh Wraps with Quinoa, Avocado & Tomato
- 40+ Easy, Tasty Tempeh Recipes
Easy Tempeh Sloppy Joes
Easy tempeh sloppy joes make a satisfying meal any time of year. Prepared or homemade BBQ sauce adds most of the robust flavor needed for this high-protein sandwich that can be served open-face or covered.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 package tempeh, any variety, finely crumbled
- 1/2 bell pepper, any color, finely diced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite bottled sauce or homemade; see link in Notes)
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or agave
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
To serve
- Whole wheat rolls or hamburger buns
- Shredded lettuce, baby greens, or baby spinach
- Sriracha or other spicy condiment to drizzle, optional
- Sliced pickled jalapeños, optional
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a skillet. Sauté the onion until golden. Add the crumbled tempeh and bell pepper and sauté over medium heat until the tempeh is lightly browned.
- Add the barbecue sauce, syrup, chili powder, and cumin. Stir well. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring often.
- To serve: Allow 1 or 2 open-face rolls per serving. Divide between individual plates. Line rolls with shredded lettuce or greens. Divide the tempeh mixture between them.
- Pass around sriracha to drizzle over the tempeh for a spicier effect, and/or garnish with pickled jalapeños.
Notes
If you don't have a brand of bottled BBQ sauce that you love, try this Easy No-Cook Barbecue Sauce.
See lots more easy and hearty vegan sandwiches and wraps.
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