North Carolina Style Tempeh Barbecue

Experience the bold, tangy, and smoky flavors of North Carolina with this plant-based twist on a barbecue classic! This North Carolina Style Tempeh Barbecue recipe transforms protein-packed tempeh into a flavor-packed centerpiece, simmered in a zesty apple cider vinegar-based marinade and tossed in a rich homemade barbecue sauce infused with smoky paprika, hot sauce, and brown sugar. Perfectly caramelized and ready in just 45 minutes, this hearty dish is served on toasted buns, optionally topped with crunchy coleslaw for a delightful texture contrast. Ideal for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings, this vegan-friendly recipe is a must-try for fans of Southern-inspired comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz tempeh
• 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 cup water
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
• 6 pieces hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
• 2 cups coleslaw, for serving (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Slice the tempeh into thin strips or crumble it into bite-sized pieces based on your texture preference.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar, 0.5 cup water, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Add the tempeh to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 3

Simmer the tempeh for 10 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in 0.5 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp hot sauce, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes. Mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 7

Add the drained tempeh to the skillet and stir until it is fully coated in the barbecue sauce. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the tempeh to caramelize and soak up the sauce.

Step 8

Toast hamburger buns or sandwich rolls if desired. Pile a generous portion of the barbecue tempeh onto each bun.

Step 9

Serve the North Carolina Style Tempeh Barbecue with coleslaw on top or on the side, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1684.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2770.7

Total Fat 137.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 24.0mg	0%
Sodium 3821.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 272.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.8g	0%
Total Sugars 95.6g
Protein 124.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 915.8mg	0%
Iron 22.3mg	0%
Potassium 3384.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.8%

Protein: 17.6%

Carbs: 38.6%