Vegan BBQ Tempeh Kabobs

Photo credit Olivia Wallace.

BBQ Season is ON! Time to break out the tempeh, the high protein cultured soy patty with origins in Indonesia and with a hearty nutty flavor. Top your kabobs with a homemade BBQ Sauce and crank up the grill. Short on time? Use a store bought BBQ Sauce. Serve over rice or quinoa with grilled corn on the cob. 

Vegan BBQ Tempeh Kabobs

Makes 4 large or 8 small kabob skewers

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • Olive oil, salt and pepper for basting

    Kabobs

  • 8 ounces tempeh, 1 inch cubes

  • 1 tablespoons wheat-free tamari

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, 1-inch pieces

  • 2 small zucchini, 1 inch slices

  • ½ medium red onion, thick rings cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 8 medium cherry tomatoes

  • 8 cremini or button mushrooms

    BBQ Sauce

    Makes approximately 2 cups (enough for a double recipe of kebabs)

  • One 6-oz. can tomato paste

  • 1/2 cup - ¾ cup water

  • 3 tablespoons molasses 

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup 

  • 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons  chili powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder

  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

  • 1 teaspoon wheat-free tamari soy sauce, optional

  • 1/4 teaspoon  ground black pepper

Directions

  1. If using bamboo or wood skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes.  Meanwhile prepare the kabobs: Place the tempeh, tamari, olive oil, and water in a bowl and mix well. Allow to sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  2. Combine BBQ sauce ingredients in another bowl and whisk well.

  3. Preheat a grill. Place a small amount of olive oil in bowl and add a pinch of salt and pepper for basting. Decoratively arrange tempeh and vegetables on skewers, finishing each with a cherry tomato. 

  4. Grill until char marks appear and tempeh and vegetables are cooked through, approximately 10 minutes, depending upon the heat of the grill. Baste liberally with olive oil mixture and BBQ sauce.  Top with remaining BBQ sauce before serving.

Variations

Add Brussels sprouts that have been boiled for 8 minutes or until just tender before placing on the skewers. 

You can optionally heat the BBQ in a small pot over low heat if you serve a batch on the side.