Name: Smoky Tempeh Ribs with Tangy BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 6-8 ribs
Cuisine: American cuisine
Ingredients: 2 pcs tempeh ((8 oz blocks)); 0.5 cup tamari (or soy sauce); 1 tbsp liquid smoke; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tsp paprika (smoked preferred); 1 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tsp onion powder; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 0.25 cup water; 1 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp molasses; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp dijon mustard; 0.5 tsp smoked paprika; 0.25 tsp garlic powder; 0.25 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)

Smoky, caramelized tempeh ribs glisten with tangy BBQ sauce, served piled high with vibrant green cilantro for a delicious and satisfying plant-based meal.

Transform humble tempeh into a show-stopping vegan main course with these smoky, sticky 'ribs'. Thick slices of tempeh are first prepared to remove any bitterness, then generously marinated in a savory blend of tamari, liquid smoke, and aromatic spices like paprika and garlic powder, ensuring deep flavor penetration. They are baked to achieve a tender yet slightly chewy texture before being slathered with a vibrant homemade tangy and sweet barbecue sauce. This sauce, made with tomatoes, rich molasses, bright apple cider vinegar, and a hint of chili, caramelizes beautifully on the tempeh, creating an irresistible sticky glaze. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or as the star of a plant-based cookout, these tempeh ribs deliver a truly satisfying experience, proving that vegan alternatives can be every bit as comforting and exciting as their traditional counterparts. Serve alongside classic BBQ sides for a complete and impressive meal.

Preparation time: 25 min
Cooking time: 1 hr
Total time: 1 hr 25 min
Servings: 6

Instructions

Prepare Tempeh

1Carefully slice each block of tempeh lengthwise into 3-4 'ribs' (approx. 1/2 inch thick). You should get 6-8 pieces total.
2Steam or boil the tempeh slices for 10 minutes. This helps reduce any bitterness and allows them to absorb marinade better. Drain well and pat dry.

Marinate Tempeh

1In a shallow dish or large ziploc bag, whisk together the tamari, liquid smoke, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and 1/4 cup water to create the marinade.
2Add the prepared tempeh slices to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for deeper flavor, refrigerate for 2-4 hours, flipping occasionally.

Make BBQ Sauce

1While the tempeh marinates, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients (ketchup, molasses, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder) in a small saucepan.
2Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens. Set aside.

Bake and Glaze

1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2Remove tempeh from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Discard any remaining marinade.
3Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the tempeh ribs.
4Brush generously with the prepared BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
5Remove from oven, flip, and brush with more BBQ sauce. Bake for a final 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly, and the tempeh has a satisfying sticky glaze.
6Serve immediately, with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.

Instructions

Prepare Tempeh

1Carefully slice each block of tempeh lengthwise into 3-4 'ribs' (approx. 1/2 inch thick). You should get 6-8 pieces total.
2Steam or boil the tempeh slices for 10 minutes. This helps reduce any bitterness and allows them to absorb marinade better. Drain well and pat dry.

Marinate Tempeh

1In a shallow dish or large ziploc bag, whisk together the tamari, liquid smoke, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and 1/4 cup water to create the marinade.
2Add the prepared tempeh slices to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for deeper flavor, refrigerate for 2-4 hours, flipping occasionally.

Make BBQ Sauce

1While the tempeh marinates, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients (ketchup, molasses, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder) in a small saucepan.
2Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens. Set aside.

Bake and Glaze

1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2Remove tempeh from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Discard any remaining marinade.
3Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the tempeh ribs.
4Brush generously with the prepared BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
5Remove from oven, flip, and brush with more BBQ sauce. Bake for a final 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly, and the tempeh has a satisfying sticky glaze.
6Serve immediately, with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 351 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 13 g
Carbs: 46 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	351 kcal
Protein	15 g
Fat	13 g
Carbs	46 g

Tips

For an extra smoky char, finish the ribs on a grill or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes per side after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
These 'ribs' are excellent with classic BBQ sides like creamy coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh potato salad, making for a perfect vegan cookout feast.