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Flavorful BBQ Tempeh Ribs

BBQ tempeh ribs - featured image
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These flavorful BBQ tempeh ribs offer a smoky, tangy glaze on tender, firm tempeh strips, perfect for a quick and satisfying plant-based meal that pleases vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 8-ounce (227 g) block firm tempeh, sliced into rib-like strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice
  • Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Slice the tempeh into 1/2-inch thick strips, about 4-5 ribs per block, keeping them uniform.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne (if using), water, and lemon juice until smooth and slightly pourable. Add more water if needed.
  4. Brush both sides of each tempeh rib with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  5. Brush one side of the tempeh ribs generously with the BBQ glaze. Reserve some glaze for basting later.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes.
  7. Flip the ribs carefully, brush the other side with glaze, and baste the top again.
  8. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until caramelized and slightly sticky but not burnt.
  9. Optional: Broil the ribs for 2-3 minutes at the end for a crispier finish, watching closely to prevent burning.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set the glaze and firm up the ribs.
  11. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve warm.

Notes

If tempeh feels dry or crumbly, steam it lightly for 5 minutes before slicing to soften and help it absorb the glaze better. Multiple thin layers of glaze during baking build a better sticky coating than one thick layer. Watch the broil step closely to avoid burning. For a grilled version, marinate ribs for 30 minutes and grill 3-4 minutes per side.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ tempeh ribs, plant-based ribs, vegan BBQ, smoky tempeh, tangy glaze, easy vegan dinner, gluten-free BBQ, vegetarian ribs

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/flavorful-bbq-tempeh-ribs-recipe-easy-smoky-tangy-glaze-guide/