North Carolina Style Tempeh Barbecue Recipes

GRILLED BBQ TEMPEH STEAKS

Steps:

• Combine the ketchup, maple syrup, Dijon, vinegar, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, salt and pepper in a small saucepan. Whisk together and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Continue simmering, whisking occasionally, until the sauce is thick and reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
• Prepare a grill or grill pan for medium heat.
• Meanwhile, cut each block of tempeh in half parallel to the cutting board to create a total of 4 thinner slabs, then cut each slab in half crosswise. Gently score the tempeh diagonally in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut all the way through.
• Brush the grill with vegetable oil. Generously brush the scored side of the tempeh with about one-third of the barbecue sauce, letting it seep into the crevices. Grill sauce-side down, undisturbed, until nicely charred, about 4 minutes. Brush the tops of the tempeh with another third of the barbecue sauce, then flip and grill, undisturbed, until nicely charred, about 4 minutes more. Brush the tops of the tempeh with the remaining barbecue sauce.
• Transfer the grilled tempeh to a platter and serve immediately.

NORTH CAROLINA STYLE TEMPEH BARBECUE

Steps:

• In a large skillet, place a steamer rack.
• Place water in skillet, not touching the steamer rack.
• Place tempeh slices on rack and steam 15-20 minutes.
• Place on paper towels, remove rack and wipe out the skillet.
• Place oil in skillet and over medium heat, fry the tempeh on each side until golden brown.
• Remove and place on paper towels to drain.
• Add onion to skillet and saute over medium heat until onion is lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
• Add whole chipotle chile and cook 2 minutes more, until onion is browned.
• Add vinegar to release brown bits from bottom of the pan.
• Stirring in each ingredient gradually, add tomato paste, barley malt, mustard, vegetable stock, and coffee.
• Simmer until mixture is almost reduced by half.
• Remove chipotle, slice in half and remove seeds, mince and return to sauce.
• Add browned tempeh and simmer about 10 more minutes.
• Divide tempeh and sauce evenly among buns and serve with coleslaw, either on the sandwich or on the side.
• I actually serve this on tortilla wrappers with rice and it is great like that!