Instant Pot BBQ Tempeh Bites (Sweet & Smoky Vegan Protein)
These smoky, sweet, and satisfying BBQ tempeh bites are made in the Instant Pot for a high-protein vegan meal in under 25 minutes. Great in bowls, sandwiches, wraps, or on their own.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Vegan BBQ
Ingredients
1 block (8 oz) tempeh, cubed
1 cup water (for steaming)
3/4 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
1 tsp maple syrup (optional, for sweeter sauce)
Instructions
1. Add 1 cup water to the Instant Pot. Place cubed tempeh in a steamer basket. Cook on High Pressure for 1 minute. Quick release and discard water.
2. Return steamed tempeh to the pot. Add BBQ sauce, paprika, garlic powder, vinegar, and maple syrup if using. Stir to coat.
3. Seal lid and cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes. Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
4. (Optional) Transfer tempeh to a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes to crisp and caramelize.
5. Serve in grain bowls, wraps, or sandwiches.
Notes
Steaming reduces bitterness and helps the tempeh absorb more sauce.
Use smoky BBQ sauce for bold flavor, or make your own.
Freezes well with sauce perfect for batch cooking.
Tofu can be used as a substitute; reduce cooking time to 1–2 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 block
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Find it online: https://everydayplantkitchen.com/instant-pot-bbq-tempeh/