These Instant Pot BBQ tempeh bites are a game-changer for plant-based protein lovers. They’re sweet, smoky, and ultra-satisfying perfect for stuffing into wraps, topping grain bowls, or loading onto a sandwich. With just a few ingredients and one pressure cooker, you’ve got a bold-flavored vegan meal ready in under 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Tempeh Bites
- ✅ High-protein and soy-based
- ⏱️ Quick and easy with minimal cleanup
- 🍔 Versatile: bowls, sandwiches, salads, tacos
- 🔥 Sweet-smoky flavor without grilling
- 🧊 Great for meal prep or batch cooking
This Instant Pot BBQ tempeh is a beginner-friendly way to turn this underrated vegan protein into something craveable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 block (8 oz) tempeh, cubed
- 1 cup water (for steaming)
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional – tangy boost)
- Optional: 1 tsp maple syrup for sweeter sauce
How to Make BBQ Tempeh in the Instant Pot
1. Steam the Tempeh (Optional but Recommended)
Add 1 cup water to the Instant Pot. Place cubed tempeh in a steamer basket. Cook on High Pressure for 1 minute, quick release. Discard water.
💡 Why steam? It removes bitterness and preps the tempeh for max sauce absorption.
2. Pressure Cook with Sauce
Add steamed tempeh, BBQ sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and vinegar directly to the pot. Stir to coat.
Cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes. Let Natural Release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
3. Optional: Crisp for Texture
Transfer to a baking tray and broil for 5 minutes to caramelize and firm up the texture.
Serving Suggestions
- BBQ tempeh grain bowls with rice, avocado, and slaw
- Sandwiches or sliders with pickles and greens
- Wraps with creamy tahini dressing
- Add to a vegan mac and cheese plate
Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Keeps up to 5 days in a sealed container
- Freezer: Freeze in sauce (uncooked or cooked) for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave or sauté in a pan until warmed through
FAQs
Do I have to steam the tempeh?
No, but it really improves the flavor and texture.
What BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite store-bought or make a smoky maple BBQ from scratch.
Can I use tofu instead of tempeh?
Yes, but reduce pressure time and don’t skip the broil step for texture.
Explore More Vegan Instant Pot Meals
- Try our Easy Tempeh Instant Pot Meals Guide
- Need a complete meal? Pair with our Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Rotate proteins with this Quick Seitan Instant Pot Recipe
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