BBQ Tempeh Nuggets

We’ve had chicken nuggets, we’ve had tofu nuggets now its tempehs time to shine and the fermented soy bean protein shines bright in this BBQ nugget recipe.

Tear the tempeh into bitesize pieces, coat in crunchy panko breadcrumbs and fry to golden perfection and you have your new favourite protein packed snack.

These nuggets work so well dunked into your favourite  BBQ sauce you’ll want to eat them all in one sitting.

If you’re looking for a different way to enjoy tempeh give this recipe a go!

Vegan barbeque nuggets ingredients and substitutes-

• Tempeh- Smoked tempeh works really well for that extra smokey element in the nuggets. You can find smoked tempeh in some supermarkets or small health food stores. If you’re feeling super fancy you could try to smoke your own tempeh! Of course regular tempeh will work as well. Feel free to swap out the protein if you like- the method of this recipe will work with anything else.
• Panko breadcrumbs- Panko breadcrumbs are a light Japanese breadcrumb. They are bigger than regular breadcrumbs adding crunchy jagged edges to pick up the sauce. You can also use any other breadcrumbs.
• Soy milk- Soy milk mixed with an acidic liquid curdles and makes a vegan buttermilk to coat the pieces in to stick the breadcumbs to.
• Lemon juice- This curdles the soy milk to thicken it. You can also use apple cider vinegar.
• Smoked paprika- A good quality Spanish smoked paprika is essential especially if the tempeh isn’t smoked to start with.
• BBQ sauce- Choose your favourite bbq sauce, I prefer a smokey sweet bbq. Or you can use any other dipping sauce that you like.

The best tempeh recipes

• Chinese Takeaway Style Sweet and Sour Tempeh
• Chinese Style Tempeh with Cashews
• Takeaway Style Tempeh Tikka Masala

FAQ-

• Can I use another protein?- Yes this recipe will also work with firm tofu or vegan chicken.
• How can I improve the flavour of the tempeh?- If tempeh has too much of a bitter flavour you can steam the tempeh for a few minutes before breading.

BBQ Tempeh nuggets

Bitesized tempeh pieces in a seasoned breadcrumbed served with a sweet, smokey BBQ sauce.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Ingredients

  

• 200 g smoked tempeh
• 100 g Panko breadcrumbs
• 100 ml Soy milk
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic granules
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• BBQ sauce to serve

Instructions

 

• Add the soy milk to a bowl with the lemon juice, stir to combine and set aside. This will make the vegan buttermilk.
• To a different bowl add the panko breadcrumbs, garlic, salt and paprika and mix well.
• Rip the tempeh up into bitesized pieces.
• Dip each tempeh piece first in the soy buttermilk mixture then into the seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
• Fry the tempeh pieces in small batches until golden.
• Serve up with your favourite BBQ sauce and enjoy this tasty snack.

Notes

Frying tip- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure not stick together and even cook. Small batches are best.

Serving suggestion- why not try these tempeh nuggets as a protein packed topping for pasta or noodles?!

Why not check out some of my other latest recipes.

• Gochujang Tempeh - The Plant Bowls
• Vegan Carbonara Ramen
• Instant Noodles Stir Fry with Tempeh and Vegetables