These BBQ Tempeh Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Guacamole are sweet and spicy! They will be a welcome change on taco night!
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I have to admit, I don't use tempeh as much as tofu.
Tofu and tempeh are similar in that they soak up the flavors you pair with them, but tempeh has a more pronounced flavor.
Tempeh goes well with strong flavors, like these BBQ Tempeh Tacos.
I've used tempeh in Slow Cooker Tempeh Chili and Vegan Taco Rice. It also tastes good with sweet flavors, like my Tempeh Cranberry Wrap.
Another BBQ recipe to try is my Crispy BBQ Chickpeas.
Jump to:
❤️ Why You'll Love Them
- They're sweet and spicy with a balance of flavors.
- They are simple and easy to make.
- They are a fun twist on tacos.
What Does Tempeh Taste Like?
If you have never had tempeh before, it has an earthy, nutty flavor much like mushrooms. It is less processed than tofu. It is a fermented food, making it a healthy choice.
These tacos are one of the ways I like to cook with tempeh. They are easy, simple, and delicious. Because of tempeh's strong flavor, I like to pair it with a strong sauce.
Since sweet and spicy is my favorite flavor combination, I like to sneak it in whenever I can. My favorite BBQ sauce is sweet and spicy, so I used that.
Depending upon the BBQ sauce you use, the flavor profile of these tacos could be different than mine.
Then, I added grilled pineapple guacamole to add more sweetness. Sliced radishes add even more spice.
For this recipe you just add water and your favorite BBQ sauce to tempeh, cook it down, and voilà, BBQ Tempeh Tacos are born.
If you are gluten-free, make sure to get soy tempeh and not any added grains. There are many BBQ sauces with gluten as well, so check the labels first.
Other BBQ recipes to try are my Vegan BBQ Seasoning and my BBQ Lentil Sloppy Joes.
Other vegan Mexican-inspired recipes are my Vegan Nachos with Queso, Smothered Vegan Burritos, and Vegan Refried Bean Burrito with Jalapeño Cilantro Hummus.
🧾 Ingredients
- Pineapple: You could use fresh, canned, or frozen pineapple.
- Avocado
- Olive oil: For grilling the pineapple and avocado.
- Red onion: A yellow onion, white onion, or green onions would also work.
- Jalapeño: Adds spice. For less spice remove the ribs and seeds. For even more spice you could use a serrano pepper.
- Cilantro: To me guacamole needs cilantro. If you are one of those people who don't like cilantro, leave it out.
- Lime juice: I used key lime juice because I love the flavor. Regular lime juice works just fine.
- Salt: Enhances flavors. I like to use sea salt.
- Tempeh: I used soy tempeh found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. If you are gluten intolerant, make sure to check labels. Some tempeh has grains added.
- Water
- BBQ sauce: I used my favorite gluten-free BBQ sauce. You could also make my 4 Ingredient BBQ Sauce recipe, which has pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- Corn tortillas: Since posting this I found out I have a corn intolerance. Siete makes some great grain-free tortillas and chips for those of us who are gluten and corn-intolerant.
- Radish: Adds spice. You can leave it out.
To see the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
📖 Variations / Additions
- Sliced avocado
- Guacamole with mango
- Mango Salsa with Habanero Pepper
- Sriracha Coleslaw or another coleslaw
- Sugar Free Pickled Serrano Peppers and Onions
- Green onion
- Cilantro
- Vegan sour cream
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🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Slice pineapple and avocado.
Step 2: Oil a grill, grilling basket, or grill pan.
Step 3: Grill pineapple and avocado until grill marks appear.
Step 4: In a bowl, mash avocado.
Step 5: Chop pineapple. Add chopped pineapple, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño to the bowl.
Step 6: Add salt and lime juice. Mix well. Let sit in the fridge until it cools.
Step 7: Crumble tempeh.
Step 8: In a skillet, add water, BBQ sauce, and tempeh. Cook until the sauce is cooked down, about 5-8 minutes.
Step 9: In a corn tortilla, add BBQ tempeh, sliced radish, and grilled pineapple guacamole.
Step 10: Repeat with the rest of the tortillas.
👩🏻🍳 Recipe FAQs
Tempeh has an earthy nutty flavor.
More Vegan Tacos
If you tried this BBQ Tempeh Tacos Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and let me know how you like it in the 💬 comments below. I love hearing from you!
📋 Recipe
BBQ Tempeh Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Guacamole
Ingredients
Grilled Pineapple Guacamole
- ½ cup chopped pineapple
- 2 large firm avocados
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- 4 teaspoons chopped jalapeño
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup key lime juice (or lime juice)
- Salt
Tacos
- 8 oz. gluten free tempeh
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- Corn tortillas
- Sliced radish
- Grilled Pineapple Guacamole
Instructions
Grilled Pineapple Guacamole
- Slice pineapple and avocado.
- Oil grill pan, grilling basket or grill. Grill sliced pineapple and avocado until grill marks appear. Turn over and grill the other side.
- Mash avocado in a bowl. Chop pineapple. Add chopped pineapple, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño to the bowl.
- Add salt and lime juice. Mix well. Let sit in the fridge until it cools.
Tacos
- Either slice or break apart tempeh into pieces. In a pan, add water, tempeh, and BBQ sauce. Cook until sauce is cooked down.
- In a corn tortilla, add BBQ tempeh, radish, and grilled pineapple guacamole. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas.
Notes
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Nutrition
*Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.
mila furman says
I've actually yet to try tempeh...been a little nervous about it to be honest. I may have to though...it may be perfect for taco night!
Willow Moon says
Tempeh is similar to tofu in that it soaks up the flavors you combine with it. It has a great texture and goes well in many dishes.
Linda | Brunch with Joy says
I grew up eating tempeh and this tempeh tacos is perfect for Meatless Monday.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
What a great use for tempeh! I love it! I seem to run out of ways to prepare it, so thank you for this wonderful idea!
Willow Moon says
Thanks, I hope you like it!
MyCookingSecrets.com | Krystallia Giamouridou says
It sounds quite easy to make, and the ingredient's combination looks delicious. Thanks for sharing this recipe
Regina says
Looks delicious! I haven't had tempeh too many times yet myself, but these tacos look like something I couldn't say no to 🙂
Sarah says
Oh yum! I haven't experimented with tempeh yet, but I'm seeing it more and more around the interwebs. I bet it makes for one tasty, filling taco! And anything with BBQ sauce is a win in my book 🙂
Willow Moon says
Tempeh has a great texture and is similar to tofu in that it takes on the flavors you put with it. It is definitely worth trying!
amindfullmom says
I am not sure what I love more--the grilled guac or the tempeh--what a fabulous combo! Can't wait to try!
Willow Moon says
Thanks, I hope you like it as much as I do!