BBQ Tempeh Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Guacamole

Modified: Mar 17, 2025 · Published: Jun 18, 2015 by Willow Moon · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

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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.

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❤️ Why You'll Love Them
What Does Tempeh Taste Like?
🧾 Ingredients
📖 Variations / Additions
🔪 Instructions
👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs
More Vegan Tacos
📋 Recipe
💬 Comments

❤️ 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.