Are you craving barbecue but don't eat meat? Do you want a quick vegan or vegetarian sandwich without using a pre-made veggie patty or veggie burger? This quick and simple vegan barbecue tempeh recipe makes a great meal for vegetarians pinched for time. Tempeh is a less-used but delicious form of soy with a very unique and hearty texture, which, it turns out, is perfect for a BBQ sandwich!

About two years ago, we were invited to a pig pickin' at a friend's house. A pig pickin' is a Southern tradition. A large pit is dug and a fire is built in the bottom and allowed to burn until a hot bed of coals is established. Then a whole pig is slow-roasted over the pit all night and through the next day. When it is done, the pig is "picked." This pulled pork is served with barbecue sauce and cold slaw. The sort of sauce used varies by region. Our friend asked us if we could come up with an alternative to the pulled pork for his vegan guests. This is a simplified version of the recipe we created--the original actually called for lightly smoking the tempeh over apple wood and featured a homemade Eastern Carolina sweet vinegar sauce.

What is Tempeh?

Tempeh is a dense, high-protein food made from cooked soybean pieces that have been bound together in a fermentation process using a Rhizopus oligosporus culture. It has a slight nutty flavor, but readily absorbs the flavors of whatever it is cooked with. A complete protein with all of the essential amino acids, tempeh is higher in protein than most other forms of soy, less processed, higher in vitamins and fiber, and even contains natural antibiotic agents and beneficial bacteria. Because of the fermentation process, tempey's soy protein is more digestible than many other forms of soy, including tofu.

Barbecue Tempeh Sandwiches

makes two sandwiches

This recipe is vegan and vegetarian.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces soy tempeh
• olive oil
• barbecue sauce, the variety of your choice (here is a recipe)

• 2 large sesame buns
• optional: (vegan) cold slaw

Preparation:

1. Cut the tempeh into 1/4 inch thick strips. It's alright if it breaks up some.

2. Heat a skillet over medium heat (medium low on a gas range) with a generous coating of olive oil. When hot, add the tempeh and stir. The tempeh will soak up the oil quickly, so continue to add oil as it fries, keeping the bottom of the pan slick.

3. The tempeh is done when both sides are golden brown and crispy, as pictured above. Turn off the heat, and add the barbecue sauce until all pieces are coated.