Smokey, Sticky, Pull-Apart Vegan Ribs: A Tempeh Lover’s Dream

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, meaty, and satisfying vegan BBQ dish, look no further than Smokey, Sticky, Pull-Apart Vegan Ribs made from tempeh. This plant-based version of ribs has everything you crave: smokiness, a sticky-sweet glaze, and that satisfying pull-apart texture—all without the meat. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just dipping your toes into plant-based eating, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your next BBQ or weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish.

Watch me make them on Instagram HERE!

Why Tempeh Makes the Perfect Vegan Rib Substitute

Tempeh is the star of this recipe for good reason. Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh has a firm, meaty texture that soaks up flavors beautifully, making it the perfect base for these vegan ribs. Not only does it provide the satisfying “bite” we crave in ribs, but it’s also packed with plant-based protein and nutrients, keeping the dish hearty and nutritious.

What You’ll Need to Make Vegan Ribs

Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to create this smoky, sticky goodness:

Tempeh: Use at least two 8-ounce packages of tempeh to make enough ribs to satisfy a small crowd (or a couple of hungry eaters!). You can find tempeh at most grocery stores, usually in the refrigerated section near tofu.
Spice Rub: The flavor comes alive with a simple blend of smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This mixture forms the base of the savory, smoky rub that gives the tempeh its bold BBQ flavor.
Liquid Smoke: This is optional, but I highly recommend it for an extra layer of smokiness that mimics traditional BBQ ribs. Just a dash of liquid smoke can take your tempeh ribs to the next level.
Soy Sauce and Maple Syrup: Together, these two ingredients create the perfect sweet-and-savory marinade for the tempeh. The soy sauce adds saltiness while the maple syrup brings the sticky sweetness we all love in a good BBQ rib.
Barbecue Sauce: You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, but I’m a little biased toward Primal Kitchen because of it’s clean ingredients! Either way, you’ll want plenty of BBQ sauce to coat and baste these ribs for maximum flavor.

How to Make Smokey, Sticky Vegan Ribs

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s jump into the step-by-step process to make these amazing vegan ribs.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the tempeh from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade and Spice Rub
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Use a small whisk or fork to blend the spices. Then, add the water, maple syrup, soy sauce, and liquid smoke. Stir until the marinade is well combined and set it aside.

Step 3: Slice the Tempeh
Take your blocks of tempeh and slice them into thick strips that resemble ribs. Depending on how thick you want your ribs, you should be able to get about 11-12 strips per block. These thick slices will hold up well during cooking and give you that hearty “rib” feel.

Step 4: Marinate and Cook the Tempeh
Place the sliced tempeh in a large skillet or saucepan. Pour the marinade over the tempeh and gently toss to ensure all the pieces are well coated. Set the skillet over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir frequently and cook the tempeh for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the tempeh is fully coated in the sticky marinade.

Step 5: Smother in BBQ Sauce and Bake
Remove the tempeh from the skillet and transfer it to a small baking dish. Smother the tempeh ribs in BBQ sauce, making sure each rib is fully covered. Arrange the ribs on your prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes. Halfway through, baste the ribs with any remaining BBQ sauce to enhance the flavor and give them that sticky finish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the ribs are done baking, transfer them to a serving dish and drizzle with any leftover BBQ sauce. These vegan ribs are best enjoyed hot and sticky, with extra sauce for dipping if you like!

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Ribs

This easy BBQ tempeh recipe is a game-changer. The ribs are meaty, smoky, and coated in a sticky-sweet glaze that’s irresistible. The flavors of the spice rub, soy sauce, and maple syrup come together perfectly, creating a savory and slightly sweet dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking for a fun plant-based dinner, these Smokey, Sticky, Pull-Apart Vegan Ribs are sure to impress. Pair them with some roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or classic BBQ sides like coleslaw and baked beans for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

With just a handful of ingredients and a little time, you can whip up a batch of these delicious vegan ribs that rival any meat-based version. They’re the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and savory, and best of all—they’re completely plant-based. Give them a try, and I have no doubt they’ll become one of your favorite vegan BBQ dishes!