Name: Blackened Smoky Tempeh Wrap
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 ounce block of tempeh; 4 large tortillas; 1 ½ tablespoon tomato paste; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp crushed red chili flakes; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp coriander; 4 stalks romaine lettuce; ½ cup shredded purple cabbage ((or white, red)); ½ cup pico de gallo; ¼ cup red onion, sliced; 2 tablespoons cilantro

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This Blackened Smoky Tempeh Wrap is prepared with chopped tempeh doused in chili, garlic, onion, cumin and tomato paste. Blackened in a pan and topped with fresh purple cabbage, pico de gallo, romaine lettuce and cilantro, this wrap packs a bold flavor and hits all the right notes.

As a busy person, I am always looking to make a sandwich or wrap for when I am on the go. If I’m not already reaching to make my Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich, Dijon Chickpea Wrap or Roasted Red Pepper Chickpea Salad, then I am making this recipe for a Blackened Smoky Tempeh Wrap.

Growing up, I loved snacking on chicken wraps with lettuce and tomato. Obviously, my eating habits have changed, but tempeh provides a texture that is similar to chicken. It’s pretty bland without any seasonings or sauces, and that’s why I like to douse the tempeh in spices that pack a bold flavor.

A Blackened Smoky Tempeh Wrap is quick and easy to prepare. The ingredients required to make this dish are mostly pantry staple items, making this a good on-the-go recipe if you aren’t meal prepping. I chop the tempeh up into tiny pieces like ground chicken and season them with cumin, garlic powder, chili flakes, onion powder, paprika, coriander and salt. After a few minutes in the pan, the tempeh becomes crispy and blackened. Served with fresh lettuce, cabbage, pico de gallo and cilantro, it’s then rolled up in a beautiful tortilla. Make this wrap ahead of time or when you’re in hurry for a tasty lunch or dinner.

What is tempeh?

Tempeh is derived from fermented soybeans and is less processed than tofu. It has a firm texture, similar to a chicken strip, and has a slightly nutty flavor. It is packed with protein, fiber, calcium and vitamins that meat would normally provide you with.

The benefit of using tempeh in your meals is that you do not have to press it and there is minimal prep work involved. Right out of the package, you can slice it into strips to make ‘chicken’ or ‘fish.’ You can even grind it up in a blender or food processor to make tempeh rice (similar to cauliflower rice) or a ‘ground turkey.’ In this case, we’ll be chopping it up into tiny pieces.

Read this: 8 Meatless Monday Ingredients To Cook With

Why I love this recipe

Quick and easy: you only need a few ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry
Versatile: a blackened smoky tempeh wrap makes for a delicious sandwich at parties, lunch and dinner
Storage: the tempeh stores quite well in the fridge for up to 5 days
Vegan: you don’t need milk or eggs for this recipe
Family treat: this recipe sticks to your healthy lifestyle but feels like you’re having a naughty meal
Adjustable serving size: easily double or triple the salad recipe by keeping the same ingredient ratio

ingredients for blackened smoky tempeh wraps

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is super easy and only requires a few simple ingredients! Here is everything you’ll need:

Tempeh: chopped into tiny pieces similar to ground chicken. You can use a knife or a food processor for this.
Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili flakes, cumin, coriander and salt. Alternatively, you can also use a taco seasoning packet.
Tomato paste: provides a concentrated tomato flavor and binds the crumbled tempeh together
Tortillas: alternatively, you can use sandwich bread, pita bread, lavash bread, etc.
Toppings: you can use any sandwich toppings that you’d like. My favorites are shredded purple cabbage, romaine lettuce, pico de gallo, cilantro, and red onion. You can add vegan mayo or avocado for a Smoky Tempeh and Avocado Wrap.

How to a Make Blackened Smoky Tempeh Wrap

Time needed: 20 minutes.

Step by step instructions for preparing blackened smoky tempeh wraps

Prepare the tempeh
Dice the block of tempeh using a sharp serrated knife. You can also pulse the tempeh in a food processor until it is crumbled.
Add the seasoning and blacken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a skillet on medium heat.

Add in the finely chopped tempeh, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili flakes, cumin, coriander, salt and tomato paste. Gently toss the tempeh so the seasoning coats all of the crumbles.

Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tempeh begins to brown and crisp.
Assemble
Lay a bed of romaine lettuce on 1/3 of the tortilla. On top, add 2-3 tablespoons of the blackened tempeh, followed by pico de gallo, chopped red onion, shredded cabbage and cilantro.

Add a few avocado slices or spread vegan mayo for a creamy layer.

Slowly wrap the tortilla like you would for a burrito. Cut in half and serve.

Storing Blackened Smoky Tempeh Wrap

Fridge and Meal Prep: If you are looking to meal prep, this recipe is a great option because you can pre-cook the tempeh in advance and store in the fridge. Store the tempeh separate from the toppings in an air-tight container. It will last up to 5 days in the fridge. All you have to do is assemble the wrap the day of.

Smoky Tempeh Wrap Recipe Variations

If you’re not looking for as much spice, here are some other variations for the wrap.

Smoky Tempeh and Avocado: follow the recipe per the instructions but omit the paprika and chili flakes and add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke for a true smoky flavor. Add a few slices of avocado and tomato and you have a BLT!
Use 1/2 of a taco seasoning packet and combine with 1 tablespoon of water or vegetable broth. Add to a tortilla with avocado, cilantro, lettuce, tomato and rice. Then you have a mini burrito!
Tempeh Reuben: follow the recipe per instructions but omit the paprika, tomato puree and chili flakes. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke and 1/2 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari. Layer the tempeh crumbles to a tortilla or sandwich bread with sauerkraut, pickles and vegan thousand island dressing.

Serving Suggestions

If you’re looking for some serving suggestions for Blackened Smoky Tempeh Wraps, then look no further! Here are some of my favorite ideas and sides below.

If you’re making this dish for a crowd, cut the wraps in half, roll up in parchment paper and hold together with a tooth pick. Everyone can grab a wrap and enjoy it without it falling a part. Alternatively, you can cut the tortillas into smaller wraps to make ‘pinwheels’ or rollups.
Looking for variety? Try Hummus and Veggie Wraps or Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwiches
This dish pairs well with side dishes like Classic Vegan Potato Salad, Pan Roasted Broccoli, Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, 5 Ingredient Vegan Kale Caesar Salad, Mediterranean Chopped Salad, or Oil-Free Truffle Fries.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! If you try it out, please let me know in the comments how you liked it and give us a rate! Cheers.