HealthyHappyLife.com

  • recipes
  • cookbooks
  • about
  • subscribe
  • mom life
  • travel
  • blogging
  • videos
  • free gift!
  • shop
menu icon
go to homepage
  • recipes
  • cookbooks
  • about
  • subscribe
  • mom life
  • travel
  • blogging
  • videos
  • free gift!
  • shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • recipes
  • cookbooks
  • about
  • subscribe
  • mom life
  • travel
  • blogging
  • videos
  • free gift!
  • shop
×
  • This Is What Five Years of Motherhood Does to a Career Girl
  • Plant-Based Recipes for Hot Summer Days
  • Simple Vegan Cacio e Pepe Pasta - One-Pot Meal
  • Summer Dress Try-On: My Favorite Twirl-Tested, Celebration-Worthy Picks
  • Face: What Our Skincare Routines Say About Modern Motherhood
  • Still Obsessed: My Rothy’s Code + Review (2025)
  • My Pandemic Baby Is Graduating Preschool
  • 5 Comfy-Cute, One Piece Swimsuits - Long Torso Edit
  • Spring Fling: Best Garden & Outdoor Finds for Your Home & Kids
  • Plant-Based Protein Sources: The Ultimate Guide // Back to Basics Series
  • Overthinking Won't Save You — But This Might
  • Creative Mom Working From Home: Glitter, Chaos, & On-Brand Post-its
Home » Recipes » Sandwiches

Vegan Tempeh Reuben

by Kathy Patalsky · updated: Oct 24, 2023 · published: Oct 24, 2023 · About 4 minutes to read this article. Leave a Comment

This Vegan Tempeh Reuben is what you should make with that block of tempeh sitting in your fridge. Seriously, this protein-loaded sandwich packs a flavor punch and is super filling. You could easily make this a hearty lunch or dinner entree.

My Vegan Tempeh Reuben is loaded with an array of bold flavors. That savory-sweet tempeh, all sizzling in the pan, caramelized around the peppery edges. Then we have the avocado and warmed sauerkraut. Pickles and sweet dried cranberries for a bit of contrast. I ass spicy mustard and my secret sauce. And lightly toasted bread - I used sourdough - brings it all together.

I also love adding the same sort of tempeh to a wrap. This is my smoky tempeh wrap..

Side Note: Ok, so I need to make this again and do a proper photoshoot, but for now, you get one pic of this beauty.

smoky tempeh wrap

But let's get back to today's main event.

The Tempeh Reuben: A Vegan Twist on a Deli Classic

Reubens are iconic. Hailing from the heart of American delis, this sandwich has been tantalizing taste buds for decades. Traditionally, it’s stacked with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, then is toasted to perfection. But what if we could transform this classic into a plant-based masterpiece? Enter: The Tempeh Reuben.

Why Tempeh?

If you're new to tempeh, you're in for a treat. Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is a fantastic source of protein, fiber, and a slew of nutrients. Its firm texture and nutty flavor make it an ideal meat substitute. Plus, tempeh absorbs flavors beautifully, which is why it's the perfect star for our vegan Reuben sandwich.

In literally minutes, you can take tempeh from drab to dramatic. And unlike tofu, you don't have to stress about the texture. It really is what it is. Firmer. More nutty. Natural texture, a bit 'meaty' in a beany way. Love this stuff.

This Vegan Tempeh Reuben sandwich is a great source of plant-based protein!

The Importance of Marinade

A Reuben sandwich usually uses seasoned meat. In my vegan version, I achieve this by marinating the tempeh in a mix of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet ingredients. Super simple. Just maple syrup and a soy-type sauce -- and that's really it. I also love adding black pepper and something smoky if I have it on hand. Liquid smoke or smoky paprika works well.

Putting It All Together

As with any Reuben, the magic is in the layers. Alongside our marinated tempeh, we'll use avocado, a generous helping of sauerkraut, and a dollop of vegan Russian dressing - but it's really just my simple secret sauce with 2 main ingredients. All of this is nestled between slices of bread, which when toasted, provide the perfect crunch.

Traditionally, you would use a rye bread. But sourdough like I used, works great.

The Final Touch

Each bite of my Vegan Tempeh Reuben promises a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and creamy notes, making this sandwich a must-try for both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Ready to try this easy + cravable sandwich? Let’s get to the recipe!

Jump to:
  • The Tempeh Reuben: A Vegan Twist on a Deli Classic
  • Why Tempeh?
  • The Importance of Marinade
  • Putting It All Together
  • The Final Touch
  • Ingredients
  • Substitutions
  • Related
  • Pairing
  • Vegan Tempeh Reuben

Ingredients

Alright, here are the Vegan Tempeh Reuben basics...

  • bread
  • tempeh
  • sauerkraut
  • avocado
  • pickles
  • dried cranberries
  • mustard
  • sauce

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions

Alright, let's get creative...

  • Tempeh - Yup, tofu could work. Thinly slice it.
  • Maple + Soy marinade - You could sub with a bottle bbq sauce if you want to try a different flavor
  • Sauerkraut - Try another pickled veggie or DIY cole slaw
  • Toppings - You can totally change up the toppings...

Related

Looking for other tempeh recipes? Try these:

  • Tempeh Sloppy Joes
  • Vegan Egg Fried Rice
  • peanut noodle bowls with tempeh
    Peanut Noodles with Tempeh and Kale
  • bbq tempeh bowl
    BBQ Tempeh Kale Bowl

Pairing

Some great side dishes for this sandwich:

  • Vegan Maple Bacon Asparagus
  • pita bread
    Homemade Pita Bread
  • Easy Vegan Potato Salad
  • beans on toast
    Fast + Easy Stovetop Baked Beans!

Vegan Tempeh Reuben

This protein-loaded vegan sandwich is rich in smoky-sweet flavor and crunch - with amazing texture and heartiness. Plant-powered spin on the classic!
4.80 from 5 votes
click the stars to rate
Print Pin
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 9 minutes mins
Total: 15 minutes mins
Servings: 1

Ingredients

Tempeh

  • 5 oz tempeh
  • liquid aminos, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon EVOO, for pan
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup, to taste - add more for extra sweetness

Secret Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon vegan mayo, heaping
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • pinch smoky spices

Other

  • ½ cup sauerkraut
  • 5 pickle slices
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup avocado
  • 2 tablespoon dried cranberries, optional
  • 2 slices bread

Instructions

  • Warm skillet over high heat, Add EVOO.
  • Add tempeh, maple, liquid aminos and spices. Toss a bit. Cover with lid, reduce heat to medium. Cook 2-4 minutes.
  • Uncover pan, turn off heat. Toss tempeh in liquid a bit more and let steam burn off excess liquid. Add sauerkraut to the skillet to warm a bit.
  • Briskly whisk together the secret sauce.
  • Layer sandwich with all ingredients. Slice and serve.

Equipment

  • skillet
recipe author: Kathy Patalsky

Notes

Notes:
You can absolutely use all 8 ounces of a tempeh package, but I usually use about 6oz.
Rye is an even better bread choice!

nutrition estimate | per serving

Calories: 713kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 1055mg | Potassium: 1154mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 235mg | Iron: 7mg
sandwich
Did you make this?Snap a pic + tag me! @KathyPatalsky

More Sandwiches

  • Vegan "Dad Sandwich" Revisited
  • Vegan Chickpea Salad Sandwich
  • Vegan Sloppy Joes
  • Mushroom Kale Pitas
    Mushroom Kale Pitas

About Kathy Patalsky

Hey there! I'm Kathy, lover of kitty cats, weekend baking, 90's movies, travel, beach fog and foamy lattes. Since 2007, I have been sharing my vegan recipes and photos. My goal is to make your cooking life a little easier, delicious - and plant-loaded - while sharing some LIFE and conversation along the way.

Hi, I'm Kathy! I'm so glad you are here! I've been sharing my vegan life and recipes here on the blog since 2007...

More about me →

my cookbooks
my books

Latest Posts

  • The Ultimate Copenhagen with Kids Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & Play
  • Back to Basics: The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Egg Replacers
  • kathy patalsky hbd 44 joy
    I Bought Myself a Cameo for My Birthday - And No, I Haven't Watched it Yet
  • Easy English Muffin Pizzas for Kids (Vegan & Kid-Approved!)

Trending

  • All Posts
  • appetizer
  • Mom Life
  • recipes
  • personal
  • dessert
  • holiday
  • Smoothies
  • snacks
  • kid recipes
  • kid crafts
  • salad
  • Sandwiches
  • entree
  • 101 Things I Love. Happiness Reflection.
  • 5-Minute Skillet Chickpeas
  • Vegan Dining at Disneyland - 2023 - Complete List!
  • 7 Tips for Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
  • avocado toast with mushrooms
    Mushroom Avocado Toast
  • peanut butter chickpeas
    Easy Peanut Butter Curry Chickpeas

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • about kathy
  • press
  • © 2024 polished dc, llc
  • Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

  • sign up..
  • subscriber gift: vegan cheat sheets!

Contact

  • work with me

Goodies

  • shop
  • cookbooks
  • finding vegan
  • videos

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required