Vegan Tempeh Kebabs with Pickled Red Cabbage and Garlic Mayonnaise Recipe
Introduction
These vegan kebabs are a flavorful and satisfying plant-based meal featuring crispy tempeh, smoky spices, and fresh salad wrapped in warm flatbread. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, they offer a delicious way to enjoy bold flavors with minimal fuss.

Ingredients
- 100g tempeh
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise
- ½ small garlic clove, crushed
- 2 flatbreads
- 4 tbsp pickled red cabbage, drained
- 150g salad leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the tempeh into ½cm thick slices. In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp olive oil with smoked paprika, dried oregano, a pinch of salt, a crack of black pepper, and 1 tbsp water. Add the tempeh slices and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate overnight if possible, or leave at room temperature while you continue.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, beat together the vegan mayonnaise, ½ tbsp water, and crushed garlic until smooth.
- Step 3: Heat the flatbreads in a dry pan over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side. Spread the garlic mayonnaise over both flatbreads, then top with pickled red cabbage and half of the salad leaves.
- Step 4: Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Fry the marinated tempeh for 2-3 minutes on each side over medium heat until crispy and browned.
- Step 5: Pile the cooked tempeh on top of the flatbreads, fold them over, and serve with the remaining salad leaves on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the tempeh overnight to allow the spices to penetrate fully.
- Try adding sliced cucumber or fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a fresh twist.
- Swap flatbreads for pita or wraps depending on your preference.
- Use vegan yogurt mixed with lemon juice instead of mayonnaise for a tangier sauce.
Storage
Store any leftover tempeh and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the tempeh gently in a pan to keep it crisp, and refresh the flatbread by warming briefly before assembling. Avoid storing the assembled kebabs to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use tofu instead of tempeh?
Yes, firm tofu can be used as a substitute, though it may have a softer texture and absorb less marinade compared to tempeh.
How can I make the kebabs spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade or include some sliced fresh chili in the flatbread for an extra kick.
Print
Vegan Tempeh Kebabs with Pickled Red Cabbage and Garlic Mayonnaise Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus optional overnight marinating
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make vegan kebabs featuring crispy smoked paprika marinated tempeh, fresh salad leaves, and tangy pickled red cabbage, all wrapped in warm flatbreads with a garlicky vegan mayonnaise. Perfect for a flavorful plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Tempeh Marinade
- 100g tempeh
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- Pinch of salt
- Crack of black pepper
- 1 tbsp water
Garlic Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise
- ½ small garlic clove, crushed
- ½ tbsp water
- 2 flatbreads
- 4 tbsp pickled red cabbage, drained
- 150g salad leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Assembly
Instructions
- Marinate the Tempeh: Slice the tempeh into ½ cm thick slices. In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp olive oil with smoked paprika, dried oregano, a pinch of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 tbsp water. Add the tempeh slices and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate overnight for best flavor, or set aside at room temperature while preparing the remaining ingredients.
- Prepare Garlic Mayonnaise: In a small bowl, beat the vegan mayonnaise with ½ tbsp water and the crushed garlic until smooth and creamy.
- Warm the Flatbreads: Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Toast each flatbread for 30 seconds on each side until warm and pliable.
- Assemble Flatbreads: Spread the garlic mayonnaise evenly over both warmed flatbreads. Top with pickled red cabbage and half of the salad leaves on each flatbread.
- Cook the Tempeh: Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Fry the marinated tempeh slices for 2-3 minutes on each side over medium heat, until crispy, browned, and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Pile the crispy tempeh on top of the assembled flatbreads, fold them over, and serve alongside the remaining salad leaves for a fresh and satisfying vegan kebab meal.
Notes
- Marinating the tempeh overnight enhances the depth of flavor but is not mandatory.
- You can substitute flatbreads with pita or wraps if preferred.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of chili powder to the marinade.
- This recipe is great for meal prep as components can be made ahead and assembled just before eating.
- Use a non-stick pan for frying tempeh to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan
Keywords: vegan kebabs, tempeh kebabs, vegan flatbread wrap, plant-based kebabs, smoky tempeh, vegan dinner

