Smoky Chipotle Tempeh Burgers with Cilantro Lime Aioli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Plant-based burgers with smoky chipotle tempeh patties and a zesty lime aioli, served on toasted buns with lettuce and tomato for a satisfying lunch or dinner. This American-inspired quick recipe (vegan), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs tempeh, chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Crumble 12 oz tempeh into a bowl. Add 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp cumin, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix well, then stir in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour until combined.
  2. Step 2: Form mixture into 4 equal patties (about 3/4-inch thick). Chill for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toast buns cut-side down for 2 minutes until golden.
  4. Step 4: Add patties to skillet and cook for 4 minutes per side until deeply browned and crisp. Baste with 1 tbsp reserved chipotle sauce during cooking.
  5. Step 5: While burgers cook, mash 1/2 avocado with 1 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Season with salt to taste.
  6. Step 6: Assemble burgers with toasted buns, tempeh patty, and a generous dollop of avocado cilantro lime aioli. Top with sliced tomato and extra cilantro leaves.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Chipotle Tempeh Burgers with Cilantro Lime Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoky Chipotle Tempeh Burgers with Cilantro Lime Aioli?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tempeh from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Chipotle Tempeh Burgers with Cilantro Lime Aioli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoky Chipotle Tempeh Burgers with Cilantro Lime Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Smoky Chipotle Tempeh Burgers with Cilantro Lime Aioli vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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