10+ Tempeh Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals

Tempeh is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can enhance many meals. It provides a great source of protein and excellent flavor to your dishes. Whether you’re new to vegetarian cooking or just looking for new ideas, tempeh recipes can bring variety and excitement to your kitchen.

In this article, you will discover a range of delicious tempeh recipes that are easy to make. From savory stir-fries to hearty tacos, these dishes will show you how to enjoy tempeh in different ways. Get ready to explore tasty options that can please everyone at the dinner table!

1) Grilled Tempeh Skewers

Grilled tempeh skewers are a tasty and easy option for your next meal. You can marinate the tempeh to give it flavor before grilling. These skewers are perfect for summer BBQs or a cozy dinner at home.

For the marinade, mix tamari, oil, lime juice, and spices like onion and chili powder. Let the tempeh soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This helps it absorb all the delicious flavors.

Next, thread the marinated tempeh onto skewers, along with your favorite veggies like bell peppers or onions. Grill them until crispy and golden, around 10-15 minutes at 400°F (204°C). Enjoy your skewers with a side of rice or a fresh salad!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz tempeh
• 2 tbsp tamari
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Assorted veggies (bell peppers, onions)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cut tempeh into chunks.
2. Whisk together marinade ingredients.
3. Marinate tempeh for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread tempeh and veggies onto skewers.
5. Preheat grill to 400°F (204°C).
6. Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.

2) Spicy Tempeh Stir-Fry

This Spicy Tempeh Stir-Fry is a delicious way to enjoy tempeh with plenty of flavor. It’s simple to make and packed with veggies. You can customize it with your favorite greens.

Start by heating oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your tempeh and cook until it turns golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Next, toss in some chopped garlic, ginger, and a mix of your favorite vegetables. These might include bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. Stir everything together and add a splash of soy sauce or your choice of stir-fry sauce for that spicy kick.

Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is nice and tender. Serve it hot over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces tempeh, cubed
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add cubed tempeh and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and ginger.
4. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for another 5 minutes.
5. Pour in soy sauce and mix well.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

3) Tempeh Tacos with Lime Crema

Tempeh tacos are a tasty way to enjoy a plant-based meal. You’ll love how the crumbles become crispy when cooked. They’re packed with flavor and topped with a refreshing lime crema.

For the lime crema, mix yogurt or a plant-based alternative with lime juice and zest. This adds a zesty kick to your tacos. Serve the tempeh in warm tortillas, and don’t forget your favorite toppings like avocado and salsa.

These tacos are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Enjoy this fun and festive dish on your next taco night!

Ingredients

• 1 package tempeh, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 cup yogurt (or plant-based alternative)
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• Tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add crumbled tempeh to the pan and cook for 6-7 minutes.
3. Stir in chili powder and cumin, cooking until tempeh is golden.
4. Mix yogurt, lime juice, and zest in a bowl for the crema.
5. Serve tempeh in tortillas, topped with lime crema and additional favorites.

4) BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches

BBQ tempeh sandwiches are a tasty and hearty option for a quick meal. Tempeh absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for a delicious barbecue sauce. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare.

Start by slicing the tempeh and simmering it in BBQ sauce. You can add some water to keep it from sticking. Cook for about 20-30 minutes over medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to blend.

While the tempeh cooks, prepare your favorite slaw for some crunch. A creamy sriracha slaw adds a nice kick!

When everything is ready, pile the BBQ tempeh on soft buns and add your slaw. Enjoy this satisfying sandwich for lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

• 1 block of tempeh
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Water
• Burger buns
• Your choice of slaw (like creamy sriracha slaw)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tempeh into pieces.
2. Place tempeh in a saucepan with BBQ sauce.
3. Add a little water and cook over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes.
4. Prepare your slaw while the tempeh cooks.
5. Serve tempeh on buns and top with slaw.

5) Savory Tempeh Breakfast Scramble

A savory tempeh breakfast scramble is a delicious way to start your day. It’s packed with protein and full of flavor. This simple recipe uses tempeh as the main ingredient along with your favorite vegetables.

You can prepare a tasty mix by using bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Just crumble the tempeh into a pan and sauté it with vegetables until everything is cooked through. Season it with herbs and spices like cumin and paprika for extra flavor.

This scramble is great served with toast or wrapped in a tortilla. It’s perfect for a filling breakfast that will keep you energized.

Ingredients

• 1 cup tempeh, crumbled
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup spinach
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes.
3. Add crumbled tempeh and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Mix in spinach, cumin, and paprika. Cook until spinach is wilted.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

6) Lemon Garlic Tempeh

Lemon garlic tempeh is a tasty and healthy option for dinner. The bright flavors come from fresh lemon juice and garlic, which make it a hit with vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

To prepare this dish, you first marinate tempeh cubes in a mixture of lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. This allows the flavors to soak in and makes the tempeh more delicious.

After marinating, cook the tempeh in coconut oil until it’s golden brown. Serve it with steamed kale or your favorite side dishes for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 package tempeh (8 oz)
• 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 ½ teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop tempeh into 1/2 – 3/4 inch cubes.
2. Mix lemon juice, lemon zest, and garlic in a bowl.
3. Add tempeh to the mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
5. Cook the tempeh until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

7) Teriyaki Tempeh and Broccoli

Teriyaki tempeh and broccoli is a quick and delicious vegan meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and satisfying. The flavors blend well, making it a dish you’ll love.

You can make it all in one skillet, which saves time on cleaning up. The tempeh absorbs the tasty teriyaki sauce while the broccoli stays crisp. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 block of tempeh, cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Cooked rice (for serving)
• Water (as needed)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add cubed tempeh and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in broccoli and cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Pour in teriyaki sauce and a splash of water. Stir to coat.
5. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until everything is heated through.
6. Serve over cooked rice. Enjoy your meal!

8) Baked Tempeh Nuggets

Baked tempeh nuggets are a tasty and healthy snack or meal option. They are easy to prepare and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces. You’ll love how crispy they get without frying.

To make these nuggets, you start with tempeh, a great source of plant-based protein. Slice the tempeh into nugget-shaped pieces. A coating of breadcrumbs adds a nice crunch.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the nuggets on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes. Flip them halfway for even crispiness.

Ingredients

• 1 block of tempeh
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice tempeh into nuggets.
3. Toss nuggets with avocado oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

9) Veggie Tempeh Burger

Making a veggie tempeh burger is a tasty way to enjoy plant-based protein. You can grill or pan-fry it depending on your preference. This burger is sure to satisfy your cravings while being healthy.

Start with tempeh, which you can crumble or chop. Mix it with spices like garlic and chili powder for flavor. Adding sun-dried tomatoes can give it a nice twist.

You can also include veggies like onions or peppers. Shape the mixture into patties and cook until golden brown. Serve your burger on a bun with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 block tempeh
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Buns and desired toppings

Cooking Instructions

1. Crumble the tempeh into small pieces.
2. Blend tempeh with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic in a food processor.
3. Add chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Shape the mixture into patties.
5. Cook the patties on a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

10) Crispy Sesame Tempeh Bowl

Crispy Sesame Tempeh Bowl is a tasty and easy meal you can enjoy any night of the week. You start with tempeh, which is packed with protein and has a delightful texture. This dish pairs well with veggies and brown rice for a filling and nutritious dinner.

To make this bowl, you will coat the tempeh in a savory sesame sauce. Then, bake it in the oven at 400°F (204°C) until golden and crispy. Adding some sautéed green beans or broccoli brings freshness and color to your meal.

Feel free to customize your bowl with toppings like sesame seeds or sliced green onions. Enjoy the crunchiness and the flavors in each bite!

Ingredients

• 1 block of tempeh
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like green beans or broccoli)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Slice the tempeh into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup.
4. Toss the tempeh in the mixture until coated.
5. Place tempeh on a baking tray.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Remember to flip halfway for even crispiness.
7. Serve over brown rice and add your choice of veggies.