If you've been curious about giving tempeh a try but aren't sure where to start, start here! Here are 10 easy and delicious Tempeh Recipes to get you started. From Tempeh Bolognese to Tempeh Bacon, you won't believe how versatile this plant-based protein is!
Have you ever tried tempeh before? If yes, then hopefully you're already on team tempeh with me and know how good this fermented soy bean cake can be.
If no, you're maybe thinking that tempeh sounds kind of freaky. Well then let me assure you that yes, yes it is kind of freaky... freaky delicious, that is! If you like tofu, be sure to give tempeh a try!
We are huge fans of tempeh here on HNL. Not only is tempeh a great source of plant-based protein, but because the soybeans in tempeh are still in their whole form, all of the dietary fiber is still intact. It's got a delicious, nutty taste that's perfect in all kinds of recipes, and a great texture that is perfect for anything from replacing ground meat in tacos to using in stir-fries and meal bowls.
If you want to learn all about different tempeh cooking techniques, be sure to check out this post on How to Cook Tempeh where we cover everything you need to know from steaming tempeh and marinating tempeh to baked tempeh, crumbled tempeh and more!
Best Tempeh Recipes
Curious? Hungry? Both? You're in luck! I've rounded up the Best Tempeh Recipes to get you started!
1. Sriracha Tempeh Bowls
If you're looking for a quick and easy tempeh recipe to get started with, be sure to give these Sriracha Tempeh Bowls a try! Crisp cubes of tempeh are tossed with a spicy sauce made with Sriracha, soy sauce, maple syrup, and ginger, and then served with steamed broccoli and brown rice. It truly doesn't get any easier than this. We love this technique because cooking the tempeh before adding the sauce creates crisp, golden edges that are ideal for marinades to cling to. You can bake the tempeh in the oven or use your air fryer for this recipe!
2. Tempeh Bolognese
One of our favorite tempeh recipes is this classic comfort food: bolognese sauce. No, tempeh isn't an ingredient in traditional bolognese, but this vegan Tempeh Bolognese sure is delicious if you want to replace the ground meat with a plant-based protein! Made with tempeh crumbles, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and nutritional yeast flakes for a rich, all-day simmered flavour, this Tempeh Bolognese Recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
3. Vegan Tempeh Buddha Bowls
Buddha bowls are such a great way to start adding tempeh into your diet. They're endlessly customizable, and you can mix and match the ingredients you like best. This Vegan Tempeh Buddha Bowl is a healthy tempeh recipe we can really get behind. Made with fluffy quinoa, lots of veggies, and tamari marinated tempeh, the hemp and sesame seeds sprinkled over the top really bring it home. And be sure to make this grain bowl your own with your favorite veggies and toppings.
4. Tempeh Tacos
This is hands down one of our favorite tempeh recipes. These tempeh tacos are so quick and easy to pull together, spicy, delicious, and who could ever be mad about eating tacos? Give these Tempeh Tacos a try when your next taco night rolls around! Made with crumbled tempeh seasoned with cumin, oregano, chili powder, and smoked paprika, it's the perfect base for plant-based tacos. Add your favorite taco toppings (we love cilantro, avocado, and pickled jalapeños) and dig in!
5. Teriyaki Tempeh Burgers
We love homemade veggie burgers, and the bold flavors of this Teriyaki Tempeh Burger is no exception! They're easy to make, delicious to eat, and are freezer friendly to boot! Made with a mix of crumbled tempeh and black beans, oats, and homemade teriyaki sauce, these plant-based burgers hold together like a dream. Add your favorite burger toppings (we love pickled onions and fresh tomatoes!), a toasted bun, and you're good to go!
6. Air Fryer Tempeh
Got an Air Fryer? Well we've got good news for you! You're just 10 minutes away from the most delicious, crisp Air Fryer Tempeh you've ever had. This tempeh recipe is super basic - just toss cubes of tempeh with oil, salt, and pepper, and air fry until golden. Then add your favorite sauces (we love peanut sauce!), toss into a salad or meal bowl, or throw your tempeh into a wrap. Easy, tasty, and healthy - what more could you want?
7. Tempeh Lettuce Wraps
If you're looking for tempeh recipes that pack some heat, you can stop right here! The Spicy Sesame Tempeh in these Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps is going to spice up your life in just the right way. The tempeh is pan-fried and then tossed in the most delicious spicy sesame sauce, then served in crunchy lettuce leaves and topped peppers, snow peas, and toasted sesame seeds. It's an easy meal that happens to be both vegan and gluten-free.
8. Grilled Tempeh with Miso and Sweet Ginger Glaze
I always love playing with new flavors, and this tempeh recipe is no exception. Fire up your grills and try this Grilled Tempeh recipe! Made with a delicious miso and ginger glaze with tangy lime juice and nutty sesame oil, this is the perfect balance of sweet and smoky. Serve with fresh veggies, on a salad, or in a sandwich. You won't regret it!
9. Tempeh Bacon
Tempeh Bacon is hands down my favourite plant-based bacon. And the great news is, it is sooooo easy to make at home. Made with tempeh that's been marinated in a blend of liquid smoke, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika, tempeh bacon is salty, smoky, sweet, and perfect in a vegan BLT sandwich or salad. Grab the recipe and make this Tempeh Bacon for lunch today!
10. Tempeh Teriyaki
If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, Tempeh Teriyaki is a safe bet! Made with our homemade Vegan Teriyaki Sauce, this one can be on the table in about 15 minutes if you play your cards right. All you need to do is pan-fry cubes of tempeh and then toss them with your favourite teriyaki sauce (store-bought is totally fine). We serve this with brown rice, steamed veggies and saucy tempeh on top. Soooo good!
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