Tempeh is a nutritional powerhouse. It is a plant-based protein that is made of cooked soybeans. Some of the varieties of tempeh may only include soybeans while some may contain grains, rice, and millet along with the soybeans. Tempeh is somewhere similar to tofu because both are made from soy but they aren't the same thing. Tempeh is less processed and fermented.
Before grilling or baking Tempeh, it is important to soak it properly and marinate it for 30 minutes. The following are some popular tempeh recipes you can prepare at home:
1. Vegan Tempeh Noodles Salad with Peanut Sauce and Mango
This is a colorful and delightful dish full of delicious textures and tastes. The noodles here are very crispy and the fried tempeh is coated in sweet peanut sauce. It is a very nourishing meal with a lot of health benefits.
The fruits and vegetables like mango, onions, and chili add a refreshing crunch to the dish. The dish is high in protein because of the use of tempeh which is also rich in prebiotics. The peanut sauce provides healthy unsaturated fats while mangoes contribute to gaining Vitamin A and C which boosts the immune system.
The perfect recipe for making the dish would be to whisk together lime, chili, and soy sauce. The tempeh is then fried using peanut butter, and coconut milk. Noodles, mangoes, and other vegetables should be arranged properly in a bowl after which the dish is ready to serve.
2. Vegan Tempeh Shish Kebab
Shish kebab is a popular dish in the Middle East that has been recreated using tempeh to make it more healthy and flavorful. The dish offers the balanced nutrients that are required for the healthy functioning of the body.
To make the shish kebab, the marinated ingredients should be whisked together and the vegetables and tempeh should be coated. The marinated items should be kept in the refrigerator for two to three hours.
After that, it should be cooked until browned. It can be served with bread where the veg kebabs are placed inside with garlic, cabbage, chilies, and other herbs.
The tempeh bolognese is full of classic flavors. It is rich in proteins and is full of textures. It works as the best substitute to give a plant-based twist to traditional bolognese which ensures that people don't miss the meat. It offers an authentic taste even after being meat-free.
Tempeh bolognese can be prepared in a short time. This easy recipe can pair perfectly with spaghetti and polenta. At first, the tempeh should be broken into pieces. Bay leaves, garlic, oregano, and onions are cooked and tempeh should be added until they brown.
The bolognese should be left to simmer for 10-15 minutes and bay leaves can be removed according to the taste preference. After this, the food is ready to be served.
4. Smoky Tempeh Burger with Black beans and mushroom
This smoky vegan tempeh burger is a must-try if people are tired of processed vegan burger patties. It is packed with flavor and umami taste from miso paste and fresh herbs. It is perfect for summer lunches. It is served with ciabatta buns filled with avocado, red onions, and tomatoes.
To make this tempeh burger, fry onions, garlic, and mushrooms in the first place. After that, the tempeh is to be broken into pieces before adding the black beans and every ingredient should be added to the bowl. It should be mixed properly until it is combined well to shape into patties.
5. Vegan Tempeh Vindaloo
The vegan tempeh vindaloo is very warming with a good taste of spices. Many people are swapping the meat for tempeh which gives a meaty texture and is healthy. The recipe is simple where you can begin by cutting the potatoes after which the potatoes should be boiled in salted water.
The tempeh should be steamed at the same time. The tempeh should be coated properly by mixing salt, turmeric, flour, and chili powder. The ingredients like onions, garlic, and other spices should be cooked on medium heat.
After adjusting the seasoning, it can be garnished with coriander. Maximum health benefits can be ensured from the ingredients used in this dish.
The simple vegan tempeh stir fry recipe is loaded with vibrant flavors such as ginger, sesame, and soy sauce. It is sticky, savory, and very delicious.
To prepare, the tempeh should be fried until it turns golden and caramelized. The ginger and garlic should be chopped and added to the pan for cooking until softened. After that, fry them in the sesame seeds which should be cooked until they turn golden. Cut the green beans and slice the carrots into sticks.
The vegetables should be cooked until they are crunchy. For a sauce, tahini can be mixed with a splash of water until it gets smooth, then it should be incorporated into the stir-fry which is ready to serve.
7. Vegan Korean BBQ Tempeh with Asian Slaw
Korean food is well known for being hot and spicy. This vegan Korean BBQ tempeh recipe is full of flavor and has an amazing crunchy texture. The fresh flavors of the Asian slaw add more taste to this sweet and sticky Korean BBQ tempeh in this amazing fusion recipe. It is usually consumed for a light lunch or as a delicious filling for wraps.
To make the slaw, the sesame oil, vinegar, and garlic are to be whisked together. For BBQ tempeh, the soy sauce can be used, and after that tempeh needs to be cooked until it gets golden and crispy. The tempeh is to be added to the BBQ sauce to coat it and it is ready to serve with the slaw.
8. Vegan Tempeh Paella
Vegan Tempeh Paella has become everyone's favorite for dinner parties. It is colorful and looks very delicious. Paella originated from the Valencia region of Spain and it is one of the country's most iconic dishes. Traditionally, it includes ingredients like rice, saffron vegetables and meats.
Vegan Tempeh Paella can be cooked by boiling rice, saffron, and vegetables for 20 to 30 minutes. The main ingredients, tempeh and the hearts of palms are to be fried properly until they get brown and crispy. Now, these ingredients should be added to the rice five minutes before the paella is ready.
9. Tempeh Pad Thai
Tempeh pad thai is full of veggies and proteins which can be prepared in just 20 minutes. It is inspired by the classic Thai dish and filled with flavors. Everything in Thai food is about balancing the right ingredients. The rice noodle is the main ingredient here which should be soaked and drained properly.
The sauce for the dish can be prepared using different fresh vegetables like garlic, coconut sugar, and carrots which are to be combined. The fried tempeh and cooked rice noodles should be placed in the pan and served with peanut sauce over the top. It can be garnished with chili flakes, lime wedges, and toasted peanuts.
One cannot resist the sweet, salty, and nutty flavors of satay. Satay is an Indonesian and Malaysian dish that consists of speared, seasoned, and grilled meat. In grilled Tempeh satay wrap, tempeh is used instead of chicken.
This dish can be enjoyed as skewers in Swiss chard leaves as a healthy vegan lunch. Whisk together different ingredients like tamari, olive oil, sriracha, turmeric, and cumin in a small bowl.
Toss tempeh and marinate it for some time. Grill the skewers until it gets golden and then top with onion, green vegetables, and sauce. Roll it up tightly, cut it in half, and it is ready to serve.
11. Lemon Garlic Tempeh
Lemon garlic tempeh is a delicious dish. The tempeh is infused with a lemon and garlic flavor. The tempeh should be made soft and marinated in a mixture of garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, and honey. The optional vegetables can be added to increase the taste and freshness.
Cook the marinated tempeh for 5 to 7 minutes until it turns golden brown and crispy. Season it with salt and pepper according to the taste and it is ready to serve alongside rice and vegetables.
Now, you can garnish it with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro which adds more flavor to the dish. This dish is very delicious and at the same time, it has some health benefits. It is a protein-rich meal and can be enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner.
It might seem unusal that tacos can be made out of anything including tempeh. Taco is a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the 18th century and was known as the food of working-class people which included miners.
In this recipe, the tempeh is grated and boiled with an abundance of taco spices, finishing with a topping of sweet and creamy avocado-kiwi salsa. Both fruits kiwi and avocado contain vitamins A and C which helps to reduce cholesterol and also help in maintaining healthy skin.
13. Tempeh Lettuce Wraps
Lettuces are most commonly used in salads and are very beneficial for health. Grinding the tempeh gives a texture like that of chicken lettuce wraps. When tempeh is cooked in soy sauce along with the touch of maple syrup, it makes people forget the chicken and they will fall for this healthy vegetarian item.
The savory fillings are served in crisp lettuce leaves which makes the food more delicious and healthy both at the same time. So, it is a simple dish that can be prepared in no time with less effort.
14. Honey Cider Collard Green
This is one of the comforting food items that can be prepared using tempeh. The use of honey ultimately adds rich flavor to the dish. This dish is easily made vegan by simply swapping the bacon with tempeh. Tempeh gives the same smoky umami boost as that of meat.
The dish is a delightful twist on a classic side dish. It blends the richness of collard green with the sweet taste of honey and cider. To prepare, simmer collard greens in a mixture of honey, apple cider, and other seasonings. The sweet and savory dish can be served in a very little time.
15. Sesame Noodles with Lemongrass Tempeh Crumbles
The unique recipe infused with lemongrass and tempeh crumbles is a great compliment to noodle dishes. This dish offers a perfectly balanced texture of the ingredients used. The dish combines the roasted flavor of sesame noodles with tempeh crumbles.
The noodles are mixed in savory sesame sauce while the tempeh is seasoned and cooked well until it gets crispy. The savory sauce is made from tahini, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice.
Fresh vegetables such as julienned carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers can be used which add crunch and color to the dish. After that, garnish it with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro for a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal.
16. Red Curry Tempeh Summer Rolls
These summer rolls are known as an excellent appetizer or snack not just for summer but any time of the year. Tempeh adds charm to the dish that can be less filling. Red curry tempeh summer rolls blend the unique flavor of Southeast Asia which originated from Indonesia.
The dish includes a boost in probiotics, high protein content, and vitamins from the fresh vegetables. To make this unique dish, marinate tempeh in red curry paste, then wrap it with rice paper, crunchy vegetables, and other fresh herbs.
The rolls are very refreshing and healthy and show the flavors of traditional Southeast Asian cuisine with a modern touch.
17. Vegan Meatballs
A meatball is a ground meat rolled into a ball along with other ingredients like bread crumbs, eggs, and other seasonings. Many kinds of meatballs can be prepared using different ingredients. Vegan meatballs are made only by using vegetable items where tempeh can easily replace the meat.
Vegan meatballs are a popular plant-based alternative to traditional meatballs. It is made from ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, mushrooms, and tempeh. These meatballs can be seasoned with vegetable herbs, spices, and garlic.
To prepare the dish, the chosen base should be combined with breadcrumbs, flaxseed, and seasonings. After that the balls should be prepared and it is ready to be served with pasta.
This is a very easy recipe for vegans that can be served with delicious peanuts. The tempeh-filled dish is sweet and spicy both at the same time. The dish combines the rich, savory flavors of Thai cuisine which has the nutritious benefits of sweet potatoes and tempeh.
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and vitamin C which makes the dish both tasty and healthy. To prepare, roast sweet potatoes until they become tender then fill them with a mixture of crumbled tempeh, Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, and other fresh herbs like cilantro and basil.
Cook the tempeh properly until it is well combined. Garnish it with crushed peanuts, lime juice, and additional fresh herbs. The dish provides a sweet, spicy, and savory flavor which is perfect for a nutritious and delicious meal.
Author
Editor
Deepa Pudasaini
Deepa Pudasaini is a food and beverage writer with a curious palate and a love for all things flavorful. She’s just as excited about discovering a new local brew as she is about telling the story behind a family-run kitchen. With a background in hospitality and a down-to-earth voice, Deepa writes about what we eat and drink in a way that’s relatable, thoughtful, and always a little bit adventurous.
For her, it’s not just about taste—it’s about the people, the craft, and the joy that good food and drink bring to our lives.
