15 Vegan tempeh recipes with vegan fajita bowl, Thai peanut tempeh, and lentil pasta with tempeh and vegetables.

15 Best Vegan Tempeh Recipes

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These 15 vegan tempeh recipes are terrific meals with versatile tempeh. Looking to add more plant-based protein to your meals? Tempeh, a nutritious soy food, is a perfect ingredient for hearty vegan main dishes.

You may be wondering what to do with tempeh and how to cook it. In this post, you’ll find creative and delicious vegan tempeh recipes. If you haven’t tried it yet, don’t be scared to check it out. It’s convenient and easy to cook.

What is Tempeh?

Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans, and originates from Indonesia. You can read more about the steps in its production from this article from U.S. Soy. It has a chewy texture that may be reminiscent of chicken or beef.

block of tempeh.

You can slice it as pictured below, cube it, or crumble it. Then you’ll want to marinate it for some flavor, because by itself it’s really plain.

slices of tempeh.

Soybeans are a complete protein source. Some brands of tempeh are gluten-free and others contain gluten (such as Trader Joe’s, which includes barley), so be sure to check the label if this is important to you.

Nutrition Composition of Tempeh

These are the Nutrition Facts for the brand I used for the experiment below:

  • Serving size: 75 grams (one third of the block)
  • Calories: 170
  • Total fat: 7 grams
  • Saturated fat: 1 gram
  • Cholesterol: 0
  • Sodium: 0
  • Total carbohydrates: 10 grams
  • Dietary fiber: 4 grams
  • Total sugars: 2 grams
  • Added sugars: 0 grams
  • Protein: 17 grams
  • Calcium 6% of = 60 milligrams
  • Iron 6% = 1 milligram
  • Potassium 8% = 376 milligrams
  • (See Reference Guide: Daily Values for Nutrients)
  • The ingredients are cultured organic soybeans and water.

Compared to most sources of animal protein, tempeh is lower in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium and contains fiber, which animal proteins don’t. Tempeh contains prebiotics, which are important to nourish the friendly bacteria that live in your colon (Source: U.S. Soy).

How to Cook Tempeh

Some recipes call for boiling or steaming tempeh before marinating it and using it in a recipe to help it absorb flavor. I have tried this, but don’t normally do so. I tried it again to see how it worked. I steamed half of it for 15 minutes:

slices of tempeh in a steamer.

Then I marinated the steamed and un-steamed tempeh in low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and black pepper for 5 minutes. As you can see the steamed tempeh on the right is larger, and the un-steamed tempeh on the left is more dense.

2 glass plates of slices of tempeh marinating.

I stir-fried them in a little olive oil and added frozen vegetables, ginger, and leftover rice.

I also tried baking each type at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes.

strips of baked tempeh on parchment paper.

I could not tell the difference in flavor or texture if the tempeh had been steamed first. I think it comes down to personal preference and what you are cooking. I plan to save time and skip the steaming step and slice, cube, or crumble it and then marinate it before baking, grilling, or stir-frying it.

Pros of Tempeh Compared to Tofu

Pros of Tempeh

  • Chewy texture
  • Doesn’t have to be pressed before using
  • Contains fiber and prebiotics

Pros of Tofu

  • Costs less than tempeh (at least in my experience)
  • Comes in silken and soft versions
  • Lower in carbohydrates, although tempeh isn’t high with about 10 grams per serving
  • Usually gluten-free

Vegan Tempeh Recipes

Vegan Fajita Bowls with Tempeh
Sautéed tempeh, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms seasoned with aromatic spices, served over rice. A simple and flavorful Tex-Mex plant-based twist on classic fajitas.
Vegan Fajita Bowls
bowl with tempeh, peppers, onions, and avocado.
Easy Vegan Tacos with Tempeh “Meat”
Tasty vegan tacos made with chipotle corn salsa, pico de gallo and savory vegan tempeh taco meat.
Easy Vegan Tacos
Easy Vegan Tacos with Tempeh “Meat”
Vegan Summer Rolls with Harissa Peanut Sauce
Vietnamese inspired summer rolls with glazed tempeh, vegetables and smoky harissa peanut butter dipping sauce. Perfect for your garden party!
Vegan Summer Rolls
Vegan Summer Rolls with Harissa Peanut Sauce
Mediterranean Diet Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Tempeh Recipe
Mediterranean Diet Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Tempeh Recipe By Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Maya Oueichek, MBA, RDN
Mediterranean Diet Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Tempeh Recipe
Mediterranean Diet Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Tempeh Recipe
Tempeh Pumpkin Hash
This gluten-free breakfast recipe is a perfect way to enjoy leftover tempeh from a package (choose a gluten-free tempeh brand).
Tempeh Pumpkin Hash
tempeh pumpkin hash on plate next to fork and skillet.

Pasta Recipes with Tempeh

Lentil Pasta with Tempeh and Spinach
Easy and healthy pasta meal with tasty tempeh and garlic. Quick for a weeknight and high in protein and fiber. Vegan and gluten-free.
Lentil Pasta with Tempeh and Spinach
lentil pasta with tempeh and spinach in bowl with bread.
The Best Vegan Bolognese
This vegan Bolognese is gently simmered with classic Italian herbs, garlic, and tempeh “meat” that is sure to become your go-to quick vegan pasta sauce!
Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese
The Best Vegan Bolognese

Tempeh Stir-Fry Recipes

15-Minute Thai Peanut Tempeh with Rice
This quick and flavorful 15-minute Thai Peanut Tempeh with Rice is a perfect plant-based meal for busy days. It features chewy tempeh in a creamy peanut sauce, served with fluffy rice for a satisfying and plant-based protein. With bold Thai-inspired flavors and simple ingredients, it’s an easy weeknight dinner.
Thai Peanut Tempeh with Rice
Thai peanut tempeh with rice on while plate with light aqua napkin and chopsticks
Teriyaki Tempeh Stir Fry
This tempeh stir fry is packed with aromatic veggies and tasty plant-based protein in a delicious and easy homemade teriyaki sauce.
Teriyaki Tempeh Stir Fry
Teriyaki Tempeh Stir Fry
General Tso’s Tempeh (with Cauliflower Rice)
This General Tso’s tempeh recipe is a vegan twist on the Chinese-American classic. Sweet and savory with a slightly spicy kick!
General Tso’s Tempeh
General Tso’s Tempeh (with Cauliflower Rice)

Salads Featuring Tempeh

Vegan BLT Salad with Creamy Avocado Lemon Dressing
Vegan BLT salad is a savory, crunchy meal or appetizer with fresh summery flavors. The "B" is for tempeh bacon. Make an easy summery avocado dressing with this salad.
Vegan BLT Salad
Vegan BLT salad creamy avocado dressing
Vegan Caesar Salad with Crispy Marinated Tempeh & Crunchy Chickpeas
Serve this Vegan Caesar Salad with Crispy Tempeh & Crunchy Chickpeas for lunch or dinner. The vegan caesar dressing is the BEST!
Vegan Caesar Salad with Crispy Tempeh
Vegan Caesar Salad with Crispy Marinated Tempeh & Crunchy Chickpeas

Tempeh Sandwiches

Vegan BLT with Baked Tempeh Bacon
A healthy & kind twist on a classic, this Vegan BLT is made with smoky-sweet baked tempeh bacon. It’s so easy to make, just marinate & bake for 20 minutes.
Vegan BLT with Baked Tempeh Bacon
Vegan BLT with Baked Tempeh Bacon
Vegan Reuben Sandwich (wfpb, oil free)
Vegan Reuben Sandwich easy made with marinated tempeh instead of corned beef and a homemade dairy free Russian Dressing Sauce.
Vegan Reuben Sandwich
Vegan Reuben Sandwich (wfpb, oil free)
Tempeh Banh Mi
This plant based tempeh banh mi recipe is loaded with flavor and perfect to enjoy for a healthy lunch or dinner. If you are a sandwich lover this is a recipe you have to try! This vegan recipe is plant based, oil-free, dairy-free, high protein, and gluten-free.
Tempeh Banh Mi
Tempeh Banh Mi

More Recipes You May Enjoy

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