21 Delicious Vegan Tempeh Recipes (2024)

Have you ever tried tempeh? This list of vegan tempeh recipes is a great place to start! Learn how to cook tempeh in 21 fun, delicious ways!

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21 Delicious Vegan Tempeh Recipes

Who’s ready to eat some TEMPEH?!

If you’re like “uh, what is tempeh?” or not sure how to cook tempeh, then don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve scoured the web for all the BEST tempeh recipes and listed them all here.

There are so many different ways to learn how to make tempeh, so I’ve rounded plenty of different methods so that you can find your favorite! From savory tempeh stir fry recipes, to easy baked tempeh and even air fryer tempeh for a crispy crunch, you’ll find lots of different ways to prepare this plant-based protein.

I’m sure you’ll find a few recipes on this list that tickle your fancy. Pick one out to try this week to start adding tempeh to your plant-based protein rotation!

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What is Tempeh?

Okay, let’s back up… what is tempeh? It’s a fermented soy product that makes for a great meat alternative in sandwiches, stir-fries, soups, you name it! It differs texturally from tofu quite a bit, so if you’re not a fan of tofu, don’t sleep on tempeh! Tempeh has more of a meaty consistency vs. the sponginess of tofu. It crisps up well and makes for a really delicious plant-based meat alternative in stir fries, sheet pan meals, sandwiches and so much more.

I’ve broken down this list into different cooking methods so that you can easily find your favorite method. Dig in and once you try a couple recipes, let me know your favorite!

Baked Tempeh Recipes

Tempeh is the perfect plant-based protein to just toss on a sheet tray with some veggies for an easy meal in a pinch. It crisps up nicely in the oven and doesn’t take much time to cook. Whether you’re looking for simple vegan sheet tray recipes, or wanting to get more creative, here are a few of my favorite baked tempeh recipes.

1. Teriyaki Tempeh and Vegetables

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2. Baked Sticky Tempeh Potstickers

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3. Vegan Baked Potato Skins

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4. Wild Rice and Tempeh Stuffed Acorn Squash

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5. Sheet Pan Cabbage and Tempeh with Mustard Tahini Vinaigrettefrom Making Thyme for Health

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Tempeh Stir Fry Recipes

I love making a tempeh stir fry on a busy week night. Pick a few of your favorite veggies, grab your tempeh and whip up a delicious homemade sauce and you’ve got a flavorful dinner on the table in no time. Here are a handful of my favorite ways to use tempeh in a vegan stir fry.

6. Orange Tempeh Stir Fry

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7. 30 Minute Tempeh Stir Fry from Minimalist Baker

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8. Tempeh Stir Fry with Peanut Ginger Sauce by Jessica in the Kitchen

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9. Kimchi Fried Rice with Smoky Tempeh and Broccolifrom The First Mess

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Grilled Tempeh Recipes

If you’re looking to switch up your grilling game from the standard veggie burger, then tempeh is the perfect thing to throw into the mix! It grills much better than tofu thanks to its firmer texture. And since tempeh holds less water content than tofu, it holds onto flavors from a marinade really well, making it the ideal plant-based protein for barbecue season! Try out some of these grilled tempeh recipes next time you fire up the grill!

10. Grilled Tempeh Greek Salad by The Savory Vegan

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11. Grilled Tempeh with Filipino BBQ Sauce by One Green Planet

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12. The Best Marinated and Grilled Tempeh Recipe by The First Mess

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13. Grilled BBQ Tempeh Skewers by Eating Bird Food

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Pan Fried Tempeh Recipes

This is my go-to method for cooking tempeh. It’s easy to sear in a pan, and lends itself well to simple one pan recipes. Tempeh crisps up really nicely when fried in a pan, especially when coated in all your favorite seasonings!

14. Cajun Rice and Fried Tempeh Skillet

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15. Vegan Savory Oatmeal with Tempeh Bacon

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16. Smoky Tempeh Tostadas with Mango Cabbage Slaw

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17. Blacked Tempeh with Kale and Avocadofrom Feasting at Home

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Air Fryer Tempeh Recipes

For that really satisfying crispy crunch, throw your tempeh in the air fryer! This is a great method for making tempeh bacon, which can be used on salads, in BLT’s, or on breakfast bowls. Try one of these air fryer tempeh recipes for a delicious crave-worthy meal.

18. Sriracha Lime Air Fryer Tempeh by Justine Snacks

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19. Air Fryer Spicy Mango Tempeh by Meatless Makeovers

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20. Chili Rubbed Tempeh Tacos by This Unmillennial Life

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21. Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon by The Vegan Larder

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21 Delicious Vegan Tempeh Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What does tempeh go well with? ›

Serve over rice! So good. Add crispy baked tempeh or tempeh bacon to salads or sandwiches. Serve in tacos, burritos, grain bowls, fried rice, stir fries, pastas, and so much more!

How to make tempeh taste good? ›

How to improve the flavor of tempeh
  1. Steam tempeh. Steaming the tempeh will remove some of the bitterness before cooking it further. ...
  2. Stick to smaller cuts. ...
  3. Pan-fry tempeh. ...
  4. Pair tempeh with a great sauce. ...
  5. Marinate tempeh.
Jan 4, 2024

How do you cook tempeh without killing probiotics? ›

Doesn't cooking tempeh kill the good bacteria? Just on the outside. As long as the internal temperature doesn't get too hot the probiotic stimulators will remain alive. That's why we recommend you don't cook in the microwave.

Why does my tempeh taste bad? ›

But where does the bitter taste that can ruin tempeh recipes come from? According to Home Kitchen Talk, bitterness may build up in tempeh because of too much fermentation or how vinegar was used during tempeh production.

Is there a downside to tempeh? ›

Tempeh, along with other fermented soy products, is generally considered safe for most people. However, some individuals may want to consider limiting their intake of tempeh. Those with a soy allergy should avoid tempeh altogether. Eating tempeh may trigger an allergic response for these people.

Is tempeh an anti inflammatory? ›

While people with inflammation should generally avoid dairy, soy protein products like tofu and tempeh have been found to reduce pain in joints according to a study from Oklahoma State University. An easy way to add soy to your diet is using soy protein powder.

Is tempeh healthier than tofu? ›

When it comes to nutrition, both tofu and tempeh are good protein sources, but tempeh is the winner.

Can you eat tempeh straight from the package? ›

Pasteurized, Not Probiotic

Because of this potential, to ensure food safety, all tempeh should be pasteurized or cooked before it's eaten (FYI, pasteurization and thorough cooking are pretty much the same thing). This is why tempeh, though fermented, should not be considered a probiotic food.

How to get the bitterness out of tempeh? ›

Steaming your tempeh is the trick to remove that bitterness, leaving you with a cleaner, nutty flavor. Tempeh that's been steamed is excellent for soaking up flavorful marinades, crumbling in chili or dicing up and adding to a stir-fry.

Why add vinegar to tempeh? ›

Acidity protects against harmful bacteria. It is therefore important to add vinegar when preparing tempeh. Vinegar can be added at two different times: when soaking the legumes, or when adding the culture.

Why do you put vinegar in tempeh? ›

Adding vinegar lowers the pH and prevents the growth of unwanted bacteria. Add the tempeh starter: Sprinkle the tempeh starter over the beans and mix for about a minute to distribute evenly.

What does vinegar do in tempeh? ›

vinegar (like apple cider vinegar): adding vinegar creates an acidic environment. This is important to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria. a warm place: like an incubator or simply an oven with the light on. Temperatures of 30-37°C (85-98°F) work best to make tempeh.

Is Trader Joe's tempeh fermented? ›

Trader Joe's tempeh is a delicious and nutritious plant-based protein option that is perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike. Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is a great source of protein, fiber, and probiotics.

Is tempeh an acquired taste? ›

At its best, the soybean cake is rich and nutty. At its worst, tempeh can be bitter or bland. We grew up eating tempeh and enjoy its earthiness, but for some, it's an acquired taste. In preparing tempeh, there are five ways to enhance its potential for excellent texture and flavor.

What is the white stuff in tempeh? ›

What is the White Stuff on Tempeh? The soft white mass is the mycelium of the Rhizophus mould.

How is tempeh traditionally eaten? ›

In Java, tempeh is often traditionally prepared by cutting it into pieces, marinated in a mixture of ground garlic, coriander and turmeric, salt and water; then deep fried, and often served with sambal ulek chili paste.

Is tempeh or tofu healthier? ›

Tempeh contains the most fiber and more protein than tofu because it contains the whole bean. The soy protein in tempeh is more digestable because of the fermentation process.

What does tempeh do to your body? ›

Tempeh benefits may include:

Source of phyto-oestrogens. May support gut health. May support bone health. May help manage cholesterol levels.

Is tempeh nicer than tofu? ›

While tofu is smooth and soft, tempeh is firm, dense, and chewy. The taste also differs: tofu is bland and neutral and tempeh is a little more earthy and nutty.

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