Indulge in a speedy and nutritious vegan dinner with these incredible tempeh recipes that will leave you craving for more! From classic Indian flavors to crispy air-fried bites, marinated masterpieces, and perfectly baked delights, discover a world of culinary possibilities as we dive into the diverse array of dishes featured below.
What is tempeh?
Tempeh is a fermented soybean product that can be transformed into various forms, including patties, cubes, or slices. This versatility allows for creative cooking methods, such as marinating and grilling or sautéing with your favorite seasonings. Tempeh enthusiasts enjoy experimenting with recipes like tempeh ‘bacon’, tempeh ‘sausage’, and savory stir-fries, showcasing its adaptability and culinary potential.
BBQ Tempeh Ribs
While a vegan diet may mean giving up traditional barbecue fare, it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. This recipe for BBQ tempeh ribs is a game-changer, offering a plant-based take on a classic dish. With its tender texture and sweet-savory sauce, this vegan version of ribs will fool even the most devoted meat-eaters.
Garlic Herb Marinated Tempeh
Indulge in the rich flavors and textures of a meaty sandwich without compromising your vegan lifestyle. By mastering the art of marinating tempeh steaks with garlic and herbs, you can create a convincing meat substitute that will satisfy even the most devoted carnivores. The pungency of garlic melds seamlessly with the earthy taste of tempeh, resulting in a culinary experience that’s both familiar and innovative.
Air Fryer Tempeh
While cubed fried tofu may be a staple in many a stir-fry enthusiast’s repertoire, its ubiquity can lead to culinary fatigue. However, by substituting it with air fryer tempeh, you can elevate the dish from mundane to mouthwatering. The resulting savory flavor profile is anything but dull.
Easy Tempeh Marinade
Like a culinary symphony, this tempeh marinade harmonizes flavors reminiscent of General Tso’s chicken. After a day spent pursuing someone else’s aspirations, it’s the perfect antidote to satisfy your cravings and recharge for another day. As you stir-fry it in a wok, the aromatic fusion of spices and herbs will transport you to a state of gastronomic nirvana, leaving you wondering if you can tackle tomorrow’s tasks with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Vegan Butter ‘Chicken’ (From Tempeh)
Imagine embarking on a gastronomic journey to India without leaving your home. This vegan ‘chicken’ recipe, featuring tempeh as a substitute for chicken, is a flavorful and enlightening experience that will transport you to the heart of Indian cuisine. The addition of fresh cauliflower and aromatic masala sauce creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also an ode to the rich culinary heritage of India.
Gochujang Tempeh Wings
The Curious Chickpea’s photo perfectly captures the East-meets-West fusion of these mock chicken wings, which owe their unique flavor profile to the Korean staple gochujang. This spicy condiment not only elevates the flavors of the tempeh-based ‘wings’ but also infuses a tangy kick into the accompanying mayo, making for a truly show-stopping twist on traditional chicken wing recipes.
Tempeh Tikka Masala
A game-changer for vegan foodies is the substitution of tempeh for traditional chicken tikka masala ingredients. The dish’s signature flavors – tender bites, rich tomatoes, and a hint of spice – remain intact, with the added bonus of being entirely plant-based. Tempeh, with its nutty flavor profile, seamlessly integrates into this Indian-inspired culinary masterpiece.
Tempeh Bacon
For those who confess an unrelenting passion for bacon, the mere mention of its crispy allure can evoke a deep sense of longing. The notion that vegans might never experience this culinary pleasure is a reality that can be difficult to stomach. However, with the emergence of innovative plant-based alternatives like tempeh, which can convincingly mimic the savory essence of traditional bacon, even the most devoted carnivores and vegans alike can now savor the joy of their favorite breakfast indulgence.
Air Fryer Buffalo Tempeh
Kicking off your veganized football party, Tempeh brings back the savory flavors of Buffalo chicken wings with a plant-based twist. To recreate these game-day favorites, start by air-frying tempeh until it absorbs the rich and smoky taste of chicken. Serve with crunchy celery sticks and a creamy dollop of vegan ranch dip to score big with your guests.
Tempeh ‘Egg Roll’ Bowl
In this innovative take on a classic egg roll bowl, the absence of actual eggs is more than made up for by the presence of tempeh, which brings both texture and flavor to the dish. The real showstopper, however, is the assortment of seasoned vegetables, including a tangy slaw that perfectly captures the essence of an egg roll’s filling.
Tempeh Lettuce Wraps
Savor the essence of summer with these refreshing vegan lettuce wraps, packed with flavors that will transport you to a warm weather wonderland. The crunchy, emerald green lettuce leaves serve as the perfect vessel for a medley of savory ingredients – think tender tempeh, sweet and snappy carrots, earthy mushrooms, and a punchy kick from the sliced green onions.
Tempeh Mushroom Bourguignon
As the autumn leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a hearty bowl of tempeh mushroom Bourguignon. The earthy flavors of cremini mushrooms and fermented soybeans meld beautifully with the rich, wine-infused sauce, transporting you to a cozy evening in front of the fireplace. Serve this comforting dish over fluffy rice and pair it with a glass of Chianti for a truly satisfying meal.
Tempeh Meatballs
The classic combination of spaghetti and meatballs may have taken a backseat once you went vegan, but fear not – this beloved dish has made a triumphant return thanks to the creative application of tempeh. This versatile ingredient, often touted as a vegan wonder, has been cleverly repurposed to create savory vegan meatballs that are just as satisfying as their traditional counterparts.
Crispy Tempeh Tenders
Taking a bite of these crispy tempeh tenders is reminiscent of childhood days, when life was simpler and fast food ruled the playground. The flavors transport you back to a time when orange juice and chicken nuggets were the perfect combination. As an adult, you may have left those carefree days behind, but this plant-based ‘chicken’ substitute brings that sense of fun and nostalgia back to your lunchtime routine.
Tempeh in Creamy Mushroom Coconut Sauce
Imagine a vegan curry stew that embodies the essence of plant-based goodness. At its core lies a harmonious union between tender tempeh squares and a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, infused with the subtle sweetness of coconut milk and the savory depth of a carefully curated blend of seasonings, including garlic, onion, and soy sauce. As you take your first bite, the complex flavors meld together in perfect harmony, transporting you to a world where plant-based delights reign supreme.
Kung Pao Tempeh
Indulge in the bold flavors of kung pao cuisine with a vegan twist! Imagine sinking your teeth into a delectable stir-fry, where crispy, colorful vegetables and crunchy peanuts complement the savory goodness of tempeh, all smothered in a rich, spicy brown sauce. The experience is so satisfying that you’ll forget all about the chicken – just as you would with a classic dish. The Plant-Based Wok’s creation is a testament to the versatility of Asian cuisine, where plant-based alternatives can effortlessly replace traditional protein sources, yielding a culinary masterpiece that’s both familiar and innovative.
Tempeh Stir Fry
As a newly-minted vegan, maintaining a well-stocked pantry with stir-fry essentials can be the deciding factor in staying committed to a plant-based lifestyle. The key is to have a versatile array of vegetables and protein-rich tempeh at your fingertips. With this recipe, you’ll be empowered to whip up a dish that not only satisfies your cravings but also keeps you anchored to your vegan values.
Tempeh Gyros
The Mediterranean’s beloved gift to us, gyros, has been skillfully reimagined as a vegan delight. In this recipe, tempeh takes center stage, swapping out traditional protein sources like lamb or chicken for its nutty flavor and satisfying texture. A harmonious union of crispy fried tempeh, fresh sliced veggies, and rich, savory sauces brings the authentic gyros experience to life in a whole new way.
Tempeh Chili
If you’re seeking a reliable vegan recipe that never fails to impress, it’s hard to find a dish more fitting than chili. This particular vegan chili stands out with its rich, savory sauce, tender beans, sweet corn kernels, and a sprinkle of tempeh for an added boost of protein. A true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Tandoori Tempeh
With the aroma of savory spices and the sound of sizzling tempeh filling the air, it’s no wonder these tandoori tempeh skewers are a culinary delight. In mere minutes, you’ll be transported from the sounds of the grill to the joy of every bite, perfectly balanced with a tangy sauce. This recipe is so enjoyable and flavorful that you may find yourself firing up your grill every night just to experience the thrill of this tasty treat all over again.
Marinated Sesame Peanut Tempeh
Savor the delightful combination of tender beef-like texture, earthy broccoli, and a harmonious blend of savory sesame and nutty peanut butter flavors in this marinated tempeh dish. When served alongside fluffy steamed rice and a medley of crisp, garden-fresh vegetables, the sweet and spicy richness of this culinary creation is sure to leave you craving more, even well into the wee hours of the morning.
Tempeh Maple Breakfast Sausage Patties
Imagine a world where vegan breakfasts are no longer confined to oatmeal and smoothie bowls. That’s exactly what these tantalizing tempeh maple breakfast sausage patties will do – shatter the notion that plant-based mornings have to be boring. With a taste and texture eerily reminiscent of traditional breakfast sausages, but sans the guilt, these bite-sized wonders can be cooked up as patties or used as crumbles in your favorite vegan omelette recipe.
Harissa Tempeh
Experience the thrill of culinary adventure with harissa-infused tempeh. This flavorful twist transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones. Envision tender cubes of tempeh adding a depth of heat to your favorite salad or elevating a humble bowl of rice into a savory sensation. The spicy goodness is so intense, you might just need to summon the fire department before the meal is over!
Tempeh Hash
For those who grew up with traditional hash and potatoes as their morning staple, it’s no surprise that this dish remains a beloved favorite to this day. In an effort to update this classic recipe for the modern era, we’ve created a version that swaps out meat for tempeh, yielding a hearty breakfast option that’s both satisfying and nutritious. The combination of tender tempeh, roasted potatoes, and sweet red pepper provides a filling start to the day that will keep you going until lunchtime.
Tempeh Reuben Sandwich
This vegan Reuben sandwich is an astonishing culinary achievement, where tempeh cleverly takes on the role of corned beef. The result is nothing short of magical, as if the Blarney stone has bestowed its charm upon this plant-based creation. Its uncanny ability to replicate the flavors and textures of the original, minus the meat and cheese, defies explanation – a secret we’ll keep hidden.
Tempeh Bolognese
In a culinary twist that will leave even the most discerning palates intrigued, spaghetti bolognese takes on a bold new form with the addition of tempeh and a pinch of magic spices. As you savor the final bite, the temptation to lick the remaining sauce off your plate may become too great to resist – don’t worry, we won’t tell. The rich flavors and textures meld together in perfect harmony, elevating this classic dish to new heights.
Cajun Pasta with Panko Tempeh
Indulge in the ultimate winter comfort food – a rich and satisfying pasta dish smothered in creamy tomato goodness and complemented by crispy, Cajun- seasoned tempeh triangles. The combination will transport your taste buds to a cozy haven, where every bite is a promise of warmth and satisfaction.
Tempeh Taco Meat
Indulge in the comforting world of tacos with a twist – a savory tempeh taco meat that’s as convincing as traditional ground beef alternatives. Whip up a batch and store it in the fridge for whenever you crave those Mexican flavors without sacrificing your vegan lifestyle.
Avocado Tempeh Sandwich
Sandwiches for vegans don’t have to be limited to the classic PB&J combination. In fact, there’s a flavorful and nutritious option that combines the savory taste of tempeh with the creaminess of avocado. The tempeh ‘meat’ adds depth and complexity to each bite, while the avocado brings a silky smoothness. This unique sandwich is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Fried/Baked Buffallo Tempeh Wings
Indulge in the unmistakable flavor of baked Buffalo tempeh wings without compromising your vegan lifestyle. The moment you take a bite, you’ll be transported to a familiar wings restaurant, minus the guilt of blowing your diet. This revolutionary faux chicken wing recipe lets you enjoy the spicy kick and satisfying crunch of traditional hot wings, all while staying true to your plant-based principles.
Sticky Orange Tempeh
Indulge in the bold flavors of Asia-inspired cuisine with this unique orange tempeh recipe, reminiscent of your favorite Chinese restaurant’s signature dishes. The harmonious blend of soy sauce, garlic, and fresh orange juice creates a taste sensation that’s equally suitable as a starter or an impressive main course.
What are your favorite vegan tempeh recipes?
Summary
Want a quick and healthy vegan dinner option that’s packed with flavor? Look no further! This curated collection of tempeh recipes offers a world of possibilities, from Indian-inspired dishes to air-fried delights and more. Whether you’re in the mood for something marinated, baked, or simply easy to prepare, these 20-minute-or-under recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. With only 40 minutes of total prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a nutritious dinner that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.