20 Tempeh Recipes That Will Make You Forget About Meat

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I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Are you looking for a tasty and healthy protein source? Tempeh might be just what you need! This fermented soybean cake is packed with nutrients and has a meaty texture that’s perfect for many dishes. Tempeh is versatile and can be used in stir-fries, burgers, salads, and even as a bacon substitute.

Cooking with tempeh is easy and fun. You can marinate it, bake it, fry it, or crumble it into your favorite recipes. It soaks up flavors well, making it ideal for spicy, savory, or sweet dishes. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or just trying to eat less meat, tempeh is a great option to add to your meal rotation.

Tempeh Stir-Fry

Ready to whip up a tasty tempeh stir-fry? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz tempeh, cubed
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli, peppers, carrots)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup stir-fry sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

  2. Add tempeh cubes and cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

  3. In the same pan, add sesame oil and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.

  4. Return tempeh to the pan. Pour in the stir-fry sauce and toss everything together.

  5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce simmer and coat everything nicely.

  6. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and give it a final stir.

  7. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.

Your tempeh stir-fry is ready! Serve it hot over rice or noodles for a quick and yummy meal.

BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches

Here’s what you’ll need to make tasty BBQ tempeh sandwiches:

  • 1 package tempeh, sliced
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup vegetable stock
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 burger buns
  • Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, etc.)

To make these yummy sandwiches:

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add tempeh slices and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown.

  3. Mix BBQ sauce and vegetable stock in a bowl.

  4. Pour the sauce mixture over the tempeh in the pan.

  5. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the tempeh is tender.

  6. Toast your burger buns if you like.

  7. Place the BBQ tempeh on the buns and add your favorite toppings.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious BBQ tempeh sandwiches! They’re perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Tempeh Tacos

Ready to try a tasty twist on taco night? Tempeh tacos are a delicious and protein-packed option you’ll love!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 block tempeh, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro

Now let’s get cooking:

  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add crumbled tempeh and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

  2. Stir in taco seasoning and cumin. Pour in broth and simmer for 10 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.

  3. While the tempeh cooks, warm your tortillas in the oven or microwave.

  4. Assemble your tacos by filling each tortilla with the tempeh mixture and your favorite toppings.

That’s it! You’ve just made delicious tempeh tacos. Enjoy your meal!

Tempeh Chili

Here’s a tasty tempeh chili recipe you’ll love! Let’s get cooking.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package tempeh, crumbled
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans beans (pinto or black)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can green chilies
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for cooking

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add crumbled tempeh and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

  2. Toss in onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes until veggies soften.

  3. Stir in beans, tomatoes, green chilies, and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

  4. Let the chili simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water if needed to reach desired consistency.

  5. Taste and adjust seasonings as you like. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious tempeh chili!

Feel free to top with your favorite garnishes like vegan cheese, cilantro, or avocado. This hearty meal is perfect for chilly nights or game day gatherings.

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Tempeh Bacon

Ready to make some tasty tempeh bacon? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 package tempeh
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions:

  1. Slice the tempeh into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.

  2. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl.

  3. Place tempeh strips in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them soak for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

  4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  5. Arrange the marinated tempeh strips on the baking sheet in a single layer.

  6. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip the strips and brush with leftover marinade.

  7. Bake for another 5-10 minutes until the edges are crispy and brown.

Your tempeh bacon is now ready to enjoy! Try it in sandwiches, salads, or as a side dish.

Tempeh Bolognese

Ready to make a tasty vegan spin on a classic pasta dish? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz tempeh, crumbled
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Your favorite pasta

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

  2. Toss in garlic and mushrooms. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.

  3. Add crumbled tempeh to the pan. Stir and cook until it starts to brown, about 5 minutes.

  4. Pour in the red wine if using. Let it simmer until mostly evaporated.

  5. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

  6. While the sauce cooks, prepare your pasta according to package instructions.

  7. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.

  8. Serve your tempeh bolognese over hot pasta and enjoy!

This hearty meal is perfect for cozy nights in. It’s packed with protein and flavor, making it a great choice for vegans and meat-eaters alike.

Tempeh Curry

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 block tempeh, cubed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp curry paste
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • Salt to taste

Now, let’s make your curry!

Start by heating the coconut oil in a large pan. Add the tempeh cubes and fry until golden. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Stir in the curry paste and cook for a minute.

Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Add your mixed veggies and cook for about 10 minutes.

Return the tempeh to the pan. Add soy sauce and stir everything together. Let it simmer for a few more minutes.

Taste and add salt if needed. Your tempeh curry is ready to serve!

Enjoy it with rice or your favorite grain. It’s a delicious and easy meal you can whip up any night of the week!

Tempeh Burgers

Ready to make some tasty tempeh burgers? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz tempeh, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
  • Salt to taste

Directions:

  1. Mix the ground flax and water in a small bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.

  2. Crumble the tempeh into a food processor. Pulse until it looks like ground meat.

  3. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled tempeh, breadcrumbs, tamari, maple syrup, flax egg, and salt. Mix well.

  4. Shape the mixture into 4 patties.

  5. Cook the burgers using your preferred method:

    • Oven: Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes on each side.
    • Stovetop: Pan-fry for about 5-6 minutes per side.
    • Air fryer: Cook at 375°F for 11-13 minutes, flipping halfway.

  6. Serve your burgers on buns with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

These tempeh burgers are packed with flavor and protein. They’re perfect for your next cookout or weeknight dinner!

Tempeh Lettuce Wraps

Ready to make a tasty and healthy meal? Try these tempeh lettuce wraps!

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz tempeh, crumbled
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 8 lettuce leaves
  • Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

Directions:

  1. Mix soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, and ginger in a bowl.

  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add crumbled tempeh and the sauce mixture.

  3. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the tempeh absorbs the liquid and browns.

  4. Add shredded carrot and cook for another minute.

  5. Spoon the tempeh mixture into lettuce leaves.

  6. Top with green onions and sesame seeds if you like.

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Your tempeh lettuce wraps are ready to eat! They’re perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Tempeh Reuben Sandwich

Here’s what you’ll need to make a tasty tempeh Reuben:

  • 1 block tempeh, sliced
  • 2 slices rye bread
  • 1/4 cup sauerkraut
  • 2 slices vegan cheese
  • 2 tbsp vegan Russian dressing
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

Now let’s make your sandwich!

First, marinate the tempeh slices in soy sauce and paprika for 30 minutes. While that’s soaking, mix up your Russian dressing.

Heat some oil in a pan and fry the marinated tempeh for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown.

Toast your rye bread slices. Spread Russian dressing on one piece. Layer on the crispy tempeh, sauerkraut, and vegan cheese.

Pop it under the broiler for a minute to melt the cheese. Top with the other bread slice.

Slice your sandwich diagonally and dig in! The savory tempeh pairs perfectly with tangy sauerkraut and creamy dressing.

Tempeh Fajitas

Get ready to spice up your dinner with these tasty tempeh fajitas! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz tempeh, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tortillas for serving

Directions:

  1. Mix soy sauce, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and garlic in a bowl. Add tempeh slices and let them marinate for 30 minutes.

  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add marinated tempeh and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side.

  3. Remove tempeh and set aside. In the same skillet, add bell pepper and onion. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  4. Return tempeh to the skillet and stir to combine with vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

  5. Warm your tortillas and fill them with the tempeh mixture. Top with your favorite fajita fixings like guacamole, salsa, or vegan sour cream.

Enjoy your flavorful tempeh fajitas! They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal with friends.

Tempeh Nuggets

Ready to make some tasty tempeh nuggets? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 blocks of tempeh
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup plant-based milk
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • Oil for frying

Directions:

  1. Cut each tempeh block into 20 pieces, making 40 nuggets total.

  2. In a pot, mix broth, soy sauce, thyme, and marjoram. Add tempeh and bring to a boil.

  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove tempeh and let it cool.

  4. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with milk, and one with breadcrumbs.

  5. Dip each nugget in flour, then milk, then breadcrumbs.

  6. Heat oil in a pan or air fryer.

  7. Cook nuggets until golden brown and crispy.

  8. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!

These nuggets are great for a quick snack or as part of a meal. You can add spices to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Enjoy your homemade tempeh nuggets!

Tempeh Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz tempeh, crumbled
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 burger buns

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and green pepper, cooking until soft (about 6-8 minutes).

  2. Toss in garlic and cook for another minute.

  3. Add crumbled tempeh to the skillet. Cook and stir for 5 minutes.

  4. Pour in tomato sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and seasonings. Stir well.

  5. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should thicken up nicely.

  6. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

  7. Scoop the tempeh mixture onto your burger buns.

Your Sloppy Joes are ready to eat! Feel free to add extra toppings like pickles or coleslaw if you’d like. Enjoy your tasty, meat-free meal!

Tempeh Fried Rice

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 block of tempeh, cubed
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s get cooking!

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add tempeh cubes and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

  3. In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

  4. Toss in mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes.

  5. Add cooked rice to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.

  6. Return tempeh to the pan and mix well.

  7. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir to combine.

  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  9. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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Your tempeh fried rice is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy your tasty meal.

Tempeh Kebabs

Ready to fire up the grill? Let’s make some tasty tempeh kebabs!

Ingredients:

  • 1 block tempeh, cubed
  • 1 red onion, chunked
  • 1 pineapple, cubed
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 orange, juiced

Directions:

  1. Steam the tempeh cubes for 5 minutes. This helps remove any bitterness.

  2. Mix barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and orange juice in a bowl.

  3. Add tempeh to the marinade. Let it soak for at least 20 minutes or overnight.

  4. Thread tempeh, onion, and pineapple onto skewers.

  5. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 400°F).

  6. Brush kebabs with a little oil to prevent sticking.

  7. Grill the kebabs for 5-7 minutes per side, brushing with extra marinade.

  8. Remove from heat when the tempeh is golden and slightly crispy.

Your tempeh kebabs are now ready to enjoy! Serve them hot off the grill for a delicious meal.

Tempeh Meatballs

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 8 oz tempeh, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s make those meatballs!

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. In a skillet, simmer the crumbled tempeh with soy sauce and vegetable broth until the liquid evaporates.

  3. Transfer the tempeh to a bowl and mix in the breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning.

  4. Form the mixture into small balls.

  5. Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the meatballs for about 5 minutes.

  6. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Your tempeh meatballs are ready! Serve them with your favorite sauce or add them to pasta for a tasty meal.

Tempeh Salad (Like Chicken Salad)

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 8 oz tempeh, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 1/4 cup diced celery
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp curry powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s make your tempeh salad:

  1. Crumble the tempeh into small pieces.

  2. Mix vegan mayo, lemon juice, parsley, curry powder, and cayenne in a bowl.

  3. Add crumbled tempeh, onion, and celery to the mayo mix.

  4. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

  5. Season with salt and pepper.

  6. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

You can enjoy this on sandwiches, with crackers, or over greens. It’s a tasty vegan twist on chicken salad!

Tempeh Teriyaki

You’ll love this tasty tempeh teriyaki recipe! It’s quick, easy, and packed with plant-based protein.

Ingredients:

  • 1 block tempeh, sliced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon oil

Directions:

  1. Mix soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.

  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add tempeh slices and cook until golden brown on both sides.

  3. Pour the sauce over the tempeh. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

  4. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Add this mixture to the pan.

  5. Stir gently until the sauce thickens and coats the tempeh.

Your teriyaki tempeh is ready! Serve it with rice and steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Tempeh “Buffalo Wings”

Ingredients:

  • 1 block tempeh
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce
  • 2 tbsp oil

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Cut the tempeh into wing-sized pieces.

  3. Mix flour, water, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl to make the batter.

  4. Dip tempeh pieces in batter to coat them evenly.

  5. Place coated tempeh on a non-stick baking sheet.

  6. Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.

  7. Mix hot sauce and oil in a small bowl.

  8. Take tempeh out of the oven and brush lightly with sauce.

  9. Return to oven for 5 more minutes.

  10. Remove from oven and coat with remaining sauce.

  11. Serve your tempeh “wings” hot and enjoy!

Tempeh Gyros

You’ll need:

  • 8 oz tempeh, sliced
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pita bread
  • Sliced tomatoes and cucumbers
  • Tzatziki sauce

Directions:

  1. Mix broth, soy sauce, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

  2. Boil tempeh for 10 minutes to remove bitterness. Cool slightly.

  3. Marinate tempeh in the mixture for 2-4 hours.

  4. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).

  5. Place marinated tempeh on a lined baking sheet.

  6. Roast for 10-15 minutes until edges are caramelized.

  7. Warm pita bread and fill with roasted tempeh.

  8. Add sliced tomatoes and cucumbers.

  9. Top with tzatziki sauce.

Enjoy your homemade tempeh gyros! They’re a tasty twist on the classic Greek dish.