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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FAQs

What does tempeh go well with? ›

This marinated tempeh is lovely served over rice or another grain like quinoa or millet. You can also serve it on cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also pair it with a veggie side like my roasted broccoli or kale salad or try it in my tempeh bowls with pumpkin rice.

How do you make tempeh taste good? ›

Its naturally bitter and earthy flavors make raw tempeh quite unappetizing. To enjoy tempeh to the fullest, I always recommend soaking it in a marinade and/or pan-frying it with a tart, sweet, and salty sauce.

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.

Should tempeh be rinsed before cooking? ›

To remove bitterness from the tempeh and to open its pores to absorb the flavor of the marinade fill a saucepan with an inch or two of boiling water and place the tempeh in the saucepan. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes over medium low heat. Rinse and dry the tempeh with paper towels.

Is there a downside to tempeh? ›

You should avoid tempeh if you have a soy allergy. There is some concern that soy may affect how your thyroid works or how you absorb thyroid medication. To be safe, you should talk to your doctor about eating tempeh or other soy products if you have a thyroid disorder.

What does tempeh do to your body? ›

Source of protective antioxidants. Soy isoflavones are powerful antioxidants and as such, they help to minimise the damage called oxidative stress, done by molecules called free radicals. Studies suggest isoflavones help reduce this oxidative stress and that tempeh may be especially good in this regard.

Is tempeh better for you than tofu? ›

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.

Can you eat tempeh straight from the package? ›

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. But don't worry!

Does tempeh need to be seasoned? ›

Tempeh can be rather bland on its own, but it takes well to marinade. Good tempeh marinade ingredients include soy sauce, vinegar, citrus juice, coconut milk, peanut butter, ginger, spices, or sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar or honey.

How do you cook tempeh for beginners? ›

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the tempeh into half-inch cubes and toss them with a little olive oil, salt, pepper and any other desired spices. Spread the cubes out into an even layer and bake for 35 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Why do you put vinegar 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.

What is the GREY stuff on tempeh? ›

The beans in the tempeh should be packed around a firm layer of white mold (called mycelium). As this layer reaches peak, some discoloration may occur where you see some black or gray spots. If the tempeh continues to mature, the mold will become a more yellow color.

How long does tempeh last in the fridge? ›

Tempeh will keep practically indefinitely in the freezer. In the refrigerator it will keep for about a week before it starts degrading. An easy way to remember: 10 days in the fridge, 10 months in the freezer (hopefully you'll eat it before then though).

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.

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 more healthy than tofu? ›

Tempeh is fermented, which increases nutrient density. It is less processed than tofu, and has a slightly higher protein content. They both do contain some of the same nutrients such as iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium. Tofu may have more selenium and zinc, but Tempeh may have more B vitamins.

Is tempeh safer than tofu? ›

While you can't go wrong with either plant-based protein, tempeh is generally considered to be the healthier option due to its rich nutrient profile. It contains more protein, fiber, and vitamins than tofu. Tempeh is also fermented, and fermented foods are easier to digest and provide healthy gut bacteria.

Why is tempeh better for you than tofu? ›

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.

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