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? ›

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 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.

Do you have to soak tempeh before cooking? ›

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.

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.

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 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? ›

Tempeh should be cooked before being eaten and should not be eaten raw. Prior to being cooked, tempeh has almost no nutritional value and doesn't have a very pleasant taste. Before adding tempeh to anything you should cook it to ensure you get the most flavor and nutrition out of your food.

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.

How long does tempeh keep 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).

When preparing a dish with tempeh What first step is recommended? ›

Don't skip this step! Steaming tempeh before baking or grilling it helps it soak up a marinade and infuse it with extra flavor. Steam the cubes for 10 minutes, and whisk together a marinade while they cook.

How do you cook tempeh so it's not bitter? ›

Neither of these microbes are harmful to humans. But both of them can create bitter tastes in fermented foods. Luckily, throwing tempeh into a steam bath before cooking with it helps to purge the flavours these food-fermenting organisms can leave behind.

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 do you know when tempeh is done? ›

A: Tempeh is done when it holds together firmly in a solid cake. It will be entirely covered in white mold and may have spots of black or grey mold as well, especially near the holes in the bags. It will also have a pleasantly nutty aroma and feel warm without the aid of any heating devices.

Does store bought tempeh need to be cooked? ›

Packaged tempeh is pre-cooked so you can easily enjoy it right from the package (on sandwiches, salads, etc), but I highly recommend cooking it so that it tastes better. A lot of people suggest steaming the tempeh before marinating or cooking to help remove any bitterness.

How is tempeh traditionally eaten? ›

When eaten as a traditional snack in Indonesia, tempeh is always deep-fried. Tempe goreng is marinated in ground coriander and garlic before being deep-fried; it's best served with the hot chile condiment sambal or with whole Thai chiles on the side.

Is tempeh or tofu healthier? ›

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

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.

Is tempeh nicer than tofu? ›

Using the whole bean gives tempeh it's chunkier texture which holds its shape better, making it ideal for crispy cubes or 'bacon' rashers. The fermentation process gives it a slight nutty, earthy taste compared to the more neutral tasting, softer tofu and makes it great for gut health!

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