Recipes using Tempeh

Tempeh is one of my favorite vegan proteins because it's a sponge for almost any marinade. And the variety of ways tempeh can be used in recipes will amaze you! So, try these recipes using tempeh.

Often, people ask me how to make recipes with tempeh. When people transition to a plant-based diet, tofu and tempeh seem to intimidate people. As a result, a first-time tempeh recipe deters anyone from trying it again. But I'm here to tell you to try tempeh again, prepared correctly. 

Jump to:

• What is Tempeh?
•  Recipes Using Tempeh
• Cooking Tempeh
• 💬 Reviews

Most people don't know how to prepare tempeh, so it tastes fabulous.

What is Tempeh?

Though tempeh isn’t quite as popular as tofu, tempeh is also a soy-based product. It’s made by fermenting cooked soybeans and forming the mixture into a firm, dense cake. Most versions of tempeh also contain beans, grains, and flavorings. 

Even though tempeh tends to be bitter in taste, its nutty flavor is revealed if prepared correctly.  It also tends to absorb the flavors of any food or sauce it adds to, making it a versatile choice for many dishes, from chilis and stews to sandwiches and tacos.

However, one of the major differences between tofu and tempeh is rich in prebiotics and contains significantly more protein and fiber. Tofu, on the other hand, contains more calcium. Additionally, tempeh’s earthy taste contrasts with tofu’s more neutral one.

Additionally, tempeh’s earthy taste contrasts with tofu’s more neutral one. Regardless of which one you choose, eating either of these foods is a great way to increase your isoflavone intake and promote your overall health.

 Recipes Using Tempeh

One of my favorite ways to prepare tempeh is to grill it. Summer is approaching, and my grill is ready to go!

Savory meets sweet in these grilled tempeh kabobs with sweet pineapple, marinated tempeh, and grilled red onions.

If you're a buffalo fan, these tangy sassy buffalo tempeh strips are a crowd-pleaser. They are served with celery, carrots, and vegan ranch or bleu cheese dressing!

On Taco Tuesday, try these delicious tempeh tacos with goodies wrapped in a flour or corn tortillas.

BBQ tempeh is marinated and basted in a tangy barbeque sauce, then grilled to perfection. Make it a sandwich, or eat it as a steak with a fork and knife.

I love a great sandwich; this tempeh Reuben is a family favorite. Marinated in a tangy brine, then grilled, sliced thin and loaded with sauerkraut and vegan Thousand Island dressing, you'll love this delicious sandwich.

Another of my favorite sandwiches is known as a TLT, a vegan version of a BLT.

Enjoy the jerk flavors of this tasty jerk tempeh recipe. Served with mango coleslaw, the flavors of sweet, spicy, and savory come together in each bite.

Instead of a sandwich, this tempeh Reuben bowl takes all the favorite ingredients in a TLT and is served on a bed of brown rice.

Start the morning with a yummy tofu scramble served with a side of crispy tempeh bacon.

Cooking Tempeh

The first mystery of cooking with tempeh is to boil it for 20 minutes before marinating it. Also, marinating the tempeh overnight is best for the maximum flavor. Then, choose a cooking option.

Grill it!

• Bring 4 cups of water to boil over high heat.
• Remove tempeh from packages and slice in half.
• When water is boiling, lower heat to medium-high and add tempeh.
• Boil for 10 minutes.
• Immediately drain and rinse with cool water.
• Marinate overnight.
• Heat the grill to low heat.
• It is all about cooking it low and slow.
• Use a grilling mat, or directly on the grill, place a single layer of marinated tempeh on the grill.
• Reserve the marinade in the container.
• Cook 8 minutes on each side, using a spatula to flip pieces.
• Put tempeh back into the container for extra marinade flavor.

Bake it!

• Bring 4 cups of water to boil over high heat.
• Remove tempeh from packages and slice in half.
• When water is boiling, lower heat to medium-high and add tempeh.
• Boil for 10 minutes.
• Immediately drain and rinse with cool water.
• Marinate overnight.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• Place on a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. 
• Bake for 10 minutes, then flip over and cook an additional 10 minutes.

Air-Fry it!

• Bring 4 cups of water to boil over high heat.
• Remove tempeh from packages and slice in half.
• When water is boiling, lower heat to medium-high and add tempeh.
• Boil for 10 minutes.
• Immediately drain and rinse with cool water.
• Marinate overnight
• Cook at 330 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Cook it in a Skillet!

• Bring 4 cups of water to boil over high heat.
• Remove tempeh from packages and slice in half.
• When water is boiling, lower heat to medium-high and add tempeh.
• Boil for 10 minutes.
• Immediately drain and rinse with cool water.
• Heat a skillet to medium-low
• Add tempeh and cook on one side for 10 minutes; then flip and cook on the other side. 
• If it sticks, add a little veggie broth or extra marinade.

So, don't be intimidated by tempeh. If at first, you don't succeed, try, try again! These recipes with tempeh will make you a tempeh lover! 

If you're curious about tempeh, try these recipes using tempeh!