23 Delicious Tempeh Recipes That Will Make You Forget About Tofu!

Are you looking for something to use instead of tofu? Maybe your usual meals are starting to get a bit boring and you want a change? Or maybe you have heard people mention tempeh and want to know what you could do with it? Whatever your question might be, we have the answer for you! 

When it comes to tempeh, it can be tricky to know how to cook it or what to serve it with. It looks like an exciting new option when you purchase it with your groceries, but once you are home and alone with it, panic sets in. You start to wonder, what am I going to make with this? 

You head online, but never seem to find the right recipes for you, and slowly but surely, your tempeh expires. And again, food has been wasted! 

Well, no more! Today we are here with 23 delicious tempeh recipes! Not only will these recipes make you forget about tofu, we are convinced they will cut down on your food waste too! So let’s get straight into it and look at these recipes now. 

1. Teriyaki Tempeh

First up we have this delicious teriyaki tempeh! Not only is this recipe quick, but it comes packed with flavor that you are sure to love! The tempeh cubes are covered in a beautifully sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce before being cooked to perfection. 

You can serve the teriyaki with a stir fry or some tasty rice. Just be sure to sprinkle some spring onions on top for some added freshness!

2.  Tempeh Bolognese

This twist on the classic bolognese dish is so good no one would know you aren’t eating meat! It’s the perfect dish for those looking to transition to veganism or just enjoy a few more meat-free meals. 

Don’t forget to add some nutritional yeast to the sauce and sprinkle some on top when you serve. It will give the dish a cheesy flavor and some added B12 that any vegan will appreciate! 

3. Tempeh And Black Bean Burgers

Why not turn the humble tempeh into a delicious burger with this recipe? A flax seed egg binds the seasoned mix of tempeh and black beans and some vegan cheese that tastes so good you could forget you aren’t eating meat! 

These patties can be fried or baked too, allowing you to cook them, however, suits you best! We prefer them fried, but if you are pairing it with some fries, why not save yourself some washing and cook it all in the oven? 

4. Tempeh Tacos

These tacos are packed full of flavor with grated tempeh that is sauteed in plenty of taco spices.

The recipe calls for you to top these tacos with an avocado-kiwi salad, and although it can sound a little odd, it tastes delicious! You will be so glad you stepped out of your comfort zone and tried this dish! 

We recommend adjusting the spice content too if you don’t want them to be too hot! 

5. Stovetop Tempeh Bacon

If you are struggling to keep to a veggie or vegan diet without bacon, then you need to try this delicious stovetop recipe! You can enjoy a crunchy and crispy treat that is packed full of the smoky, sweet, savory, and salty flavors we all associate with bacon! 

Now, it isn’t going to taste exactly like the real thing, but stuffed in a sandwich or alongside a fry-up, you could easily forget that you are eating tempeh! 

6. Thai Tempeh Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes are deliciously crispy and packed full of tempeh that tastes divine! You get a sweet and spicy flavor that is packed full of umami thanks to the sriracha and soy sauce.

Once you have tried this recipe, you will wonder how you ever managed to live without it! 

The recipe is super easy to follow too, in four easy steps, you can be enjoying these incredibly loaded sweet potatoes! 

7. Korean Barbecue Tempeh Wraps

We love these Korean wraps for a quick lunch or to enjoy with a salad or some fries for dinner.

You can make the wrap super easily too, just take care not to overfill the wrap or you will have some trouble wrapping it. 

The tempeh pairs perfectly with the gochujang and kimchi in this wrap, leaving you to enjoy a tasty wrap that will make you forget all about tofu! 

8. Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta With Tempeh

This pasta is the perfect mixture of tomatoes and cream, but with some added protein from your tempeh! You can enjoy the creamy vegan cheese, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast-based sauce with some sun-dried tomatoes mixed with the pasta shape of your choice! 

This dish is super quick and easy to make too, the perfect vegan-friendly dinner to enjoy after a busy day at work. 

9. Savory Herb Vegan Tempeh Stew 

This stew is the perfect option for a cold winter’s night when you need a meal to warm your soul.

Chunks of tempeh are mixed with carrots, mushrooms, potatoes, and sweet potatoes to deliver a thick and hearty stew that you are sure to love. 

It’s easy to make, simply chop your veg and leave the stew to do its thing! The dish is also gluten-free and nut-free, so everyone can enjoy it with ease!

10. Tempeh Lettuce Wraps

Whether you are looking for a new lunch or a great appetizer, these tempeh lettuce wraps are sure to wow you! Cook your tempeh in soy sauce and broth with some maple syrup and it will be just as tender as chicken! We think it’s wonderful and are sure to fool any meat-eaters in your home! 

Load your lettuce wraps with the tempeh and any salad you have at home for a quick and tasty meal that will leave you wanting more.

11. Tempeh Buddha Bowls

These bowls are packed full of color and flavor, making them a wonderful option for lunch or dinner on a summer’s day! Just looking at one of these bowls can bring a smile to your face and brighten your day. 

The marinated and baked tempeh brings lots of flavor to the dish and is paired well with the vibrant vegetables and brown rice. Just make sure you add some tahini to the top of your bowl to complete the dish! 

12. Lemon Pepper Baked Tempeh Cubes 

These lemon cubes have plenty of flavors thanks to the soy sauce, mustard, maple syrup, and lemon marinade. It leaves the tempeh cubes crispy on the outside, but with a meaty taste on the inside that we think you will appreciate. 

You can prepare this dish easily too and add it to any meal you want! Whether that is a wrap, quinoa bowls, salads, or simply to snack on while you work, it is a dish you will want to make again and again! 

13. Marinated Tempeh Salad 

If you are looking for a refreshing lunch or dinner, then this marinated tempeh salad is the one for you! Sauteed tempeh is added to carrots and red peppers before marinating in some lime juice, soy sauce, and maple syrup. 

You then add in your kale and other greens to create a light and refreshing salad that has plenty of colors! We like to make ours in advance and leave it in the refrigerator to marinade. It helps pull all the flavors together for an intense and tasty meal! 

14. Vegan Tempeh Thai Peanut Noodles 

If you enjoy stir fry, you will love this dish! The tempeh strips work beautifully with the fresh carrots and snap peas, especially when they are coated in the tasty peanut sauce! Remember to top the dish with some peanuts and scallions to add some texture and even more fantastic flavor to the dish! 

If you enjoy a pad thai, you will love this vegan tempeh noodle dish! 

15. Baked Sticky Tempeh Potstickers 

These baked potstickers are filled with a mix of tempeh and vegetables that works brilliantly as an appetizer, entree, or even a snack! Make sure you add some soy or sweet chili sauce to dip the potstickers in too.

Not only does that complete your plate, but adds even more flavor to these tasty potstickers! 

16. Grilled Tempeh Greek Salad

When we first went vegan, we missed a Greek salad terribly, but now with this recipe, you don’t have to! It’s su[er quick to make too, and comes with a wonderfully creamy vegan dressing that is sure to be a hit with your friends and family!

The tempeh works brilliantly as a feta cheese substitute and offers a wonderful alternative to the traditional Greek salad. What are you waiting for? Try it today! 

17. Cajun Rice And Fried Tempeh Skillet

If you have some leftover rice and aren’t sure what to do with it, turning it into this cajun rice with fried tempeh is the perfect solution! You can have this skillet-based meal made in thirty minutes too, so even when you have had a long day, you can enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal with minimal effort. 

18. Blacked Tempeh With Kale And Avocado

That’s right, we have another recipe with avocado for you! This blacked tempeh works brilliantly with fresh avocado and kale to provide you with a healthy and nutritious lunch, with very little effort. 

Make sure you pour the creamy vegan dressing all over this salad to immerse everything in the rich flavor and enjoy every mouthful. Who said a salad had to be boring? 

19. Air Fryer Spicy Mango Tempeh

Looking for another way to use your air fryer? This spicy mango tempeh should be at the top of your list! The recipe can be made with just six ingredients and the dish is made in just fifteen minutes! 

You can serve it with rice, salad, or on its own, the choice is

yours! We love how well it works with other ingredients, providing you with a versatile recipe that can be whipped up in your air fryer easily. 

20. Grilled Tempeh With Filipino BBQ Sauce

This grilled tempeh and BBQ sauce is sensational! After one bite you will forget that you aren’t eating meat and will be more than satisfied! It is super quick and easy to make, although we recommend leaving the tempeh to marinate overnight to get the most out of the flavor! 

If you don’t have the time for that, then the one-hour marinade will still provide you with lots of delicious flavor for your tempeh! Cook on your indoor or outdoor grill and wow your friends and family! 

21. Wild Rice And Tempeh Stuffed Acorn Squash 

This recipe is slightly different from the others on today’s list, but it is still delicious! The stuffed acorn squash is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly Fall evening! It’s packed full of tasty wild rice and tempeh with a tahini and pomegranate topping you are sure to love. 

It does take a little longer to make than some of our other recipes, but trust us, this one is worth the time it takes! 

22. Marinated Peanut Tempeh

These bite-sized tempeh chunks are sensational! Baked in a delicious peanut sauce, they are golden and full of flavor! They are both sweet and spicy, what more could you want from some delicious chunks? 

They work super well with almost any dish, making this one of the most versatile recipes on our list today! 

23. General Tso’s Tempeh 

Finally, we have these crisp and nutty tempeh cubes that are cooked in a sensational glaze. The tomatoes and broth flavored with rice wine, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and other spices are unbelievably full of flavor! 

If you are after a plant-based alternative to General Tso’s chicken, then this is the dish for you! After one mouthful, you will forget that you are eating tempeh and not chicken! 

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, 23 delicious tempeh recipes that will make you forget about tofu! No matter what you are in the mood for, we are confident that there is a recipe here to suit your tastes.

Be sure to follow the recipes carefully and to make use of any tips listed alongside them, these will help to make the cooking process easier, and the food taste even better! 

Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Before you leave us today, check out our brief FAQ section to get your last-minute questions answered! 

What Is Tempeh?

Tempeh is fermented soy with a meaty consistency compared to the spongy texture of tofu.

Tempeh works brilliantly in sandwiches, soups, stir-fries, pretty much anything! You can fry or bake tempeh, and it even grills beautifully on a BBQ! Whatever meal you want to make, tempeh is a fantastic meat alternative to use. 

Is Tempeh Healthier Than Tofu?

Tempeh offers a higher protein, fiber, iron, and potassium content than tofu per serving, which many think makes it the better option.

However, tofu does have fewer calories per serving and higher calcium content. But both are fantastic options for getting some protein into your diet and providing you with the nutrients you need. 

Whichever one you choose is a healthy option depending on how you cook it!