If you’re not familiar with tempeh, you should really give it a try. Many people say they have a block sitting in their fridge but they aren’t sure what to do with it. Other people don’t have a clue what it is. Tempeh is an Indonesian soy product that is made by a fermentation process that binds soybeans into the block you see in the store. The soybeans are soaked, dehulled and partially cooked. Tempeh is eaten worldwide as a meat substitute or just because it’s so healthy and delicious.
Tempeh has more fiber, protein and vitamins than other more processed soy products. It’s easier for the body to break it down and digest it. If you don’t like the texture of tofu, tempeh is completely different. It’s rough and grainy compared to tofu’s soft and silky texture.
The taste of tempeh is nutty and earthy. Like tofu, tempeh will absorb any flavor so you can use it to make endless dishes, each with their own flavors. Check out How to Use Tempeh and What It’s Best Paired With for tips on how to best prepare tempeh and lots of recipes. Once you have all the tips and tricks, take a look at these 25 Super-Rad Recipes to Make With Tempeh. But hold on, we have even more recipes! Try these 26 tempting tempeh recipes you’ll absolutely love.
1. Tempeh and Pasta Casserole
This Tempeh and Pasta Casserole has healthy, clean eating ingredients the whole family will love. Tempeh makes this casserole a nutty, protein filled family dinner.
2. Classic BLT Salad With Creamy Ranch and Chickpea Croutons
This Classic BLT Salad is made with crispy romaine, tempeh bacon and a cool and creamy herb ranch dressing. It is then topped off with some garlic chickpea croutons for some extra protein and crunchy goodness.
3. Veggie Sushi With Smoked Tempeh and Avocado
If you’re tired of the same bland veggie sushi options, try this flavor-packed Veggie Sushi with Smoked Tempeh and Avocado. The smoky and nutty tempeh combined with creamy and rich avocado and crunchy sesame seeds make it one pretty exciting dish.
4. BBQ Tempeh With Collard Green Hash and Horseradish Cole Slaw
Nothing says summer like BBQ. This BBQ Tempeh from Blossom on Carmine in New York City’s West Village will prove that vegan BBQ rivals any other BBQ in the world. With collard green hash and horseradish cole slaw, it combines your favorites all on one plate.
5. Cheeze ‘Burger’ Mac
The only thing better than having either a cheeseburger or mac and cheese is having them both in one delicious recipe. This Cheeze “Burger” Mac is creamy, delicious and comforting while the “burger” made from ground tempeh crumbles makes it the perfect hybrid of two classic dishes.
6. Tarte Flambée With Caramelized Onions, Smoky Tempeh Bits and Avocado
Tarte Flambée or “Flammkuchen” in German is a traditional dish from Alsace. This vegan Tarte Flambée has a chickpea creme base, sweet caramelized onions and smoky tempeh bits on top and of course yummy avocado!
7. Pasta With Tempeh Bolognese
This Pasta with Tempeh Bolognese is a great recipe that will appeal to everyone. It’s rich, hearty, warm, wholesome and will please people from all walks of life! It’s so yummy no one would know it’s so good for you too!
8. Smoky Slow Cooker Tempeh With Sweet Potato and Green Beans
Use tempeh in the slow cooker to have a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of a long day. This Smoky Slow Cooker Tempeh has sweet potatoes and green beans for a full meal made in one pot.
9. Mini Tempeh Meatloaves
Vegan Sunday dinner has to have these Mini Tempeh Meatloaves. It might just be the best thing you’ll ever eat. Each loaf serves two people. Any leftovers make delicious meatloaf sandwiches.
10. Fresh and Healthy Protein-Powerhouse Tempeh Burgers
These Tempeh Burgers are the best because they are simple to make, easily transportable, and absolutely delicious. They will make any meat-lover swoon if you’re heading out to a BBQ too! Feel free to add your favorite salad ingredients and spreads; they are very versatile!
11. Tahini Glazed Tempeh
These Tahini-Glazed Tempeh Bites can be made with neutral flavors and then tossed with different sauces for unique dishes. When left plain, these have a slightly garlicky taste; the coating, however, will take on whatever flavor you toss it in. Barbecue sauce? Sweet and sour sauce? Soy sauce? The choices are endless.
12. Lemon Glazed Ginger Tempeh With Brown Rice and Fresh Basil
Your mouth will be watering from the smell and taste of this Lemon Glazed Ginger Tempeh with Brown Rice and Fresh Basil. It is crispy, flavorful and creates a delicious meal that is sure to wow you and your loved ones.
13. Tempeh Burger Pizza
This pizza deserves a standing ovation. Iff you are a pizza and “burger” fan, this Tempeh Burger Pizza is for you. Just be sure to grab seconds right away because there won’t be any left for long!
14. Tempeh Meatballs
Warning: these Tempeh Meatballs are so delicious, you may become addicted to them. Whether you serve them over pasta or put them in a sandwich, these meatballs are your new favorite food.
15. Shiitake Tempeh and Kale Stir-Fry
This is Shiitake Tempeh and Kale Stir-Fry is so delicious. With marinated tempeh, rich shiitake mushrooms and sautéed kale in a garlic-ginger sauce over red rice, we guarantee you’ll love it.
16. Spiced Indian Tempeh With Vegetables and Quinoa
This Spiced Indian Tempeh with roasted asparagus, tomatoes, black beans, quinoa and Indian spices will be your new favorite recipe. Make it all in one pan for a delicious and easy dinner.
17. Blueberry, Chili, Balsamic Tempeh Over Spring Salad
This Blueberry, Chili, Balsamic Tempeh is the best idea for a salad topper. The sweet blueberries, spicy chili and sweet balsamic are perfectly balanced. Here it’s served over a light spring salad.
18. Maple Sriracha Tempeh Bacon BLT With Creamy Dill Mayo
Lots of vegans love bacon too…well, any kind of bacon not made from animals that is. The tempeh bacon in this Maple Sriracha BLT is smoky, spicy with a touch of sweetness from the maple. It all pairs perfectly with the creamy dill mayo.
19. Tempeh Maki Rolls
Inspired by the beauty and simplicity of Asian food, these Tempeh Maki Rolls are simple and delicious! Nori and tempeh are both excellent sources of plant-based protein, which makes these a filling lunch or dinner choice that comes together quickly for a satisfying meal.
20. Sriracha Tempeh Sliders With Ranch Dressing
Tempeh makes the best little sliders. These Sriracha Tempeh Sliders are great. The spicy sriracha is balanced by the cool vegan ranch dressing but you can replace the sriracha with BBQ sauce if it’s too hot you!
21. Buttery Spinach Salad With Crumbled Tempeh and Crispy Shallots
Who says salads have to be cold, limp veggies in boring dressing out of a plastic container? Not us! This Buttery Spinach Salad combines interesting texture (pumpkin seeds) with warm ingredients (crumbled tempeh and crispy shallots), along with a buttery tahini dill dressing and peppers for color.
22. Tempeh Bacon Bowl
Sweet and smoky with a slight chili heat, the vegan tempeh bacon really adds a satisfying and delicious punch to this nutritious and wholesome Tempeh Bacon Bowl. The beauty of the bowl is in the variety – choose your favorites to make it your own.
23. Kale Avocado Wraps With Spicy Miso-Dipped Tempeh
These Kale Avocado Wraps are perfect for a quick dinner anytime. The tempeh is dipped in a spicy miso-tahini marinade that also is the dressing for the greens.
24. Slow Cooker Tempeh Braised With Figs and Port Wine
Slow Cooker Tempeh Braised with Figs and Port Wine is a delicious meal you can make with very little hands on time. The tempeh and figs braise in the port wine until they are tender and full of flavor.
25. Tempeh and Kale Steamed Gyoza
Gyoza, or potstickers, or dumplings are really very easy. These Tempeh and Kale Steamed Gyoza are the perfect recipe to get your feet wet with. The sweet and spicy dipping sauce is the perfect pairing.
26. Tempeh, Date, and Olive Marbella
When you eat this Tempeh, Date and Olive Marbella, you’ll be blown away by the flavors from this seemingly strange combination of ingredients. Prunes and olives?! Who came up with that nutty idea? Whoever it was: nice going! Sweet, salty, earthy, comforting, and savory – everything you ask for in a main dish.
Whether tempeh is new to you or you’ve been eating it for years, you need to try these amazing recipes. You’ll fall in love with tempeh all over again.
Lead image source: Lemon Glazed Ginger Tempeh With Brown Rice and Fresh Basil
