13 Simple Vegan Tempeh Recipes

Tempeh is one of those ingredients that can feel a little hard to get excited about at first. Maybe you bought it with good plans, then were not quite sure what to do with it once it was sitting in the fridge. The good thing is that tempeh can be really useful once you find a few easy ways to cook it. It is hearty, works in a lot of meals, and takes on flavor well when you season it the right way.

I like tempeh because it can fit into bowls, stir-fries, sandwiches, pasta, wraps, and simple skillet meals without needing too much effort. It is also nice when you want a dinner that feels filling but still easy to put together.

In this post, you will find simple vegan tempeh recipes that are good for lunch, dinner, and meal prep. Some are saucy and savory, some are fresh and light, and some are warm and cozy, so there is a good mix here for different kinds of meals and cravings.

1. Vegan Tempeh Stir-Fry

This is one of the easiest ways to cook tempeh because the sauce helps it soak up lots of flavor. It is quick, colorful, and easy to serve over rice or noodles.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces tempeh, cubed
2. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
3. 1 bell pepper, sliced
4. 2 cups broccoli florets
5. 1 carrot, sliced thin
6. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
7. 1 tablespoon maple syrup
8. 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Recipe Steps:

1. Steam or simmer the tempeh for a few minutes, then drain.
2. Cook the tempeh in sesame oil until lightly browned.
3. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, garlic, soy sauce, and maple syrup.
4. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender and serve hot.

2. Vegan Tempeh Tacos

Tempeh works really well in tacos because it crumbles nicely and holds seasoning well. This recipe is simple, filling, and good for busy nights.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces tempeh, crumbled
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
4. 8 small tortillas
5. 1 cup shredded lettuce
6. 1 tomato, diced
7. 1 avocado, sliced

Recipe Steps:

1. Steam the tempeh briefly, then crumble it into a skillet.
2. Cook it in olive oil with taco seasoning until browned and flavorful.
3. Warm the tortillas.
4. Fill with the tempeh and your toppings, then serve.

3. Vegan BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches

This recipe is a good one when you want something easy and comforting. The barbecue sauce gives the tempeh a rich flavor that works really well in soft sandwich buns.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces tempeh, sliced
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
4. 4 sandwich buns
5. 1 cup coleslaw
6. 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Recipe Steps:

1. Steam the tempeh for a few minutes, then pat it dry.
2. Cook the slices in olive oil until lightly browned.
3. Add the barbecue sauce and let it coat the tempeh well.
4. Pile into buns with slaw and serve.

4. Vegan Tempeh Fried Rice

Tempeh adds a hearty bite to fried rice without making it complicated. This is a good way to use leftover rice and make dinner fast.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces tempeh, cubed
2. 3 cups cooked rice
3. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
4. 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
5. 2 green onions, sliced
6. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
7. 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Recipe Steps:

1. Steam the tempeh briefly, then brown it in sesame oil.
2. Add the peas, carrots, green onions, and garlic.
3. Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce.
4. Cook until everything is hot and well mixed.

5. Vegan Tempeh Pasta

Tempeh crumbles are a simple way to make pasta feel more filling. This recipe is easy, familiar, and good for weeknights when you want something cozy.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 12 ounces pasta
2. 8 ounces tempeh, crumbled
3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
4. 2 garlic cloves, minced
5. 2 cups marinara sauce
6. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
7. fresh basil for topping

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the pasta until tender and drain.
2. Steam the tempeh briefly, then cook it in olive oil until lightly browned.
3. Add the garlic, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning and simmer.
4. Toss with pasta and top with basil.

6. Vegan Tempeh Buddha Bowl

This is a really easy meal to build when you want something balanced and filling. Tempeh works well here because it adds a savory part to all the fresh ingredients.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces tempeh, cubed
2. 2 cups cooked rice
3. 1 carrot, shredded
4. 1 cucumber, sliced
5. 1 avocado, sliced
6. 2 cups greens
7. 2 tablespoons tahini dressing
8. 1 tablespoon olive oil

Recipe Steps:

1. Steam the tempeh, then brown it in olive oil.
2. Divide the rice into bowls.
3. Add the tempeh, carrot, cucumber, avocado, and greens.
4. Drizzle with tahini dressing and serve.

7. Vegan Tempeh Lettuce Wraps

These are light, fresh, and very easy to make. The tempeh takes on the sauce well and gives the wraps enough substance to feel like a real meal.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces tempeh, crumbled
2. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
3. 1 carrot, diced small
4. 2 green onions, sliced
5. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
6. 1 tablespoon maple syrup
7. lettuce leaves for serving

Recipe Steps:

1. Steam the tempeh, then crumble it into a skillet.
2. Cook in sesame oil until lightly browned.
3. Add the carrot, green onions, soy sauce, and maple syrup.
4. Spoon into lettuce leaves and serve.

8. Vegan Tempeh Chili

Tempeh is great in chili because it gives the pot a hearty texture without much extra work. This recipe is warm, simple, and good for meal prep too.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces tempeh, crumbled
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1 onion, diced
4. 1 bell pepper, diced
5. 2 cans beans, drained
6. 2 cups diced tomatoes
7. 2 tablespoons chili powder
8. 1 teaspoon cumin

Recipe Steps:

1. Steam the tempeh briefly, then cook it in olive oil with onion and bell pepper.
2. Add the beans, tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin.
3. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
4. Cook until thick and flavorful, then serve.

9. Vegan Maple Soy Tempeh

This is a simple tempeh recipe that works well with rice, noodles, or vegetables. The sweet and savory glaze helps make tempeh much more enjoyable if you are just starting out.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces tempeh, sliced
2. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
3. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
4. 1 tablespoon maple syrup
5. 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
6. 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated

Recipe Steps:

1. Steam the tempeh for a few minutes and pat dry.
2. Brown it in sesame oil on both sides.
3. Stir together the soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger.
4. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook until glazed.

10. Vegan Tempeh Burrito Bowls

These bowls are easy to build and easy to change based on what you have. The tempeh adds a filling center and works really well with beans, rice, and salsa.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces tempeh, crumbled
2. 2 cups cooked rice
3. 1 can black beans, drained
4. 1 cup corn
5. 1 avocado, sliced
6. 1 cup salsa
7. 1 tablespoon olive oil
8. 1 teaspoon cumin

Recipe Steps:

1. Steam the tempeh, then cook it in olive oil with cumin until browned.
2. Divide the rice into bowls.
3. Add the tempeh, black beans, corn, avocado, and salsa.
4. Serve right away.

11. Vegan Tempeh and Broccoli Noodles

This recipe is fast, simple, and great for weeknights. The noodles make it cozy, while the broccoli and tempeh keep it filling.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces noodles
2. 8 ounces tempeh, cubed
3. 2 cups broccoli florets
4. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
5. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
6. 1 tablespoon maple syrup
7. 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the noodles and set aside.
2. Steam the tempeh, then brown it in sesame oil.
3. Add the broccoli, soy sauce, maple syrup, and garlic and cook until tender.
4. Toss with the noodles and serve hot.

12. Vegan Tempeh Caesar Wraps

These wraps are easy to put together and good for lunch or dinner. The tempeh adds a savory bite that works nicely with crisp lettuce and creamy dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces tempeh, sliced
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 4 wraps
4. 3 cups chopped romaine
5. 1/2 cup vegan Caesar dressing
6. black pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Steam the tempeh, then cook it in olive oil until browned.
2. Warm the wraps if needed.
3. Fill each wrap with romaine, tempeh, and Caesar dressing.
4. Roll tightly and serve.

13. Vegan Tempeh Curry

Tempeh works well in curry because it holds its shape and soaks up flavor as it simmers. This is a warm and simple dinner that pairs well with rice.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces tempeh, cubed
2. 1 tablespoon oil
3. 1 small onion, diced
4. 1 cup coconut milk
5. 1 cup diced tomatoes
6. 2 cups spinach
7. 1 tablespoon curry powder
8. salt to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Steam the tempeh for a few minutes.
2. Cook the onion in oil, then add the curry powder.
3. Stir in the tempeh, coconut milk, and tomatoes and simmer.
4. Add the spinach, let it wilt, and serve.