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15 Vegetarian Tempeh Recipes

ByKristen Wood Last updated

If you are looking for easy and flavorful tempeh recipes, you are in the right place! These 15 recipes show just how adaptable tempeh can be in vegan and vegetarian meals.

A collage of four vegan dishes: a vegetable noodle bowl, a double veggie burger, breaded sticks with dip, and a bowl of cubed, seasoned tofu.
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A Note From Kristen

Tempeh is one of those ingredients I keep coming back to when I want meals that feel hearty, flavorful, and satisfying without being complicated. It is a versatile plant-based protein that works well across so many cuisines, from bold and saucy dishes to simple, everyday meals that still feel special.

In this roundup, I have gathered 15 tempeh recipes that showcase just how adaptable tempeh can be. These recipes highlight different cooking methods, flavors, and styles, making it easier to find ideas that fit your tastes and your schedule.

If you are looking for new ways to cook tempeh or want fresh inspiration beyond the basics, this collection is a great place to start! Happy eating!
~Kristen

What is Tempeh?

Tempeh is a fermented soybean product that originated in Indonesia and is often used as a plant-based protein in savory dishes. It is made by cooking whole soybeans and fermenting them into a firm, sliceable cake with a slightly nutty flavor. Because tempeh holds its shape well and absorbs sauces easily, it works in everything from stir fries and curries to sandwiches and grain bowls.

How Does Tempeh Differ From Tofu?

Tempeh and tofu are both made from soybeans, but they are quite different in texture and how they are used. Tofu is made from soy milk and has a smooth, soft texture that can range from silken to firm. Tempeh is made from whole soybeans that are fermented and pressed into a dense cake, giving it a firmer texture and a more nutty, savory flavor. Because of this, tempeh tends to feel heartier and holds up better in dishes with bold sauces or longer cooking times.

15 Vegan and Vegetarian Tempeh Recipes

From savory and comforting to fresh and vibrant, these tempeh recipes cover a wide range of tastes! They are all simple enough for home cooking and designed to make the most of tempeh’s deliciously hearty texture.

Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe
This air fryer tempeh is crispy, filling, and easy to make. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, with a light garlic flavor that works well in bowls, salads, or simple sides.
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A hand holds a white bowl filled with browned, cubed pieces of tempeh against a light background.
Tempeh Curry
This vegan yellow tempeh curry recipe is packed with protein and flavor for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
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Buffalo Tempeh Tenders
These air-fried buffalo tempeh tenders bring the crunch, the heat, and all the cozy comfort vibes. Tossed in tangy buffalo sauce and paired with cool ranch for dipping, they’re an easy plant-based favorite you’ll keep coming back to.
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A hand holding a fried food stick with dipping sauce.
10-Minute Tempeh Sandwich
This smoky tempeh sandwich makes an easy, satisfying lunch with crispy tempeh, creamy avocado, melty vegan gouda, and fresh romaine. It comes together quickly but feels hearty enough to keep you full and happy.
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A stacked sandwich with tempeh, lettuce, and sauce on toasted bread, secured with a wooden pick, displayed on a wooden board.
How to Make Tempeh Recipe
Tempeh doesn’t have to be confusing. This easy guide walks you through exactly what tempeh is, what it tastes like, and how to cook it with confidence. You’ll learn how to slice it, cook it in a few simple ways, whip up a quick marinade, and try a delicious recipe that makes tempeh totally approachable.
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Triangular pieces of marinated tempeh are arranged on a dark pan, showing a glazed, browned surface after cooking.
Asian Vegetable Stir-Fry with Ponzu Citrus Sauce
This Asian vegetable stir-fry is tossed in a bright ponzu citrus sauce with deep umami flavor from kombu, soy sauce, and mirin, balanced by fresh citrus for a light yet savory finish.
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A white bowl filled with stir-fried vegetables including broccoli, mushrooms, onions, and cherry tomatoes, garnished with fresh herbs, on a marble surface.
The Best Teriyaki Tempeh
This teriyaki tempeh delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home, with a perfectly sticky, sweet-savory sauce that clings to tempeh’s hearty, satisfying texture.
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A bowl of rice topped with glazed tofu, sliced radishes, baby corn, and snow peas, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Chopsticks and extra vegetables are nearby.
Jerk Tempeh Skewers with Herby Yoghurt Dip
This BBQ jerk tempeh paired with a fresh herby yoghurt dip is a flavour-packed way to enjoy a nourishing, plant-based meal with real depth.
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Two flatbreads topped with grilled vegetable and tofu skewers, lettuce, and sauces, served on a wooden board with a bowl of creamy dip and a bowl of reddish-brown sauce.
Crispy Tempeh Vermicelli Bowls with Sweet and Sour Lime Sauce
Fresh, light, and protein-rich, these crispy tempeh vermicelli bowls come together in just 20–25 minutes. Tossed with a bright sweet-and-sour lime sauce and loaded with colorful veggies, this vegan and gluten-free meal is perfect for an easy lunch or dinner.
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A person holds a bowl of rice noodles, lettuce, cucumber, carrots, radish, and cooked tofu with chopsticks, surrounded by herbs, peanuts, sliced green onions, lime, and a bowl of sauce.
Cabbage Steaks with Tempeh Bacon Bits and Creamy Dijon Sauce
These roasted cabbage steaks with smoky tempeh bacon bits and creamy Dijon sauce make a beautiful vegetarian main for the holidays. Thick-cut cabbage is roasted until golden and tender, then finished with a tangy Dijon drizzle and a generous sprinkle of savory tempeh bacon.
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A roasted cabbage steak on a plate topped with creamy sauce, crispy lentils, and chopped chives, surrounded by bowls of sauce, lentils, and chives on a gray surface.
Easy Vegetable Chow Mein
This easy vegetable chow mein is a simple, flavorful weeknight meal. Tempeh is tossed with coleslaw mix, bean sprouts, green onions, and chow mein noodles, then coated in a savory stir-fry sauce. Finish with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and extra sauce on the side.
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A blue skillet filled with stir-fried noodles, shredded vegetables, and scrambled eggs, with tongs lifting a portion.
Easy Tempeh Burger Recipe
These homemade tempeh burgers are packed with plant-based protein and bold flavor from herbs and spices. Made with tempeh, black beans, walnuts, and simple pantry seasonings, they’re hearty, easy to make, and hold together perfectly.
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A double veggie burger with lettuce, cheese, pickles, red onion, and sauce on a ciabatta bun, with sauce dripping down.
Tofu Crumbles with Tempeh
These tempeh tofu crumbles make it easy to add protein to any vegetarian or vegan meal. Sprinkle them over salads, tuck them into breakfast burritos or enchiladas, or enjoy them on their own. They’re meal-prep friendly and freezer-friendly too.
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A white bowl filled with seasoned tofu crumbles, garnished with chopped herbs, sits on a white cloth; a fork rests inside the bowl.
Vegan Buffalo Tempeh Sandwich
This vegan buffalo tempeh sandwich is stacked with crispy, golden tempeh tenders tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, layered on toasted bread with creamy avocado, fresh greens, and tangy pickled onions. It’s the perfect spicy lunch or a crowd-pleasing game day bite.
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A sandwich on a cutting board.
Creamy One-Pot Vegan Ramen Noodles
This one-pot vegan ramen features a rich, creamy broth with chewy noodles, hearty vegetables, and satisfying plant-based protein. It’s a cozy, filling dinner that’s easy to make and loved by the whole family.
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A pot of cooked ramen noodles with vegetables and herbs, surrounded by bowls of sliced green onions, cilantro, chili flakes, lime halves, sesame seeds, and a jar of peanut butter.

Kristen is a writer, photographer, recipe developer, and cookbook author with a certification in functional nutrition. Every recipe is tested at least three times in her kitchen before it's published. She is the author of Fermented Hot Sauce Cookbook, Vegetarian Family Cookbook, and Hot Sauce Cookbook for Beginners, and her work has been featured in Elle, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, MSN, New York Daily News, Healthline, and more. Kristen is also a freelance journalist whose articles are syndicated to The Associated Press Wire.

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