These 10 recipes will make you want to eat protein-packed tempeh every day

January 25, 2020 at 02:00AM by CWC

With all the different types of plant-based protein you can choose from, tempeh might not be your first choice… mostly because it can be hard to know what the heck to do with it. Made from fermented soybeans, it’s not only a gut-friendly staple, but also one that’s loaded with protein. One cup contains a whopping 31 grams. So instead of brushing it aside, it’s time to let these tempeh recipes shine center stage.

Like tofu, there are about a billion and one different ways you can transform tempeh into the plant-based meal of your dreams. With a quick crumble, it becomes taco meat. When you cut it into strips, it becomes bacon for your BLTs or chicken tenders. You can even turn it into falafel and meatballs. To get you started, here are 10 recipes that will make you want to eat the high-protein food every single day.

These 10 recipes will make you fall in love with tempeh

1. Tempeh taco “meat”

When you crumble tempeh, you get a super-meaty texture that’s similar to ground beef, making it perfect to season and add to your tacos and burrito bowls.

2. Rainbow tempeh rolls

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Sushi who? These pretty rainbow rolls can be made in minutes using thinly-sliced tempeh, zucchini wraps, veggies, and a tasty peanut sauce.

3. Sesame garlic noodles with tempeh

This warm and cozy tempeh noodle dish is super flavorful thanks to the sesame garlic sauce. You’re also getting a lot of fiber from both the broccoli and tempeh.

4. Vegan “BLT” sandwich

You don’t need bacon for your BLT when you have perfectly-seasoned tempeh strips. When paired with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo, you won’t even be able to tell the difference.

5. Sesame tempeh bowl

If you’re a fan of sesame chicken, you’ll love this tempeh version. The easy-to-make sauce—which includes soy sauce, fresh ginger and garlic, and sesame oil—makes for a restaurant-worthy dish.

6. Tempeh and walnut falafel

Falafel is super easy to make when you have tempeh on hand. Crumbled and combined with raw walnuts, almond flour, and spices, it will make you feel like you’re eating the authentic Greek staple.

7. Creamy kale salad with smoked tempeh croutons

Crispy tempeh makes for a satisfying topping in this kale Caesar salad. Especially when paired with a super-creamy—and just a little spicy!—vegan dressing.

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8. Spicy tempeh stuffed peppers

Stuffed peppers are always a healthy meal choice—especially when you fill them with crumbled tempeh and brown rice.

9. Tempeh tenders

If you loved eating chicken tenders as a kid, try this new-and-improved version as an adult. Made with tempeh strips, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and a plant-based poultry seasoning, it winds up tasting like a healthier, baked—not fried!—version of the original.

10. Grilled tempeh sliders

The next time you’re craving a burger, go the tempeh route. These protein-loaded sliders are topped with basil pesto for a seriously impressive flavor kick.

Whip up a batch of these black bean brownies for dessert:

Here’s everything you should know about going vegan in Veganuary. Then find out what four vegans wish they would have known before going plant-based.

Author Tehrene Firman | Well and Good
Selected by CWC