Tempeh is one of our favorite plant-based proteins here at VegKitchen — firm, nutty, and endlessly versatile, it soaks up marinades beautifully and holds its shape through just about any cooking method you throw at it.

From smoky tempeh bacon and hearty stir-fries to salads, burgers, and curries, we’ve rounded up more than 30 of our best vegan tempeh recipes (plus a few favorites from our sister site, Oh My Veggies) to help you get the most out of this protein-packed ingredient. Want even more tempeh and tofu ideas? Browse our full Tofu and Tempeh Recipes category.
Vegan Tempeh Recipes
Smoky BBQ-marinated tempeh bacon simmers right in with black-eyed peas and hearty greens for a one-skillet dinner that's ready in well under an hour, with barely any cleanup.
This DIY tempeh bacon is smoky, salty, and endlessly useful— pile it into a classic TLT wrap, or make a double batch to top breakfast bowls and scrambles all week.
Not a sweet-breakfast person? These savory bowls layer tempeh, avocado, and greens over a warm grain base for a hearty morning meal that actually holds you over.
BBQ-marinated tempeh croutons, crisp veggies, and creamy avocado come together under a homemade vegan ranch dressing— proof that a tempeh salad can be the main event, not an afterthought.
A lighter take on the classic BBQ tempeh salad, paired here with crispy sweet potato fries for a full meal that's just as good solo as it is loaded up with sides.
Smoky tempeh strips, tangy sauerkraut, and a touch of vegan cheese turn the classic deli Reuben fully plant-based, and a layer of avocado makes it downright luscious.
Soy-lime marinated tempeh gets livened up with bell peppers, zucchini, and chili peppers in this quick Southwestern-inspired stir-fry, perfect spooned over Basmati or Texmati rice.
Frying tempeh in red palm oil gives it a rich, meaty texture, while fresh ginger and mirin add brightness to whatever seasonal vegetables you toss in— a stir-fry built for endless variation.
High-protein tempeh (or seitan, if you prefer) simmers with colorful vegetables and pineapple in a tangy sweet-and-sour sauce, best served over bean-thread noodles or rice.
A triple dose of sesame flavors soba noodles and calcium-rich collard greens, while crispy tempeh croutons add crunch and protein to every bite.
Roasted squash and a rainbow of vegetables surround pan-seared tempeh in this vibrant Buddha bowl— as pretty on the plate as it is satisfying.
Tempeh, kale, and sweet potatoes come together in one nourishing, colorful skillet— easily adapted with tofu, seitan, or a can of beans if you want to switch it up.
A hearty vegan spin on the classic meaty breakfast hash, this skillet of potatoes and high-protein tempeh (dressed up with bell pepper and kale) works just as well for dinner as it does for brunch.
Tempeh and portobello mushrooms bring a satisfying, meaty heartiness to this dish, while balsamic vinegar and miso add tangy depth— delicious spooned over a cooked grain or pasta.
Inspired by a Thai-style chicken dish, this recipe swaps in tempeh for a coconut-braised main topped with a bright, fresh pineapple salsa.
Cauliflower, potatoes, warm spices, and crunchy cashews make this colorful curry a convert-maker— even people who claim they don't like tempeh tend to come around after a bowl of this.
Tempeh and vegetables get roasted together under a blanket of barbecue sauce, filling your kitchen with amazing smells and turning into an easy, hands-off weeknight dinner.
This tasty, filling soup gets a nice crunch from tempeh and pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese sandwich for a cozy, easy meal.
Crispy tempeh fries dunked in a tangy horseradish-dill mayonnaise make a seriously addictive appetizer or protein-forward side— you may want to double the batch.
Savory, slightly sweet, and as spicy as you want to make them, these versatile strips work with tofu or tempeh (or both) and are just as good on their own as piled into a wrap or sandwich.
Tender, chewy tempeh gets slathered in a spicy homemade barbecue sauce for a meatless take on ribs that's simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.
This smoky, savory BBQ tempeh comes together in under 30 minutes and is endlessly versatile— pile it into salads, stuff it into sandwiches, or eat it straight off the skillet.
Sweet maple syrup and spicy sriracha team up on these tempeh burgers, proving that tempeh skeptics just haven't had it done right yet.
A plant-based riff on the deli classic, these wraps layer savory tempeh, a creamy dairy-free Russian dressing, and tangy sauerkraut into a flavor-packed handheld lunch.
Crumbled and seasoned tempeh makes a fantastic stand-in for ground beef in these quick weeknight tacos, adapted from the cookbook Betty Goes Vegan.
Savory stir-fried veggies and hearty tempeh get tossed in a sesame-ginger sauce and wrapped in crisp lettuce for a light, healthy meal that's anything but boring.
Classic potato salad gets a protein boost from smoky tempeh in this easy, gluten-free side dish that's perfect for cookouts and potlucks alike.
Ready in about 20 minutes, this sweet and sour tempeh is a fast, satisfying weeknight dinner that proves plant-based cooking doesn't have to be complicated.
Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, marinated tempeh, and soba noodles combine in one easy skillet for a seasonal dinner that comes together fast.
Roasted cauliflower and marinated tempeh dress up a simple pasta for a cozy, nutritious dinner (or a great make-ahead lunch) that's ready in about 25 minutes.
Protein-packed quinoa and tempeh simmer in a rich, spicy tomato sauce in this vegan meal-prep recipe that reheats beautifully all week long.
And if you love these vegan tempeh recipes, be sure to check out these other delicious round-ups:








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