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Colorful tempeh Buddha bowl with crispy tempeh, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, and tahini sauce

Tempeh Buddha Bowl


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  • Author: elodie
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 bowls 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Tempeh Buddha Bowl is a colorful, high-protein vegan meal made with crispy tempeh, fresh veggies, warm grains, and a creamy sauce. It’s filling, customizable, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Tempeh

  • 1 block tempeh (8 oz), cubed

  • 1 cup water (for boiling)

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • ½ tsp paprika or chili flakes (optional)

For the Bowl

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice

  • 1 cup roasted veggies (sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, etc.)

  • 1 cup fresh veggies (spinach, cabbage, cucumber, etc.)

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds or pepitas

  • Fresh herbs (cilantro, green onion, parsley)

For the Sauce (Quick Tahini or Peanut Option)

  • 2 tbsp tahini or peanut butter

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tbsp lime or lemon juice

  • Warm water to thin


Instructions

1. Prep & De-Bitter the Tempeh

  1. Add cubed tempeh to a small pot with water.

  2. Boil for 10 minutes to remove bitterness.

  3. Drain and pat dry.

2. Marinate

  1. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic.

  2. Toss tempeh in the marinade.

  3. Let sit for 10–15 minutes (or longer for stronger flavor).

3. Cook the Tempeh (Choose One Method)

Bake:

  • Spread tempeh on a lined tray.

  • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Pan-Fry:

  • Heat a little oil in a skillet.

  • Fry tempeh for 6–8 minutes, turning until crispy.

Air Fryer:

  • Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.

4. Prep the Bowl Components

  1. Cook quinoa or rice.

  2. Roast veggies or use leftovers.

  3. Prepare fresh vegetables.

5. Make the Sauce

  • Whisk tahini (or peanut butter), maple syrup, soy sauce, and lime juice.

  • Add warm water until pourable.

6. Assemble the Tempeh Buddha Bowl

  1. Add grains to your bowl.

  2. Top with crispy tempeh.

  3. Add roasted + fresh veggies.

  4. Drizzle generously with sauce.

  5. Finish with seeds and herbs.

Enjoy immediately or pack for meal prep.

Notes

  • Gluten-Free: Use quinoa/rice + tamari.

  • Nut-Free: Use tahini instead of peanut butter.

  • Extra Protein: Add chickpeas, edamame, or hemp seeds.

  • Make Ahead: Store components separately up to 4 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Boiled + Baked
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg