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
For the Tempeh
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1 block tempeh (8 oz), cubed
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1 cup water (for boiling)
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2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
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1 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1 clove garlic, minced
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½ tsp paprika or chili flakes (optional)
For the Bowl
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1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
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1 cup roasted veggies (sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, etc.)
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1 cup fresh veggies (spinach, cabbage, cucumber, etc.)
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1 tbsp sesame seeds or pepitas
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Fresh herbs (cilantro, green onion, parsley)
For the Sauce (Quick Tahini or Peanut Option)
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2 tbsp tahini or peanut butter
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1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
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1 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tbsp lime or lemon juice
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Warm water to thin
Instructions
1. Prep & De-Bitter the Tempeh
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Add cubed tempeh to a small pot with water.
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Boil for 10 minutes to remove bitterness.
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Drain and pat dry.
2. Marinate
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In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic.
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Toss tempeh in the marinade.
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Let sit for 10–15 minutes (or longer for stronger flavor).
3. Cook the Tempeh (Choose One Method)
Bake:
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Spread tempeh on a lined tray.
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Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
Pan-Fry:
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Heat a little oil in a skillet.
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Fry tempeh for 6–8 minutes, turning until crispy.
Air Fryer:
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Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
4. Prep the Bowl Components
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Cook quinoa or rice.
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Roast veggies or use leftovers.
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Prepare fresh vegetables.
5. Make the Sauce
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Whisk tahini (or peanut butter), maple syrup, soy sauce, and lime juice.
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Add warm water until pourable.
6. Assemble the Tempeh Buddha Bowl
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Add grains to your bowl.
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Top with crispy tempeh.
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Add roasted + fresh veggies.
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Drizzle generously with sauce.
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Finish with seeds and herbs.
Enjoy immediately or pack for meal prep.
Notes
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Gluten-Free: Use quinoa/rice + tamari.
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Nut-Free: Use tahini instead of peanut butter.
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Extra Protein: Add chickpeas, edamame, or hemp seeds.
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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