Easy Vegetarian and Vegan Tempeh Dishes

Tempeh makes a great meat substitute in basic dishes such as vegetarian tacos! These vegetarian tempeh tacos are a simple recipe which spruces up the tempeh with a quick preparation in Mexican flavors such as cumin and cilantro. Add the rest of the taco fixings, and mix yourself a margarita to accompany your south of the border, cholesterol-free feast. 

Like French fries? Try tempeh fries! In this easy recipe, tempeh is breaded and lightly fried for a crunchy high-protein alternative to ​French fries, which is particularly great for vegetarian and vegan kids! This recipe suggests dipping your fried tempeh sticks in a vegan curry-mayonnaise sauce, but you could also try these with ketchup, soy sauce or even barbecue sauce.

Here, tempeh is transformed into a healthy vegetarian and vegan version of a Chinese restaurant favorite - sweet and sour tempeh. Tempeh simmers with pineapples and peppers in an easy homemade sauce of tangy vinegar and sugar. This is a great recipe to explore the versatility of tempeh as a substitute for meat in any number of dishes. Here, the sweet and sour tempeh is shown plated on a bed of Israeli couscous for a nutritious meal.

Most vegetarians enjoy the taste of mock chicken, and this tempeh "chicken" salad recipe is no exception. It combines traditional chicken salad ingredients - including mayonnaise (or veganaise), celery and a touch of curry powder - with tempeh instead of chicken. Serve it on a bed of lettuce, or between lightly toasted bread for a chicken salad sandwich. This is one of those recipes that will do best made ahead of time, so it has plenty of time to chill in the refrigerator, allowing the tempeh to soak up all the flavors.

If you're looking for an easy vegetarian and vegan tempeh recipe to try, it doesn't get much easier than this easy barbecue baked tempeh recipe. Pre-simmered tempeh is brushed with barbecue sauce and baked to crispy tangy perfection. It couldn't get easier. Use this easy barbecue baked tempeh recipe to fill up a vegetarian sandwich, or pile it up next to macaroni and cheese and cole slaw for a Southern-inspired comfort food meal.

Feeling like you need a protein boost? Vegetarian chili is always a high-protein dish, but adding tempeh in makes it even more so. The chewy texture of tempeh lends itself well as a stand-in for meat in any chili recipe, so toss some into your favorite chili, or, try this vegan tempeh chili recipe with lots of beans, spices and bell peppers.

Made with plenty of fresh carrots and topped with lightly sauteed tempeh, this tempeh tomato and vegetable soup is a great light meal. Pair it with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic toast, or, for the kids, use it as a dipper for a vegetarian grilled cheese sandwich.

This simple tempeh teriyaki stir-fry with bell peppers and onions is delicious. Pair it with rice, noodles, quinoa, or another whole grain for a complete meal, or if you're in a hurry, use instant rice or quick-cooking rice noodles.