Top 4 tempeh recipes pan-fried tempeh, tempeh stir-fry, tempeh tacos, and tempeh salad flavor for four knockout recipes that’ll keep anyone coming back for seconds. At SoyaMaya, there’s nothing fancy about how these dishes came together – just good, solid cooking with Indiana’s finest organic soybeans.
The tempeh here’s got this great nutty taste that really shines through, especially when it’s pan-fried until golden brown or crumbled into tacos. Simple stuff like soy sauce and maple syrup does the heavy lifting flavor-wise, and fresh vegetables round everything out. No weird ingredients, no complicated steps. Just real food that works. Want to learn how to make tempeh your new favorite protein? These recipes might just change your mind about soy.
Key Takeaways
- A good soak in marinade gives tempeh better flavor, plus helps it get that nice brown crunch when cooked.
- Fresh veggies and the right mix of spices turn plain tempeh into something people actually want to eat.
- SoyaMaya’s tempeh just hits different – it’s that fresh-made organic stuff that makes your cooking stand out.
Pan-Fried Tempeh Preparation and Cooking
Nothing beats a well-marinated slice of tempeh when you’re craving something hearty. Here’s a foolproof way to get it right every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 block SoyaMaya tempeh (10 oz)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
Steps:
- Nuke frozen tempeh 2 mins
- Slice it up (not too thin)
- Mix marinade, soak 15+ mins
- Get that pan hot with oil
- Fry till golden, 3-4 mins each side
- Done – eat it while it’s hot
Tempeh Stir-Fry Composition and Flavoring

These aren’t your average tacos. They’ve got this meaty tempeh filling that’ll make you forget about ground beef.
Ingredients:
- 1 block SoyaMaya tempeh (10 oz)
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne (if you’re brave)
- Salt & pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- Whatever toppings you like (tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, the works)
Steps:
Stack ’em up with filling & toppings
Soften those veggies in oil
Crumble & brown the tempeh
Throw in all those spices
Nuke tortillas wrapped in damp paper towel
Tempeh Tacos Assembly and Flavor Profile

There’s something about tempeh tacos that just hits different after a long day. Prep’s pretty simple – microwave that tempeh block for 45 seconds, then just break it up with your fingers until it looks like ground beef. Dead simple.
Ingredients:
- 1 block tempeh (10 oz), microwave 2 min if frozen, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snow peas)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (if you want)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the tempeh: Heat up 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook tempeh till it’s golden brown, about 3-4 minutes each side. Set it aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Same pan, add the rest of the oil, onion, and garlic. Cook till the onion goes clear. Throw in the mixed veggies, cook till they’re just tender.
- Mix it all together: Put the tempeh back in, stir everything up.
- Add the sauce: Pour in soy sauce and honey if you’re using it. Mix well. Add salt and pepper till it tastes right.
- Serve: Dump it over rice or noodles, or just eat it as is.
Mix it up however you want:
- Extra flavors: Try ginger, lemongrass, or shallots
- Different sauces: Switch up the seasonings with whatever you’ve got
- Add some crunch: Throw in some chopped peanuts or sesame seeds
Loading them up’s the best part. Pack those tortillas with the tempeh mix, add some diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and chunks of avocado. A dollop of SoyaMaya sour cream or your favorite salsa really brings it home. The whole thing just works – you get that crunch, that creaminess, plus it’s packed with protein. Perfect for when you’re trying to skip meat but still want something that satisfies.
Tempeh Salad Ingredients and Dressing Composition

The best tempeh salads don’t need much fuss. Break up a block of SoyaMaya tempeh into rough chunks (about 1-inch pieces) and fry them in a hot pan till they’re golden brown – maybe 8 minutes or so. That crunch makes all the difference.
The base? Keep it simple:
- A couple handfuls of whatever greens look fresh at the store
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- Half a cucumber, sliced thin
- A carrot or two, grated (when you’re feeling ambitious)
- Fresh basil or parsley if they’re around
For the dressing, mix these together:
- 3 tablespoons good olive oil
- Juice from half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon
- A drizzle of maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, smashed and minced
Give everything a good toss, and throw some pumpkin seeds or chopped almonds on top. It’s pretty forgiving – works straight from the fridge or if it’s been sitting out for a bit, kind of like how the crunch in garlic tempeh chips makes salads more exciting. Makes enough for 2 hungry people or 4 as a side.
FAQ
How do you cook tempeh at home, and what are the health benefits of fermented soybeans, complete protein, and amino acids compared to other plant based proteins?
You can cook tempeh in many ways: pan fried, baked tempeh, fried tempeh, or stir fried in a large skillet or frying pan. Since tempeh is made from fermented soybeans, it offers gut health benefits and a nutty flavor. Tempeh is also a complete protein, meaning it has all the amino acids your body needs, which makes it different from many other plant based proteins (2). These health benefits make it a strong choice for people who want easy vegan or dairy free meals.
What are the best ways to pan fry or marinate a block of tempeh for crispy texture, and can you use coconut aminos, soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar for flavor?
Start by slicing a block of tempeh and marinate it with a mix of coconut aminos, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and minced ginger. After marinating, pan fry or stir fry tempeh in a frying pan or large skillet with neutral oil, olive oil, or avocado oil over medium heat or high heat until it turns golden brown. Get your fresh tempeh and protein chips today, or even find garlic tempeh from Soya Maya to bring those bold flavors into your kitchen.
How can you assemble the tacos with crispy tempeh, corn tortillas, favorite veggies, lime juice, and sesame seeds, and what helps keep them warm for meal prep?
To assemble the tacos, crumble the tempeh or use cooked tempeh to make fillings with crispy texture. Add the tempeh to corn tortillas, then top with favorite veggies like snap peas or avocado slices, sprinkle sesame seeds, and squeeze lime juice. For meal prep, you can keep them warm by wrapping tortillas in a clean towel or placing them in a steamer basket. This way, the tacos stay soft and ready to eat.
Can you swap brown rice with cauliflower rice or grain bowls when you add tempeh, and how does low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, or kosher salt affect prep time and flavor?
Yes, you can swap brown rice with cauliflower rice or enjoy tempeh in grain bowls. When you add tempeh, you can season it with low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, or kosher salt depending on your taste. These swaps and seasonings do not change the prep time much, but they do change flavor. Low sodium soy sauce keeps meals lighter, brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, and kosher salt helps balance flavor.
Conclusion
Deep in Indiana’s heartland, Mayasari Tempeh brings authentic Indonesian craft to American kitchens. What started as a simple love for cooking in 2002 has grown into SoyaMaya, a brand that transforms local, organic soybeans into protein-packed tempeh and crunchy chips.
Each batch is carefully fermented using traditional methods, enriched with B12, and made from non-GMO soybeans (containing an impressive 42% protein). The company’s giving spirit shows through their commitment – five cents from every purchase supports children’s education in Indonesia.
Get your fresh tempeh and protein chips today
References
- https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempeh
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tempeh