Key Highlights
Here’s a quick look at what makes this tempeh teriyaki recipe a weeknight winner:
- This dish is a fantastic plant-based alternative to traditional teriyaki chicken, using Royal Tempeh for a protein-packed meal.
- You'll learn to create a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce using simple pantry staples like soy sauce and brown sugar.
- The entire meal, including the tempeh and veggies, comes together in one pan for minimal cleanup.
- Our guide makes preparing tempeh teriyaki simple, even if you’ve never cooked with tempeh before.
- Serve it over fluffy brown rice for a complete, satisfying, and healthy dinner that’s ready in under an hour.
Introduction
Are you looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal to solve your weeknight dinner dilemmas? This tempeh teriyaki rice bowl is your answer. Forget spending too much time in the kitchen; this recipe is designed for ease and speed without sacrificing taste. We'll show you how to whip up an amazing homemade vegan teriyaki sauce that transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible meal. If you're exploring new tempeh recipes, this one is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
Why Swap Chicken for Tempeh in Teriyaki Rice Bowls?
Choosing tempeh over chicken for your teriyaki bowl is a game-changer for your health and taste buds. While teriyaki chicken is a classic, tempeh teriyaki offers a unique, nutty flavor and a firm, satisfying texture that soaks up the savory sauce beautifully. Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is a powerhouse of plant-based protein.
This simple swap also boosts your meal's nutritional profile. Tempeh provides prebiotics, which are beneficial for your gut health, making it a smarter choice than a typical chicken breast. Let's explore more about what makes Royal Tempeh a superior protein and how it stacks up against the classic chicken version.
Royal Tempeh is an excellent choice for your protein because it’s not just a meat substitute; it's a nutritional upgrade. Tempeh is a whole-food product created through a natural fermentation process of soybeans. This process makes it easier to digest and unlocks valuable nutrients. Unlike some other soy products, tempeh retains the whole soybean, giving you more fiber, vitamins, and protein.
Here’s why Royal Tempeh shines:
- High in Protein: It packs an impressive amount of plant-based protein, making it just as filling as meat.
- Rich in Prebiotics: The fermentation supports a healthy digestive system.
- Versatile: Its firm texture holds up well in stir-fries and absorbs marinades perfectly, much like tempeh bacon or other vegan preparations.
What You’ll Need to Make Quick Tempeh Teriyaki at Home
Making a restaurant-quality teriyaki bowl at home starts with a fantastic homemade sauce. Forget the store-bought bottles—this from-scratch version is fresher, more flavorful, and lets you control the sugar and sodium. The magic lies in a handful of simple ingredients that balance sweet, salty, and tangy notes perfectly.
The base of the sauce is soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option), paired with brown sugar or maple syrup for sweetness. Rice vinegar adds a bright tang, while sesame oil, fresh garlic, and ginger bring depth and fragrance. A cornstarch slurry thickens the mixture into a glossy sauce that clings to every piece of tempeh.
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your teriyaki bowl a success:
Ingredients
- Royal Tempeh: The hearty, protein-packed star of your bowl.
- For the Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, water, brown sugar or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ground ginger.
- For Thickening: Cornstarch mixed with cold water.
- For Serving: Cooked brown rice, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok: For pan-frying tempeh, sautéing veggies, and bringing the sauce together.
- Saucepan: Useful for reducing the teriyaki sauce before combining.
- Small Bowl + Whisk: To mix the sauce base and prepare a smooth cornstarch slurry.
- Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping tempeh and vegetables.
- Optional: A rice cooker for effortless grain preparation.
With these essentials, you’re ready to cook up a flavorful, balanced teriyaki tempeh bowl that rivals your favorite restaurant version—right at home.
How to Make Tempeh Teriyaki Rice Bowls – Beginner’s Guide
Ready to cook? This beginner’s guide will walk you through every step of creating the perfect teriyaki tempeh bowl. We’ll cover everything from preparing the tempeh to making a mouthwatering homemade vegan teriyaki sauce and putting it all together. This tempeh teriyaki recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding.
Whether you choose to serve your creation over fluffy white rice or nutritious brown rice, the result is a delicious and satisfying meal. You'll have a beautiful bowl filled with savory tempeh and crisp veggies that looks as good as it tastes. Let's get started on the first step: prepping your tempeh.
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Step 1: Prepping & Slicing Royal Tempeh
Cut the Royal Tempeh into cubes, strips, or triangles about ½ inch thick for even cooking. To mellow out the natural bitterness, steam or boil the slices for 5–10 minutes, then drain and pat dry with a paper towel. After this, the tempeh is ready to marinate or go straight into cooking with your teriyaki sauce.
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Step 2: Making Easy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce (or tamari), water, brown sugar or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 4–5 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water, then pour the slurry into the sauce while stirring constantly. Let it cook until thick, glossy, and flavorful.
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Step 3: Cooking Tempeh and Vegetables in One Pan
Heat a little oil in a large skillet, then cook the tempeh until golden brown on both sides. Add vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans, and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Pour in the homemade teriyaki sauce, toss everything to coat evenly, and let it simmer briefly so the flavors meld together.
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Step 4: Assembling Your Tempeh Teriyaki Rice Bowl
Start with a base of warm rice in your bowl. Spoon the teriyaki-coated tempeh and vegetables on top. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. For extra flair, drizzle on more sauce or add toppings like nori strips, pickled veggies, or avocado slices.
Tips for Perfecting Flavor and Texture in Tempeh Teriyaki
To make your tempeh teriyaki truly exceptional, a few small adjustments can elevate both the flavor and texture. For deeper flavor, marinate the tempeh in a portion of the teriyaki sauce for at least 20 minutes before cooking—this helps it soak up the savory notes of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. When preparing the sauce, aim for a glossy, thick consistency that clings to each piece of tempeh; if it’s too thin, simply whisk in a bit more cornstarch slurry until it reaches the right texture.
When it comes to serving, the classic combination is teriyaki tempeh over a bed of warm rice with steamed broccoli, garnished with fresh green onions. The neutral flavors of rice and broccoli balance perfectly with the bold, sweet-savory sauce. But this dish is incredibly versatile, and you don’t have to stop there.
Here are some delicious ways to switch it up:
- Add More Veggies: Sautéed zucchini, cauliflower florets, or snap peas make flavorful, crunchy additions.
- Pair with Noodles: Swap rice for soba or udon noodles to turn it into a hearty teriyaki noodle bowl.
- Try Different Grains: Quinoa or farro provide a nutty, nutritious alternative to rice.
- Serve as an Appetizer: Pair smaller portions of tempeh teriyaki with sides like fresh spring rolls for a light starter.
With just a few tweaks and serving variations, you can keep your tempeh teriyaki fresh, exciting, and tailored to your taste every time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a delicious Tempeh Teriyaki rice bowl is not only quick and easy but also a healthy alternative to traditional protein sources. By swapping chicken for Royal Tempeh, you infuse your meal with plant-based goodness while still enjoying the rich flavors of teriyaki. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or whipping up a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe offers versatility and convenience. Don’t hesitate to explore different vegetables and seasonings to make it your own. Ready to elevate your dinner game? For more Tempeh recipes ideas and tips on how to eat well, you can go to our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I meal prep tempeh teriyaki ahead of time?
Yes, this tempeh teriyaki is perfect for meal prep! You can cook the tempeh, sauce, and rice ahead of time and store the leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. For best results, store the sauce separately to keep the tempeh and rice from getting soggy.
What are the best vegetables to add to tempeh teriyaki?
The best veggies are ones that add a nice crunch and color. Broccoli, bell peppers of any color, snap peas, and green beans are all fantastic choices. You can also add zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots. Feel free to use your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand
Where can I buy tempeh online?
Looking to buy tempeh online? Head to https://www.royaltempeh.com/collections/all and explore our full range of products from tempeh snacks like tempeh chips to meat substitutes of our premium frozen tempeh. Whether you're meal prepping or looking for healthy snacks on the go, Royal Tempeh delivers delicious, protein-packed vegan meat options straight to your door. Our products are perfect for creating a variety of tempeh dishes that satisfy your cravings for wholesome, plant based meat alternatives.
What does tempeh taste like?
Tempeh has a firm, meaty texture and a slightly nutty, earthy flavour. Royal Tempeh retains that authentic richness with every bite, whether you’re enjoying a tempeh block in a stir-fry or crunching on our seasoned tempeh chips. It's a true superfood packed with plant based protein, making it perfect for both savory meals and satisfying vegan protein tempeh.
Who brings Royal Tempeh to the United States?
Royal Tempeh, a premium Indonesian fermented soybean brand, is proudly distributed across the U.S. by Jans Enterprises Corp, a trusted partner for natural grocers, plant-based markets, and food service buyers seeking high-quality meat alternatives and traditional Asian protein sources.
Jans isn’t just a wholesale food distributors, we are a dedicated food and beverage distributor focused on delivering authentic, clean-label products to the American market. From iconic Indonesian food staples to health-forward innovations, Jans curates imports that reflect growing demand for natural and cultural authenticity.
Founded in 1998 as an Indonesian food distributor USA, Jans has become a reliable Asian food importer, serving leading retailers, health-focused stores, and distributors nationwide. We are now recognized among top food importers in USA, known for bringing dependable, trend-forward products with integrity and flavor.
Thanks to Jans, Royal Tempeh is now available throughout the U.S. — offering a versatile plant-based protein that meets the needs of modern consumers while honoring traditional Indonesian fermentation methods. We ensure availability, quality, and logistic reliability for all our B2B partners.