I have seen countless recipes on food blogs and in magazines that utilize tempeh as the star ingredient. For months now I have been wanting to cook with tempeh. I bookmarked recipes utilizing tempeh, but never took the plunge. Finally, about a week ago, I purchased my first package of tempeh and got to cooking. On the menu:
Tempeh and Veggie Burritos (Vegan)
First, many of you may be wondering…what is tempeh?
Tempeh is made up of soy and is commonly used in the place of meat in my dishes. Like tofu, tempeh takes on the flavors of whatever dish you are making. Therefore, utilizing the proper seasonings is important. I purchased a Five Grain tempeh, which also contained organic bulgur wheat, barley, millet, brown rice, oats, and white rice.
Now, let’s get to the recipe!
Servings: makes 4 burritos
Ingredients
water, for cooking
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 yellow onion, diced
1/4 cup diced bell peppers (I used red and green)
8 oz tempeh (I only used about 6 oz of the package)
juice of 1 small lime
2 TB low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1 TB nutritional yeast
1/4 cup frozen corn
1/4 cup roasted parsnips*
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1/8 cup salsa
1/4 cup Daiya Pepper Jack “cheese”
4 whole wheat tortillas
EVOO cooking spray
*You could substitute potatoes for the parsnips, but the parsnips are a healthier option and provide a delicious flavor to the burritos.
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Line a large skillet with a thin layer of water. Heat over medium-high heat until very hot. Once hot, lower the heat to medium. Add garlic, onions, and peppers and cook for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until softened.
3. Add tempeh to the pan and break it up with a spatula. Add lime juice, soy sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast. Stir until well-combined. Cook approximately 5 minutes, or until the tempeh is heated through.
3. Lower the heat to medium-low. Add in corn, parsnips, and spinach. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the corn is cooked and the spinach as wilted.
4. Stir in salsa and “cheese.” Cook an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the “cheese” has melted.
5. Place one forth of the tempeh and veggie mixture onto each tortilla.
6. Roll each tortilla tightly into the shape of a burrito and place on a sprayed baking sheet, seem side down.
7. Bake the burritos for approximately 5 minutes, or until the tortillas are hot and begin to get crispy and golden brown.
I ate two burritos for dinner and saved two to eat as leftovers for lunch the next day (which, by the way, re-heated beautifully!). I served my Tempeh and Veggie Burritos alongside a sliced apple. There is just something about balancing out a spicy dish with a sweet side of fruit.
When I cut into the burritos, my senses were pleased both visually and with the delicious smell of what awaited me. As I took my first bite, I was a little bit nervous since I was not sure what to expect from my first experience with tempeh. Well…I definitely had nothing to be nervous about! These burritos were good!! The tempeh took on the delicious seasonings of the lime juice, soy sauce, and spices, and the addition of vegetables, salsa, and “cheese” made for one tasty burrito.
For my first experience of cooking with and eating tempeh, I was more than pleased. If you learn one thing at all from this post, don’t be afraid to try tempeh, like I was. Take the plunge, buy some tempeh, and make these delicious burritos. I am now definitely a tempeh convert, and I will even go as far as to say that I am a tempeh lover. More tempeh recipes to come! 
I could definitely go for one of these right about now! I love that you describe your experience in cooking with something new. I’ve never had tempeh, so it is super helpful to hear about it before just buying it. Have a great Sunday!
You should definitely give tempeh a try! I may actually like it even more than I like tofu, and that is saying something!
I have never heard of tempeh, I definitely want to try this recipe, thanks
You absolutely should! It is delicious
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Need to try tempeh!
It is SO good!!
I’ve seen tempeh all over the blog world but have yet to try it…not a tofu fan so I think I’m worried it tastes similar?
Honestly, I did not find it to taste similar. I actually think that is tastes better! It definitely has less of a “weird” texture than tofu does, if that is what you are worried about. You should really give it a try
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Yum!! I would love these burritos. Tempeh is tough to make, great job!
You should definitely try these, especially since they incorporate your love Daiya cheese!
I love cooking with tempeh – it’s such a great meat substitute! This sounds like the type of recipe that I would really enjoy.
It is definitely awesome. I hope you give this recipe a try!
I am way nervous to buy anything tofu. We’re not vegetarians, but I don’t know if I could get away with it with the hubs. It loos so delicious!
You should totally try it. He might not even realize that it is in there. The burritos really taste like they contain veggies AND meat!
These look great! I’m a fan of anything Mexican, although I’m a little wary of tempeh.
I was totally wary too, but learn from me and give it a try. I really don’t think you will regret it!
I still have yet to try tempeh. One day! I love Mexican food though so this may be a good place to start!
This is the perfect recipe to try tempeh with for the first time. You really cannot mess it up!
Yum, I’ve got some tempeh in my fridge i may just have to add these to the menu plan for this week
You definitely should! Please let me know if you try them
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I have always been so skeptical on working and even trying tempeh. I’m not sure why, but something about it just… freaks me out?! Ha Ha. Will have to get past this fear & try it.
You should definitely give it a try. What have you got to lose?!?
I’ve never tried tempeh, but have been meaning to give it a shot. Looks like a great recipe!
I hope you will give it a try! It is quite fantastic
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Yum! I love tempeh. One of my favourite vegetarian restaurants here makes a dish called mostly greens where they make this beautiful stir fry (funnily enough full of greens) over brown rice and topped with pan fried tempeh and tahini sauce it is to die for!
You’ve definitely inspired me to want to cook it more myself too.
That sounds amazing! I cannot wait to try tempeh in restaurants!
I’ve only made tempeh once before, but it was super delicious (tempeh ruebens, mmmm). Not sure why I haven’t worked with it more, but your recipe looks delicious so I might just have to change that.
I have tempeh ruebens on my meal plan for next week. I am pretty excited to give them a try!
yumyum i love burritos! such a easy week night meal! and soo good, love using tempeh in place of meat
This really is a very easy meal to make, which is perfect for the weeknight. I am already craving it again just thinking about it!
Based on all these other comments, it like I am not alone in never having tried tempeh/ feeling inspired to do it based on this post!
You should absolutely give it a try! It is delicious
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I need to try tempeh already! so curious. Love the apple slices on the side of your burrito btw, for some reason its adorable haha
Haha, thanks!
And yes, you NEED to try it!
These look so good! And your burritos are rolled so perfectly, wish I had your skills!
Haha, you are far too kind! It actually took quite a lot of concentration to get them to look like that!
I love trying new foods but often a intimidated to cook with them. What is the texture of this like? Is it like tofu?
I think that it has much more of a “meat” texture than tofu does. So if the texture of tofu scares you, you might try tempeh instead.
I’ve never tried tempeh before either! it always intimated me because I had NO idea how to cook it. What would you say it tastes like?
Tempeh really takes on the taste of whatever you season it with. You can absolutely make it taste like meat. When eating these burritos its just seemed like I was eating a meat/bean/veggie burrito.
This looks SO good! I wish I could try tempeh! But me is allergic. Boo
Bummer!! That totally stinks.
Ooh, tempeh in burritos–that is such a good idea! Tempeh is probably my favorite substitute for meat. When you crumble it, it’s the perfect stand-in for ground beef!
It is SO good. I am so glad that I finally tried it.
I want to try tempeh. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of it but I’m sure I’d like it with lots of seasonings like you used!
You should absolutely give it a try. Please let me know if you do!
I have also always wanted to try cooking with tempeh too!! thanks to you for giving me a yummy go-to recipe to do that. They look so tasty!
You should most definitely give it a shot!
This sounds delicious!! I love anything with daiya cheese on it!
Daiya is amazing!
Ooh I’m so glad they turned out so well! I haven’t tried tempeh, but I really should! I bet I’d like it.
Yes, you really should. Please do!
Omg, I LOVE tempeh! Gotta love that texture and the “nutty” taste can’t be beat! SO much better than tofu in my opinion. These burritos look fantastic! I’ve made tacos with tempeh before, but I’ll definitely have to keep this in mind!
Tempeh is awesome!