I once stumbled upon tempeh at a local farmers market—its nutty aroma and firm texture hooked me instantly. Now, these easy vegan tempeh burrito bowls are my go-to, especially on those chaotic weeknights when time seems to vanish quicker than a TikTok trend. With a medley of vibrant veggies, zesty lime, and a kick of spicy salsa, every bite feels like a fiesta in your mouth—a little chaotic, a lot delicious.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Peel and dice the sweet potato into 1/2-inch cubes, then spread them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with oil, toss to coat, and season with a pinch of salt. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, then set aside.
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, crumble an 8 oz. block of tempeh into a skillet. Add water, oil, tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir briefly to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the skillet and heat over medium. Let the tempeh mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens into a sauce.
- Slice the avocado and jalapeño. Prepare four bowls by placing 1 cup of cooked rice in each.
- Divide the seasoned tempeh, roasted sweet potatoes, corn, and avocado among the bowls. Top each with slices of jalapeño, 1-2 tablespoons of salsa, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Ingredients
- 1 sweet potato (approximately 1 lb.)
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 8 oz. tempeh
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked pepper (about 10 turns of a pepper mill)
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1 jalapeño
- 1 avocado
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2247.52 kcal | Carbohydrates: 285.12 g | Protein: 76.12 g | Fat: 97 g | Sodium: 4534 mg | Fiber: 42.32 g
FAQ
- What is tempeh and why is it used in these burrito bowls?
- Tempeh is a plant-based protein made from fermented soybeans, or sometimes other beans and grains. It has a firm texture and is rich in protein and fiber. Its mild flavor makes it a versatile meat substitute that absorbs marinades and seasonings well, making it ideal for dishes like burrito bowls.
- Can I customize the ingredients in the Tempeh Burrito Bowls?
- Yes, these burrito bowls are highly customizable. You can start with a simple base of rice, seasoned tempeh, salsa, and cheese, or get creative with additional toppings such as bell peppers, black beans, pico de gallo, cilantro, and more. You can also swap sour cream for lime crema or use cilantro lime rice for extra flavor.
- How do you prepare the tempeh for the burrito bowls?
- To prepare the tempeh, crumble it into a skillet and add water, oil, tomato paste, and various spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Simmer the mixture until the liquid reduces to a thick sauce, which gives the tempeh a flavorful and meat-like texture.
- What is the best way to store and reheat Tempeh Burrito Bowls?
- Tempeh Burrito Bowls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply microwave the bowl until heated through, or you can reheat the components separately on the stovetop before assembling the bowl again.
- Is there a vegan option for the Tempeh Burrito Bowls?
- Yes, to make these bowls vegan, you can omit the sour cream or replace it with a plant-based alternative. You can also ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly and choose additional vegan toppings like avocado, grilled vegetables, or pickled onions.
Tips
- Maximize Flavor with Marinades: Tempeh has a mild taste on its own, making it perfect for absorbing flavors. Consider marinating it with your favorite sauces or spices before cooking to enhance its taste.
- Customize with Creative Toppings: Burrito bowls are incredibly versatile. Feel free to mix and match toppings such as cilantro lime rice, pico de gallo, grilled vegetables, or pickled onions to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
- Efficient Roasting: When roasting sweet potatoes, ensure they are evenly coated with oil and spread out on the baking sheet to achieve a perfect caramelized texture. Stir halfway through the roasting time for even cooking.
- Convenient Meal Prep: These burrito bowls can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, making them an excellent option for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Skillet with a lid
- Pepper mill (for freshly cracked pepper)
