Trader Joe’s Tempeh Recipe

Trader Joe’s Tempeh Recipe is one of my favorite plant-based protein hacks that fits into just about any meal. If you’re new to tempeh, don’t worry-it may look a little unusual at first, but trust me, once prepared the right way, it turns into a hearty, delicious, and versatile ingredient.

Made from cultured soybeans, tempeh is different from tofu because it keeps the full soybean intact, giving it a nutty taste and firm texture. One block packs in 20 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber, and 11 grams of healthy fats-all with less than 1 gram of sugar. That means it keeps you full, helps your gut, and supports steady energy without blood sugar spikes.

The best part? Cooking Trader Joe’s Tempeh is quick and simple. In this recipe, I’ll show you the trick to removing its natural bitterness and share three easy, flavorful ways to enjoy it-whether roasted, crumbled into Trader Joe’s Jalapeno Sauce, or sautéed in teriyaki for a satisfying stir-fry.

My Personal Experience With This Trader Joe’s Tempeh Recipe

The first time I tried tempeh, I’ll be honest-I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Straight from the package, it has a slightly bitter taste, and I almost gave up before I learned the simple boiling trick. That changed everything!

By simmering it in broth for 10 minutes, the bitterness disappears and the tempeh soaks up flavor, becoming a versatile base for countless recipes. I often use a no-chicken vegetable broth, but plain water with herbs works in a pinch.

Now, Trader Joe’s Tempeh has become a staple in my weekly meal prep. I love making sheet pan dinners when I’m short on time, but crumbled tempeh pasta and teriyaki stir-fry are my go-tos when I want comfort food that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients Required for Trader Joe’s Tempeh Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Trader Joe’s Tempeh

• 1 block Trader Joe’s Tempeh
• 3 cups vegetable broth (or water with herbs)
• 1 tbsp olive or avocado oil
• 1 cup frozen green beans (or any vegetable of choice)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Seasonings: oregano, garlic powder, onion powder
• Optional sauces: pesto, hummus, balsamic dressing, teriyaki, BBQ, or coconut aminos

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Medium saucepan with lid
2. Baking sheet (for sheet pan version)
3. Non-stick skillet (for sautéed version)
4. Mixing spoon and spatula
5. Sharp knife and cutting board

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Total time: 25 minutes

Copycat Trader Joe’s Tempeh Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Trader Joe’s Tempeh in a delicious way.

Step 1 – Boil the Tempeh
Slice Trader Joe’s tempeh into 3 pieces. In a saucepan, bring 3 cups of broth or seasoned water to a simmer. Add the tempeh, cover, and let it cook for 10 minutes. This step removes bitterness and infuses flavor.

Step 2 – Prepare for Cooking
Remove tempeh from the broth, pat dry, and decide how you’d like to use it: slices for roasting, crumbles for pasta, or cubes for stir-fry.

Step 3 – Sheet Pan Tempeh Dinner
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lined sheet pan, arrange tempeh slices and frozen green beans. Drizzle with olive oil, season with oregano, salt, and pepper, then bake for 10 minutes. Serve with roasted sweet potato, arugula, avocado, and your favorite sauce.

Step 4 – Crumbled Tempeh Pasta Sauce
Finely chop or crumble the boiled tempeh. Stir it into marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or butternut squash noodles for a hearty, protein-rich meal.

Step 5 – Teriyaki Sautéed Tempeh
Cube the tempeh, heat avocado oil in a skillet, and sauté until golden brown (about 4–5 minutes per side). Add teriyaki, BBQ sauce, or coconut aminos, tossing until coated and caramelized.

Step 6 – Serve & Enjoy
Pair sautéed tempeh with rice, noodles, or stir-fried veggies. All three methods create quick, delicious, and nourishing meals perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Trader Joe’s Tempeh

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Trader Joe’s Tempeh deliciously

1. Tempeh Buddha Bowl
I love tossing roasted tempeh cubes into a colorful Buddha bowl. Add quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, avocado slices, and a drizzle of tahini dressing-it’s hearty, nourishing, and perfect for meal prep.

2. Tempeh Tacos
One of my family’s favorites is crumbled tempeh tacos. I season it with taco spices, pile it into corn tortillas, and top with salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce. Honestly, it’s hard to even miss the meat.

3. Over a Fresh Salad
Sometimes I keep things light by adding crispy sautéed tempeh over a big green salad. A little balsamic vinaigrette, some cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers-and suddenly it’s a satisfying, protein-packed lunch.

4. Tempeh Stir-Fry
Whenever I don’t know what to cook, stir-fry is my fallback. Tempeh cubes tossed with broccoli, bell peppers, and a splash of soy sauce or coconut aminos-served over jasmine rice-makes a balanced, quick dinner.

5. Tempeh Grain Bowls
Grain bowls are a weekly staple in my kitchen. Brown rice or farro, roasted veggies, tempeh, and a dollop of hummus-it’s simple but feels like something I could eat every single day without getting bored.

6. Tempeh Pasta Sauce
Crumbling tempeh into marinara sauce is one of those tricks that makes pasta night feel extra hearty. I usually serve it with whole-wheat spaghetti or zucchini noodles, and it always satisfies.

7. Tempeh Sandwich or Wrap
When I’m craving something handheld, I sauté tempeh strips and tuck them into a whole-grain wrap with hummus, spinach, and cucumbers. It’s quick, portable, and a great lunch option for busy days.

8. Breakfast Tempeh Scramble
Yes, tempeh for breakfast! I like to crumble it up with onions, bell peppers, and a dash of turmeric-it pairs beautifully with avocado toast or tucked inside a breakfast burrito.

9. Tempeh Buddha Bowl with Asian Flavors
When I want something bold, I coat tempeh cubes in teriyaki sauce and serve them with soba noodles, steamed edamame, and sesame seeds. It feels like takeout, but it’s healthier and homemade.

10. Tempeh Power Plate
On Sundays, I often prep a big “power plate” with roasted tempeh, a baked sweet potato, steamed broccoli, and some avocado. A little drizzle of lemon-tahini sauce ties it all together-comforting, filling, and ridiculously good.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Trader Joe’s Tempeh Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Boil it first.
Tempeh can taste a little bitter. Boil it in broth or water for 10 minutes to make it yummy.

2. Cut it small.
Slice, cube, or crumble tempeh. Smaller pieces soak up more flavor.

3. Use broth.
Cooking in veggie broth gives tempeh a cozy taste. Water works too if that’s all you have.

4. Add oil.
A little olive oil or avocado oil makes tempeh golden and crispy.

5. Season well.
Salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs make a big difference. Don’t skip them!

6. Try sauces.
Teriyaki, BBQ, pesto, or hummus can turn plain tempeh into something extra tasty.

7. Mix with veggies.
Roast green beans, broccoli, or carrots on the same pan. One sheet pan, less mess!

8. Use it in pasta.
Crumble tempeh into tomato sauce. It feels like meat but stays plant-based.

9. Make it a bowl.
Add rice, sweet potato, or noodles with tempeh on top. Easy meal, happy tummy.

10. Save leftovers.
Keep cooked tempeh in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in a pan to make it warm and fresh again.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Trader Joe’s Tempeh Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover tempeh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or sauce for best flavor. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may dry out.

FAQs on this Copycat Trader Joe’s Tempeh Recipe

When you give this Trader Joe’s Tempeh Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. How to eat Trader Joe’s tempeh?

I usually eat Trader Joe’s tempeh in bowls, pasta, or stir-fries. After boiling it to reduce bitterness, I either roast it on a sheet pan with veggies, crumble it into marinara for pasta, or sauté it with teriyaki sauce. It’s really versatile-you can use it anywhere you’d normally add chicken or beef.

2. How do you cook tempeh so it tastes good?

The trick is to boil it first for about 10 minutes in broth. This step removes the natural bitterness and lets the tempeh soak up flavor. After that, you can roast, sauté, or marinate it. I personally love it sautéed with teriyaki-it turns out crispy, savory, and really satisfying.

3. Can I eat Trader Joe’s tempeh raw?

Technically yes, since tempeh is fermented and safe to eat, but I don’t recommend it. Raw tempeh has a bitter, earthy taste that isn’t very enjoyable. Cooking it brings out its nutty flavor and gives it a better texture. Boiling, baking, or pan-frying makes all the difference.

4. Is Trader Joe’s tempeh good?

Yes! I’ve tried a lot of tempeh brands, and Trader Joe’s is one of my favorites because it’s affordable, has a firm texture, and cooks up really well. Once you prepare it right, it takes on sauces beautifully and works in so many recipes.

5. What is the best way to serve Trader Joe’s tempeh?

My go-to ways are in grain bowls, pasta sauces, and stir-fries. Sometimes I roast it with veggies for meal prep, or I’ll crumble it into tacos for a plant-based filling. Honestly, it’s a protein you can dress up however you like.

6. Do you need to marinate Trader Joe’s tempeh?

Not always. Boiling it in broth already gives it a nice flavor base. But if you have time, marinating it after boiling makes it even better. I love tossing it in teriyaki or balsamic dressing for an extra punch before cooking.

7. How long does cooked tempeh last in the fridge?

In my experience, it keeps well for about 3–4 days in an airtight container. I usually make a batch on Sunday and add it to lunches throughout the week. Just reheat it in a skillet to keep it crispy.

8. Can you freeze Trader Joe’s tempeh?

Yes, you can freeze it. I’ve frozen both uncooked and cooked tempeh. If freezing uncooked, keep it in the package. If freezing cooked tempeh, let it cool first, then store in freezer bags. It reheats really well in a skillet with a little sauce.

9. What sauces go best with Trader Joe’s tempeh?

I love using teriyaki, BBQ, balsamic glaze, or even pesto. Tempeh soaks up sauces really well once it’s boiled, so you can switch it up depending on what you’re cooking. Hummus is also surprisingly delicious as a topping.

10. Is tempeh healthier than tofu?

In my opinion, yes, if you want more fiber and a heartier texture. Tempeh is less processed and made from whole soybeans, so it has about 9 grams of fiber per block and keeps me full much longer. Tofu is great too, but tempeh feels more satisfying in meals.

This Trader Joe’s Tempeh Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a plant-based protein that’s high in fiber, filling, and versatile enough for endless meals. Whether you roast it, crumble it into pasta, or stir-fry it with teriyaki, you’ll have a nutritious dish that the whole family can enjoy.

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