Looking for a different take on tacos? These Teriyaki Tempeh Tacos are loaded with protein and combine both sweet and savory to make a delicious and easy meal.
Tacos weren't always my "thing". Growing up I never got a chance to try them because my family was full of picky eaters who only ate American basics.
So when everyone else at college was eating Taco Bell because it was cheap, I still couldn't bring myself to try any. I always thought that tacos had to be filled with greasy ground meat so when I finally realized tacos could be fun, healthy, and plant-based, I was ready to give them a go.
I love taking recipes that I already love and creating something new with them. I did that with my Lemon Overnight Oats, making my Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats.
That worked out really well so I figured why not do it for tacos? And that's how my Teriyaki Tempeh Tacos were born!
Taco Time
Tacos can be so versatile. You can throw basically anything in a taco shell and have a tasty and easy meal ready to eat in a short amount of time.
Coming up with new taco creations has been lots of fun lately. And since I've gotten a bunch of positive comments my Walnut "Meat" Tacos as well as my Breakfast Tacos I figured I's share one of my latest recipes, my Teriyaki Tempeh Tacos.
I have been enjoying my Teriyaki Tempeh and wanted to do something else with it like I did with my Lemon Overnight Oats. Side Note: I know some people say are not into tempeh but try my version before you write it off fully.
If you're not into tempeh after trying it, then tempeh might not be for you but at least try this version first because I cook it so that it's not as bitter as you might have had before.
As I was saying, I wanted to use my teriyaki tempeh for these tacos to put a different spin on the tacos. To balance the teriyaki flavor I made a tasty slaw to go with it using cabbage, carrots, vinegar, and even some Sriracha. Did I get you with Sriracha? I hope so, it's really good!
Teriyaki Tempeh Tacos
If you make this Teriyaki Tempeh Tacos recipe, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below.
📖 Recipe
Tempeh Tacos
Ingredients
- 8 oz package organic tempeh
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 Tablespoons veggie broth
- 1 Tablespoon tamari can sub soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 6 gluten free taco shells (if using soft corn tortillas, you can double them if you like)*
Slaw
- 1 cup green cabbage shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage shredded
- 1 cup carrots grated
- 3 scallions chopped
Dressing
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tablespoons lime juice
- ½ Tablespoon tamari (or soy sauce if not gf)
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon sriracha
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cut tempeh into triangles or squares and steam in a steamer basket for 10 minutes. (see notes)
- Add all ingredients for the marinade into a bowl and whisk together.
- Place tempeh into a dish and pour marinade over. Marinate for at least 20 mins.
- Place oil in a pan and sear the tempeh 3-5 minutes on each side until crispy.
- Add all of the dressing ingredients to a large bowl and whisk until combined.
- Add slaw ingredients to the dressing and mix until coated.
- Fill tacos with the slaw and tempeh and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional information data is computer generated and only an estimate so it should be used only as a guide.
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Like my Teriyaki Tempeh Tacos recipe? It would be so wonderful if you could give it some love by sharing!
Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel confident in creating sustainable habits that align with their values and health goals. She shares easy gluten-free plant-powered food to nourish your body + satisfy your tastebuds. Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition info have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
Crystal says
I made this but added mint to the "salad" and served it on calrose rice. SO FREAKING GOOD!!! thank you <3
Mary Ellen says
What a great ideat to add some mint, Crystal! I'm so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you so much for coming back to review it!
Dan H says
8 Taco shells = 6 servings? How does that work?
Mary Ellen says
Hi Dan, thanks, I didn't see that error before! It's fixed now.
Please note that the taco shells are not included in nutrition info because nutrition can vary for each.
Seclusive Nature says
We had these the other night and loved them! I think they're even better as leftovers. Thanks so much for sharing!
Mary Ellen says
I'm so glad you liked them! I've enjoyed the as leftovers too. 🙂 Thank you so much for letting me know! I really appreciate it.
Kimmythevegan says
I could have sworn I had already commented on this - but seems not :/
Anyway - I still don't get these people not into tempeh. The stuff is glorious and so versatile. And tasty!
Totally digging these tacos and can't wait to try 'em out.
ps. I hate to admit that I used to love taco bell. Gross.
Alison's Allspice says
Oooooh. These look so good! I have always loved tacos, but you need to put a twist on your favorite things sometimes to mix it up! Teriyaki on tacos sounds amazing, pinned for later, Thanks!
Mary Ellen says
Thank you so much Alison! Yes, I like twisting things up sometimes to make things fun!
Jac -Tinned Tomatoes (@tinnedtoms) says
Those are droolworthy Mary Ellen. Thanks for submitting it to Meat Free Mondays. I'm featuring your recipe this week and the roundup is now live. Right now for some sharing!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Jac! I love your roundups!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy says
oh my goodness!!! I just came across these on social shares and i'm in love with your teriyaki tempeh tacos!! I need to try them asap!
Mary Ellen says
Thank you so much Anjali! That is so sweet! I hope you like them if you get to give them a try. 🙂
Jenn says
I love the Asian meets Mexican flavor combo here. A perfect change of pace from everyday taco ingredients.
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Jenn! I love trying out new fusion flavors. 🙂
shaheen says
Oh my Mary Ellen, that looks so stupendously good.
Mary Ellen says
Thank you so much Shaheen! 🙂
Christine @ Run Plant Based says
These look wonderful, great flavor fusion and can't wait to try. Thanks!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Christine! I love trying out new fusion flavors. 🙂
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
These look and sound amazing!! I've got to try them! Pinned!
Mary Ellen says
Thank you so much Julie! <3
johanna @ green gourmet giraffe says
I grew up with one type of tacos that we had and it took me a long time to understand how much variety there can be in tacos - these look wonderful - I still have your tempeh teriyaki bookmarked so I love this idea
Mary Ellen says
It's amazing how many varieties of tacos there are now a days. It's so fun playing around with ideas. I hope you like the tempeh when you very a chance to try it, Johanna!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
These tacos are amazing! I love the mash up of Asian and Mexican flavors!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Amy! Its so fun to mix up flavors!
Dianne says
That's so sad that you didn't eat tacos growing up! My family ate terrible standard American diet food, but we ate tacos regularly. My mom would get the kit from Old El Paso and just cook it with hamburger meat, which I think is really disgusting now.
I love tempeh, and I love teriyaki, so I'm excited to try these! Sooooo much better than the junk I grew up on!
Mary Ellen says
My family only really ate pasta and chicken nuggets - it was pretty ridiculous. It would have been a huge ordeal if my mom tried some Old El Paso tacos lol.
Thanks so much Dianne, I hope you like it! 🙂
Becky Striepe says
Oh wow! These look super flavorful.
Mary Ellen says
Thank you so much Becky! 🙂