American dinner

Power-Packed Tempeh Buddha Bowl with Creamy Tahini Drizzle

High-protein plant-based Buddha bowl with tempeh, quinoa & tahini. 38g protein per serving. Perfect for meal prep & muscle building.

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Prep: 20 minCook: 30 minTotal: 50 minServes 4545 cal

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 8 oz tempeh block, pressed and cubed
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 3 tbsp tahini paste
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed
  • 1 large sweet potato, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 cup roasted chickpeas
  • ½ cup shelled edamame
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Water for tahini sauce consistency
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Instructions

  1. 1

    Press the tempeh block between clean kitchen towels for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into ¾-inch cubes.

  2. 2

    Rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear, then combine with vegetable broth in a medium saucepan.

  3. 3

    Bring the quinoa mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer covered for 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.

  4. 4

    While the quinoa cooks, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, and 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth and pourable, adding more water if needed for drizzling consistency.

  5. 5

    Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the tempeh cubes and sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on multiple sides.

  6. 6

    Season the cooked tempeh with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then transfer to a plate.

  7. 7

    Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet and toss in the kale, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until slightly wilted and tender.

  8. 8

    In a separate skillet, roast the sweet potato cubes over medium heat with a pinch of salt for 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until caramelized and fork-tender.

  9. 9

    Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and divide evenly among four bowls.

  10. 10

    Arrange the sautéed kale, roasted sweet potato, crispy tempeh, purple cabbage, chickpeas, and edamame in sections around each bowl of quinoa.

  11. 11

    Drizzle the tahini sauce generously over each bowl, then garnish with sliced green onions and pumpkin seeds.

  12. 12

    Season each bowl with additional salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately while the components are still warm.

Variations & Substitutions

IngredientSubstituteNotes
tempehextra-firm tofu (14 oz block, pressed and cubed)Tofu offers a similar neutral flavor and absorbs the tahini sauce beautifully while providing 20g protein per serving; easier to find in some areas
quinoacooked lentils (1½ cups cooked brown or green lentils)Lentils deliver 18g protein per cooked cup and add earthiness; budget-friendly and shelf-stable
tahini sauceGreek yogurt-based sauce (½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt + 1 tbsp tahini + lemon juice + garlic)Boosts protein to 42g per serving while keeping the creamy texture; tangier flavor that brightens the bowl
roasted chickpeascooked hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds (¼ cup mixed in + ¼ cup for garnish)Hemp seeds add 10g protein per 3 tablespoons; provide complete amino acid profile and omega-3s
sweet potatoroasted broccoli florets (3 cups) tossed with olive oil and garlicBroccoli reduces carbs while maintaining fiber; adds 4g protein per serving when roasted

Recommended Equipment

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Nutrition Information

Per serving (serves 4)

Calories545
Total Fat20g
Saturated Fat3g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium420mg
Carbohydrates54g
Fiber12g
Sugar7g
Protein38g

This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer

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