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.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 1
Press the tempeh block between clean kitchen towels for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into ¾-inch cubes.
- 2
Rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear, then combine with vegetable broth in a medium saucepan.
- 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
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
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
Season the cooked tempeh with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then transfer to a plate.
- 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
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
Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and divide evenly among four bowls.
- 10
Arrange the sautéed kale, roasted sweet potato, crispy tempeh, purple cabbage, chickpeas, and edamame in sections around each bowl of quinoa.
- 11
Drizzle the tahini sauce generously over each bowl, then garnish with sliced green onions and pumpkin seeds.
- 12
Season each bowl with additional salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately while the components are still warm.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| tempeh | extra-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 |
| quinoa | cooked lentils (1½ cups cooked brown or green lentils) | Lentils deliver 18g protein per cooked cup and add earthiness; budget-friendly and shelf-stable |
| tahini sauce | Greek 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 chickpeas | cooked 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 potato | roasted broccoli florets (3 cups) tossed with olive oil and garlic | Broccoli reduces carbs while maintaining fiber; adds 4g protein per serving when roasted |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 545 |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Carbohydrates | 54g |
| Fiber | 12g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Protein | 38g |
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


