• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to privacy navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Fit Mitten Kitchen

balanced baking and real food recipes

Subscribe to receive my FREE Healthy Nut Butter eBook!
Free eBook!
  • Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
        • Egg Dishes
        • Oatmeal & Granola
        • Pancakes & Waffles
        • Scones
        • Smoothies
      • Desserts
        • Bars & Brownies
        • Cakes & Cupcakes
        • Candy
        • Cookies
        • Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts
        • PIes, Tarts & Crisps
        • Cinnamon Rolls
      • Healthy Drinks
      • Lunch & Dinner
        • Appetizers
        • Bowls
        • Salads
        • Sandwiches & Wraps
        • Sides
        • Soups & Chili
      • Snacks
        • Bars & Balls
        • Muffins & Breads
        • Nut & Seed Butters
    • Dietary
      • Dairy Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • No Added Sugar
      • Nut-Free
      • Oil-Free
      • Paleo
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • Method
      • Food Processor & Blender
      • Freezer
      • Grill
      • Instant Pot
      • No-Bake
      • Oven
      • Slow Cooker
      • Stovetop
    • Protein
      • Chicken
      • Plant Based
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Turkey
    • Recipe Videos
  • About
    • Meet Ashley
    • Work with Me
      • Partnerships
    • Contact
  • Lifestyle
    • Real Talk
    • Travel
    • Workouts
  • Shop
Home Recipes Course Lunch & Dinner Thai Tempeh Nourish Bowl
GF Gluten-Free DF Dairy Free V Vegan VG Vegetarian

Thai Tempeh Nourish Bowl

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Rate Recipe
Posted:2/6/19
Updated:3/30/22
thai tempeh buddha bowl pin
thai tempeh buddha bowl pinterest

A super flavorful and seriously satisfying vegan Thai Tempeh Nourish Bowl, packed full with nutritious foods and drizzled with a simple cashew curry sauce. This meal comes together in just 30 minutes, plus it has 20 grams of plant-based protein and 16 grams of fiber!

*photos and recipe slightly updated February 2019*

What is a Nourish Bowl?

Essentially it’s an amazing dish loaded with nutrients coming from lots of vegetables and grains, paired with a dressing or sauce.

You may be familiar with the other names it goes by:

  • power bowl
  • macro bowl
  • grain bowl
  • superfood bowl

Whatever you want to call it, it’s a great way to pack a lot of punch into one meal. Some of my favorite meals are nourish bowls because you can combine delicious roasted veggies with grains, greens and some raw veggies too. Oh and top it off with a flavorful sauce.

I’ve never been one for condiments but homemade sauces I can do.

Customizable Ingredients

  • greens
  • choice of grain
  • red bell pepper
  • cabbage
  • roasted sweet potatoes
  • tempeh
  • avocado
  • cashew curry sauce (recipe below)
thai tempeh buddha bowl with dressing and avocado

This is one of those recipes that is really easy to change out ingredients for your favorite items. For example, if you don’t love red bell peppers, try replacing with shredded carrots. Or if tempeh isn’t your thing, maybe do chickpeas instead.

The choice of greens and grains is yours too. I used freekeh because I love the taste and texture.

cooked freekeh in pan

What is Freekeh?

Have you ever had freekeh before? Pronounced “freek-ah”. Freekeh is considered an ancient grain, low in fat and high in protein as well as fiber. In comparison to quinoa, freekeh has more protein and twice as much fiber (serving for serving). Freekeh is also lower on the GI index, meaning it’s great for keeping blood sugar levels stable. AND get this: Freekeh is high in iron, calcium and zinc, with prebiotic contents, which can help promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut.¹

So basically it’s a powerhouse grain that you need in your life! Personally, I love it. It reminds me of a cross between rice and farro. I love the chewy texture and slightly nutty taste it has.

How to prepare Freekeh

I’ve more recently been preparing freekeh in my Instant Pot, using Bob’s Red Mill cooking instructions.

But you can also boil it in a pot of water with a 1:2 ratio. So you need 1/2 cup freekeh with 1 cup boiling water. Allow the pot to boil and simmer until the water has disappeared, typically about 15 minutes or so depending on how much you’re preparing.

This is something that can be meal prepped ahead of time making this power bowl recipe super easy to throw together.

cooked freekeh on salad greens for a buddha bowl

How to Cook Tempeh

I always find I enjoy tempeh most when it has been marinated for at least 30 minutes, or a day ahead if you remember and have time.

For this bowl recipe using tempeh, you just need to chop the tempeh into cubes and place in a shallow bowl with coconut aminos (or soy sauce), sesame oil and rice vinegar. Flip over after about 15 minutes if not fully covered. Or marinate in a reusable bag placed in fridge overnight.

marinating tempeh in bowl for buddha bowl recipe

Homemade Simple Cashew Curry Sauce

  • cashew butter
  • red Thai curry paste
  • coconut aminos (or tamari)
  • rice vinegar

Oh my, this delicious cashew curry sauce… where have you been all of my life?! This is probably my favorite dressing to throw on salads and power bowl recipes like this. Flavorful, filling and kind of addicting. It could probably even double as a fry dipping sauce…

buddha bowl with cashew curry sauce over veggies and tempeh

The main idea behind the nourish bowl is that you’re loading up a bowl with nutritious foods, and getting a good mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. Experiment and play around with your favorites.

thai tempeh buddha bowl with cashew dressing

Leave a comment and review here on the blog if you make this recipe! I love hearing from you and it helps others find the recipe too. Xx Ashley 

Print

Thai Tempeh Nourish Bowl

thai tempeh buddha bowl with cashew dressing
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

A super flavorful and seriously satisfying Thai Tempeh Nourish Bowl, packed with nutritious foods and drizzled with a simple cashew curry sauce. Great for meal prep, vegan and gluten-free friendly.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: entree
  • Method: stovetop
  • Cuisine: Thai-American

Ingredients

Scale

For the bowl

  • 2 TBS coconut aminos (or tamari/soy sauce)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 TBS rice vinegar
  • 8oz package tempeh
  • 1/2 cup uncooked freekeh (or quinoa, wild rice)
  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 small sweet potato, chopped and roasted
  • 1 small avocado, pitted, fleshed and chopped

Cashew curry sauce

  • 1 1/2 TBS cashew butter
  • 1 1/2 TBS coconut milk (canned or carton for best consistency)
  • 1 TBS coconut aminos (or soy sauce, tamari, etc.)
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp red curry paste

Instructions

Prepare the tempeh

  • For the tempeh, I like to chop into cubes and let marinate in mixture of 2 TBS coconut aminos (or tamari/soy sauce), 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 TBS rice vinegar for about 10 minutes. Cook tempeh in medium frying pan on medium heat for about 10 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Cook the freekeh (or choice of grain)

  • While tempeh is marinating, start the freekeh by placing 1/2 cup freekeh and 1 1/2 cups of water in medium saucepan on medium-high heat. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, until water has evaporated.

Make the curry sauce

  • To make the sauce, add cashew butter, coconut milk, coconut aminos (or tamari/soy sauce), rice vinegar, and red curry paste in a small bowl and whisk vigorously until combined.

Assemble the Bowls

  • In a medium serving bowl, add mixed greens, cooked tempeh and freekeh, layer in veggies, and top with curry sauce. This bowl is best eaten fresh, but leftovers will keep in fridge for a couple days.

Notes

Nutrition does not include cashew curry sauce

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 275
  • Sugar: 4
  • Fat: 10
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 16
  • Protein: 20

Keywords: macro bowl, buddha bowl, ways to use tempeh

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @fitmittenkitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #fitmittenkitchen


This post contains some affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through said links, I will receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting Fit Mitten Kitchen

¹Freekeh the New Quinoa

About Ashley

"Ashley Walterhouse is the founder of Fit Mitten Kitchen, based in the Greater Lansing Area of Michigan, AKA “the Mitten.” Ashley grew up as a picky eater but later discovered that eating healthy was actually easy and fun. She started FMK in 2015 as a way to share her newfound love of developing healthier recipes for all to enjoy."

stack of chocolate dipped cashew butter cookies on plates with glass of milk
Previous Post
Chocolate Dipped Cashew Butter Cookies
chocolate frosted cookie dough cupcakes on marble cake stand
Next Post
Grain Free Cookie Dough Cupcakes {and why you should celebrate Galentine’s Day}

Reader Interactions

Rate this Recipe Cancel reply

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Valerie says

    3/1/2020 at 10:02 pm

    Sounds delicious! Do you think I could use green curry paste for the sauce?

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      3/5/2020 at 5:01 pm

      I haven’t tried that myself but I don’t see why not? As long as you enjoy green curry!

      Reply
  2. Tim C. says

    5/26/2020 at 8:16 am

    This dish is amazing. It is our new favorite. The combination of the fresh flavors and the sauce is incredible. Your tastebuds will be dancing. Can’t wait to make it again. Thanks for sharing

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      5/27/2020 at 11:00 am

      So glad you enjoyed it, Tim! I appreciate you taking the time to share your review 😀 Helps so much!

      Reply
  3. James Pascua says

    12/15/2020 at 5:31 pm

    probably the best buddha bowl recipe i’ve used yet. that cashew nut butter red curry sauce is so delicious.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      12/16/2020 at 2:34 pm

      So glad you like it, James! I am pretty obsessed myself 😀 Thanks for taking the time to comment and leave a review!!

      Reply
  4. Ali says

    2/24/2021 at 12:50 pm

    This recipe is SO yummy!! I love how easily customizable it is too! My grocery store was out of tempeh so I used tofu and added some edamame! And the sauce is to die for!! This just might be my go to for the spring! Thank you for sharing!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  5. may says

    5/13/2021 at 10:13 am

    Recipe seems great ! But the calories for a portion don’t add up right.

    ★★★★

    Reply
  6. Amber R Johnson says

    9/28/2021 at 8:02 pm

    Delicious recipe for Tempeh! I’ve made this several times and it’s consistently a hit. I’ve served it to friends who’ve never had Tempeh or didn’t like it when they had it in the past and they loved this one!

    I double the sauce and use almond butter instead of cashew butter and orange juice instead of coconut milk because I always have those on hand. I’ve also subbed whole wheat noodles and brown rice for the grain depending on what I have on hand.

    All in all a wonderful, versitile recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Hey there!

I’m Ashley – Thanks for visiting Fit Mitten Kitchen. Here we balance real food with desserts and healthy snacks making life easy, nutritious and delicious.

Learn more

join the list

To receive the latest FMK recipes (and BONUS: you'll get my free Nut Butter eBook!)

Thank you for subscribing!

More for you...

18+ No Bake Paleo Desserts to Make this Summer

30+ Must Make Vegan Grilling Recipes for Summer!

20+ Healthy & Quick Summer Dinners

25 Plant Based Burger Recipes to Try ASAP

40 Amazing Strawberry Recipes for you!

blueberry recipes graphic

35 Delicious Blueberry Recipes

raspberry recipe graphic

30+ Healthy Raspberry Recipes

35+ Healthy Smoothie Recipes

Free recipe ebook!

Subscribe and get a FREE healthy nut butter ebook!

Thank you for subscribing!
Trending Now
Rainbow Kale Quinoa Salad with sumbutter dressing Meal Prep Salads
mint pineapple smoothie pouring into glass with white dishes and honey stick surrounding glass Drinks & Smoothies
No Bake Desserts
As Featured On
  • Browse by Diet
  • Gluten-Free
  • Dairy Free
  • Vegan
  • Paleo
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
Exclusive Member of Mediavine· © 2022 · All Rights Reserved · Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled Back to Top

Subscribe & receive a free nut butter ebook!

Thank you for subscribing!
15277 shares