🥗 Sweet Chili Tempeh Bowl – Bold, Balanced, and Plant-Powered

✨ Why You’ll Love It

Bold & Sweet Heat from the sticky chili-glazed tempeh

High in plant-based protein and fiber

Ready in 30 minutes

Great for meal prep or weeknight dinners

Super photogenic – because we eat with our eyes first

📋 Recipe Overview

Category: Lunch / Dinner Bowl

Servings: 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

For the Tempeh

1 block tempeh (8 oz), cubed or sliced

2 tsp sesame oil or avocado oil

1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Pinch of black pepper

Sweet Chili Glaze

1/3 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)

1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)

Bowl Components

1 cup cooked jasmine rice or brown rice

1/2 cup shredded red cabbage

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1/4 cup chopped cucumber

1/2 ripe avocado, sliced

2 tbsp chopped green onions

Sesame seeds & lime wedges for garnish

🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Tempeh

(Optional but recommended) Steam tempeh for 10 minutes to remove bitterness and soften the texture. Pat dry and cube.

2. Cook the Tempeh

In a skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add tempeh and pan-fry until golden on all sides (about 6–8 minutes). Add soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for another minute.

3. Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Bring to a light simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until thickened.

4. Glaze the Tempeh

Pour the sauce over cooked tempeh and toss to coat. Let it caramelize slightly for 1–2 minutes on low heat.

5. Build the Bowls

Divide rice into two bowls. Add shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, avocado slices, and glazed tempeh. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime.

📊 Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 470

Protein: 21g

Carbs: 48g

Fat: 22g

Fiber: 8g

Sugars: 9g (mostly from chili sauce)

Nutrition may vary depending on specific products used.

🔄 Easy Swaps & Variations

Make it your own with these ideas:

Gluten-Free: Use tamari and gluten-free sweet chili sauce

Low-Carb: Sub cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage

No Tempeh? Try tofu, chickpeas, or sautéed mushrooms

Extra Greens: Add baby spinach, kale, or microgreens

🧠 Pro Tips

Steam the tempeh first for better flavor and digestion

Use pre-cooked rice and pre-shredded veggies to save time

Want a creamier finish? Drizzle with spicy vegan mayo or tahini

Meal-prepping? Store the components separately to keep textures fresh

💬 Final Thoughts

This Sweet Chili Tempeh Bowl is everything we love about modern healthy eating: it’s flavorful, colorful, nutrient-dense, and easy to adapt. Whether you’re new to tempeh or a longtime plant-based fan, this bowl will win you over.

🌶️ Loved this Sweet Chili Tempeh Bowl? We’d love to see your vibrant bowls! Share your creation on Instagram or Pinterest by tagging @savoryritual and using the hashtag #SweetChiliTempehBowl. We can't wait to feature your colorful, delicious bowl! ✨🌱