Make This Incredible Tempeh Scramble

Have you ever tried tempeh breakfast recipes? Do you know what tempeh is? I love breakfast, whether it’s morning, lunchtime, or supper. A savory breakfast versus a sweet one usually has more protein, more nutrients, and less sugar, and often includes some veggies, which help keep me full longer. And tempeh is a great source of protein at almost 25 grams per 3 ounces!

What is tempeh?

Tempeh is a fermented soy product that originated from Indonesia. Whole soy beans with the shells removed have a mushroom-type starter added to form a cake that can be used in a variety of ways. Compared to tofu, which is usually made from the milk and not the whole bean (sort of like a cheese), which originated in Japan.

You may feel a little cautious about tempeh, and believe me, I know. I was slow to embrace it also, but as I started using it and learned all the things that I could make from it, I began to love it. Like soy, it has a mild flavor, so it can be seasoned how you like. I have made sloppy joes, scrambles, stir fries, protein bowls, tempeh bacon, tempeh sausage, and more.

I find it very versatile and that it has a great texture. My very favorite tempeh is Smiling Hara Tempeh, which includes hemp seed to many of their products.

Tempeh Scramble: One of My Favorite Tempeh Breakfast Recipes

Brunch at our house includes not only a savory breakfast entrée but also a fruit salad, a little bubbly, fresh-cut flowers, and some of my vintage linens. When weather permits, we like to serve it anywhere outside, such as the patio, back porch, or gazebo.

I love to make scrambles, which my friends Joe and Gloria used to call “breakfast stew.” Being able to use a variety of vegetables that I find in the garden or at the local tailgate market inspires me to have some fun with them. Many of the ingredients are leftovers in the fridge that need to be used—a little bit of this and that. I sometimes use tofu, beans, or tempeh to make vegetarian and vegan versions.

When we often think about a savory breakfast, we think about bacon, sausage, eggs, and cheese; I hope this recipe helps you think outside the box with its beautiful color, variety of flavors, and textures. This vegan and gluten-free recipe could be easily made into a FODMAP recipe with some portion control of avocado, beans, and tempeh, depending on which foods cause your symptoms.

Colorful Tempeh Breakfast Scramble

Make this recipe with tempeh. You can make a tempeh scramble with your choice of vegetables, protein, and whole grains. You can add an egg and a little cheese on top if desired! Feel free to add a little salsa or pesto for a little kick and a pop of color!

This recipe has a Mexican influence on my choice of seasonings, vegetables, and whole grains! Many people do not typically eat salad for breakfast, but it can be delicious, like my recipe for tofu breakfast salad, which I am sharing at the end of this recipe. It was inspired by one of my favorite breakfasts here in town!

Makes 4-6 servings

Four corn tortillas, cut into triangles

One chopped bell pepper (any color, but I chose orange to add some color)

One spicy pepper if desired (I left mine off and used a dollop of salsa instead)

1/2 cup chopped purple onion

One large tomato, chopped, is seeded with the liquid removed

One teaspoon of cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

Two tablespoons of ground chili powder

Two tablespoons of garlic-infused olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish with sliced avocado and cilantro

4 cups of spinach or your other favorite green to top your breakfast scramble over

Crumble the tempeh into little pieces. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a small skillet and allow it to get brown and crunchy on medium-high heat.

Add cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper. Allow the flavors to meld. Turn down the skillet to medium-low and add 1/4 cup water. Cover the skillet and simmer until the liquid is absorbed (about 15 minutes).

Meanwhile, heat another tablespoon of oil in a medium skillet and begin sauteing the onion and bell pepper until they soften. Add the corn tortilla triangles and let them get slightly crispy. Take off the heat and toss in crumbled, seasoned tempeh.

Add chopped tomatoes to the mixture. Divide the greens between 4-6 bowls. Divide the scramble between the bowls and garnish with avocados and cilantro. Top with salsa or pesto.

Suppose you like a little egg and cheese with your scramble; top a non-vegan version with a little egg and cheese. Check out one of my versions below with a little sharp cheddar and salsa! I also added a few Mexican beans that I think you will love! You can also add a dollop of yogurt!

Add Some Great Tempeh Recipes to Your Next Brunch

Now that you are more familiar with tempeh and my breakfast tempeh scramble, here are some additional tempeh recipe ideas

Tempeh Sausage

As we go on in life, we have many things that are no longer available in life. I used to have a bakery near me that had the most amazing tempeh pecan bacon. The owners decided to sell the bakery, and eventually, my tempeh sausage was taken off the menu, so I began making my own, which is also tasty. Check it out along with some additional spring brunch ideas!

Tempeh Bacon

My son was a strict vegan through his high school years, so we bought our share of delicious tempeh bacon. However, it was a little pricey and sometimes difficult to find. So, I created my own, which is included in this delicious vegetarian brunch collection along with some other recipes!

Add Some Tempeh Breakfast Recipes

I hope you get creative and make some tempeh breakfast recipes. Thinking outside the box about what you think is tasty and healthy for breakfast can be an adventure! Summer has an abundance of vegetables and is a great time to experiment. Try some tempeh for breakfast by making this delicious tempeh scramble.

I am a dietitian helping women in midlife feel their best. You can find out a little bit more about me here on my about page. I am a registered dietitian nutritionist in Asheville who loves to cook and share recipes to keep others healthy.

I am getting ready to kick off some courses to help you feel your best. You can find out more about them on my website and sign up for my free 5-day course on fighting inflammation, and I will let you know when they are ready! Sign up on my home page or at the top of any of my blog posts!