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Quinoa Bowl with Crispy Tempeh, Sweet Potatoes and Tahini-Miso

Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Yield
2 servings
Level
medium
Cuisine
American
Quinoa Bowl with Crispy Tempeh, Sweet Potatoes and Tahini-Miso

This protein-packed quinoa bowl combines marinated tempeh with caramelized sweet potato cubes and fresh greens, all brought together with a creamy tahini-miso sauce. The tempeh marinates in lime juice, tamari, and sesame oil before being pan-fried until golden and crispy, while sweet potatoes are cooked until tender and lightly browned. Roasted cashews add crunch, and the umami-rich tahini-miso dressing provides a savory finish that ties all the flavors together. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner that's both satisfying and plant-forward.

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Method

12 steps
  1. 1

    Whisk together lime juice, tamari, and sesame oil in shallow dish

  2. 2

    Add tempeh cubes and toss to coat, then set aside to marinate

  3. 3

    Heat non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil

  4. 4

    Add cubed sweet potato and cook, turning often, until golden brown and tender

  5. 5

    Transfer sweet potatoes to medium bowl with quinoa and keep warm

  6. 6

    Add tempeh cubes and any remaining marinade liquid to same skillet

  7. 7

    Cook tempeh on all sides until golden brown and crispy

  8. 8

    Return quinoa and sweet potatoes to skillet and fold in cashews, then remove from heat

  9. 9

    Whisk together tahini, miso, and water until smooth

  10. 10

    Add vinegar to taste and set sauce aside

  11. 11

    Arrange baby spinach on plates and divide quinoa mixture over greens

  12. 12

    Drizzle with tahini-miso sauce and sriracha

Tips

Tip 1

Marinate the tempeh while you prep other ingredients for better flavor absorption

Tip 2

Cut sweet potatoes into uniform cubes for even cooking

Tip 3

Adjust tahini-miso sauce consistency with additional water if needed

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate assembled bowls up to 3 days, store sauce separately

Make Ahead

Cook quinoa and make sauce up to 2 days ahead, marinate tempeh morning of serving

Serve With

Serve immediately while tempeh is crispy, at room temperature or slightly warm

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overcrowd pan when cooking sweet potatoes to ensure browning

Watch

Whisk tahini-miso sauce thoroughly to avoid lumps

Substitutions

quinoa→
brown rice1:1none

different grain texture

Full guide →
tempeh→
firm tofu1:1vegetarian

same protein content but different texture

Full guide →
tamari→
coconut aminos1:1soy-free

slightly sweeter taste

Full guide →
sweet potato→
butternut squash1:1noneadds dairy

similar sweetness and texture

Full guide →
tahini→
almond butter1:1tree nutsadds dairy

nuttier flavor profile

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your miso paste is gluten-free certified.

What if I don't have tahini?

Substitute with almond butter or peanut butter, though the flavor will be different but still delicious.

How long does this keep in the refrigerator?

Assembled bowls keep 2-3 days refrigerated, but store sauce separately for best texture.