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Delicious Chipotle Tempeh Mexican Bowl (Vegan and Gluten-Free)

Ditch the drive-thru—and spice up your lunch break with a fiesta in a bowl 🥗

This chipotle tempeh Mexican bowl is a flavour explosion waiting to happen. I’m talking smoky chipotle tempeh, fluffy Mexican rice, a rainbow of fresh veggies, and all that creamy, cheesy goodness (vegan style, of course).

And I’m not kidding when I say this bowl isn’t just a party for your palate; it’s a healthy option for your whole body.

Packing in plant-based protein, gut-friendly probiotics, and a whole lot of vitamins and minerals to keep you energized and glowing 💛

This chipotle tempeh Mexican bowl is your one-way ticket to a flavour fiesta—and your taste buds will thank you. 

Let’s get cookin’ 👩‍🍳

chipotle tempeh mexican bowl with jalapenos, vegan cheese, red cabbage, and yogurt. image 1

Nutritional Benefits of Chipotle Tempeh Mexican Bowl

 
This chipotle tempeh Mexican bowl is a powerhouse of nutrients! 

Here’s what makes it so good for you:

Tempeh — A fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber. Tempeh keeps you feeling full and energized throughout the day.

Mexican Rice — Fortified varieties of Mexican rice offer essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B1, iron, and folate.

Black Beans — Loaded with fiber and protein. Black beans also contribute iron and folate to your diet.

Vegetables — Each veggie brings its unique set of benefits for you. Cucumber keeps you cool and hydrated, and also provides plenty of vitamin K. Red cabbage is packed with antioxidants and gives you fiber. Finally, tomatoes have lycopene, which can help prevent cancer and provide plenty of vitamin C.

Vegan Yogurt — Provides calcium, probiotics, and gut-healthy benefits. You want to choose a fortified variety; this gives you extra vitamins and minerals.

Vegan Cheese — This may not be as protein-rich as dairy cheese, but some vegan cheese options do offer calcium and vitamin B12. Plus, it’s great for those cheese-craving taste buds 😉

Recipe Ingredients


Let’s whip together the chipotle tempeh Mexican bowl! Here’s what you will need for this vegan lunch recipe:


For the Chipotle Tempeh


  • Tempeh
  • Olive oil
  • Chipolte paste


For the Bowl


  • Mexican rice
  • Black beans
  • Re-fried beans
  • Cucumber
  • Red cabbage
  • Tomatoes
  • Peach
  • Vegan yogurt
  • Vegan cheese
  • Jalapenos


I’d like to mention—this bowl is easily customisable. Don't like peaches? Skip them! Want more spice? Add a dollop of sriracha or salsa. I also love to add my favourite toppings when I feel like it. Think guacamole, roasted corn, chopped roasted peppers, you name it!


chipotle tempeh mexican bowl with jalapenos, vegan cheese, red cabbage, and yogurt. image 2

How to Make Chipotle Tempeh Mexican Bowl


Time to put this healthy vegan recipe together. Here are four simple steps to follow:


Begin by marinating the tempeh. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, chipotle peppers, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. The marinade is now ready; you can add the tempeh cubes and toss them all together to fully coat them. You can leave them marinated overnight for a nice and deep flavour. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 30 minutes will do.


Cook the tempeh. Heat a skillet (or grill pan) over medium heat. Add the tempeh cubes and cook each side for 3-4 minutes. Preferably until they’re browned and crispy.


Time to put together the bowl.


Divide your cooked Mexican rice among bowls (or into a single bowl if you’re eating by yourself). Then, top the rice with black beans, cucumber, red cabbage, tomato, and peach. Don’t forget to add a generous portion of chipotle tempeh 😉


The finishing touches… Dollop with vegan yogurt, sprinkle with vegan cheese, and add sliced jalapenos for some extra spice. Garnish with fresh cilantro—and dig right in!


FAQs


Can I use something instead of tempeh?


Yep, you can. Tempeh is a great source of plant-based protein, but there are other options, too. You could try tofu, crumbled tempeh seitan, lentils, or even black beans—depending on your preference.


How can I store leftover chipotle tempeh Mexican bowl?


This bowl is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’ve got some leftovers, you can keep them. Store them in an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re about to consume it, you can gently reheat the bowl in the microwave.


chipotle tempeh mexican bowl with jalapenos, vegan cheese, red cabbage, and yogurt. image 3

Chipotle Tempeh Mexican Bowl Recipe


Serves 2


Ingredients


For the rice:


  • 1 packet Mexican rice
  • 1/2 a tin re-fried beans
  • 1/2 a tin black beans
  • 1/2 cup shredded vegan cheese


For the bowl:


  • 1/4 of a cucumber, diced
  • 2 cups red cabbage, sliced
  • 1 cup freshly chopped tomatoes
  • 2 ripe peaches, chopped


For the tempeh:


  • 100g tempeh, cut into cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Mexican chili paste, I used chipotle


To Serve:


  • Sliced jalapenos
  • Soya yogurt
  • Vegan cheese, optional



Method


  1. Cook rice to packet instruction, mix in drained and rinsed black beans, vegan cheese, and warmed re-fried beans, and keep warm.
  2. Pan-fry cubes of tempeh, until golden, add 1 tbsp of the chili paste, then a dash of water, turn the heat low, stir until the sauce thickens. Turn off the heat and set aside.
  3. Plate up with the rice on the bottom, top with the salad as shown in the photo, and top with the tempeh.
  4. Garnish with a pinch of vegan cheese, jalapenos, and unsweetened/greek soya yogurt.



I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did putting it together for you!


Stay tuned to my blog for more high-protein vegan recipes (with meat replacements).


Subscribe below for email updates!😊


close up chipotle tempeh mexican bowl with jalapenos, vegan cheese, red cabbage, and yogurt.

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Hi there! I'm Rose, a nutritionist who is passionate about creating delicious plant-based meals that are both flavourful and nourishing. My goal is to help people discover the wonderful world of plant-centered cuisine through my nutritional guidance and recipe sharing.


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