Sweet and Spicy Tempeh Bowls (Print-Friendly Version)

Colorful vegetarian bowls with sweet-spicy tempeh, creamy polenta, black beans and avocado - perfect for meal prep!

# What You Need:

→ Sweet and Spicy Tempeh

01 - 225g tempeh
02 - 120ml water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Polenta

09 - 1 cup cornmeal
10 - 3 cups water
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 2 tablespoons butter

→ Bowl Toppings

13 - 1 can (425g) black beans, rinsed and drained
14 - 60g shredded cheddar cheese
15 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
16 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
17 - 4 tablespoons ranch dressing

# How to Make It:

01 - Cut the block of tempeh into 32 thin triangles. First cut it into 8 equal-sized squares, then cut each square into two triangles, then slice the thickness of each triangle in half to create thinner pieces.
02 - Place tempeh triangles in a large non-stick skillet. Combine water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, brown sugar, and olive oil to make the marinade. Pour over the tempeh. Heat on medium-high and simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid evaporates and tempeh begins to brown slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
03 - In a medium saucepan, combine cornmeal, salt, and water. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil while whisking constantly. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and continue simmering for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted and incorporated.
04 - For each bowl, start with 1 cup of polenta as the base. Top with a quarter of the sweet and spicy tempeh, a quarter of the rinsed black beans, approximately 15g of shredded cheddar, a quarter of the sliced avocado, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, and a light drizzle of ranch dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate for meal prep.

# Important Notes:

01 - These bowls can be made ahead and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
02 - For reheating, microwave until warmed through, adding the avocado and ranch dressing after heating.