High Protein High Fibre Vegan

Tempeh Sambal with Vegetables

A bold and satisfying tempeh sambal with colourful vegetables, made with a lighter chilli sauce for a plant-based meal that is full of flavour.

Written by KnowvaLife June 22, 2026 8 min read
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Tempeh Sambal with Vegetables in a lighter chilli sauce
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Medical Disclaimer: This recipe and its nutrition information are provided for general educational purposes only. Individual nutritional needs can differ. If you have a medical condition, food allergy or specific dietary requirement, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.

👥 Servings 3 servings
Prep Time 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 20 mins
🕒 Total Time 35 mins
Difficulty Easy
📖

About This Recipe

Tempeh sambal combines the firm texture of tempeh with the bold flavour of chilli, garlic and aromatics. This version adds vegetables and keeps the sambal lighter by using only a small amount of oil and added sugar.

🧺

Ingredients

For the Tempeh

  • 250 g tempeh, cut into cubes or strips
  • 1 teaspoon cooking oil
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sambal

  • 3–4 red chillies, deseeded for less heat if preferred
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 small shallot or onion
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon sugar, optional

For the Vegetables

  • 1 cup long beans or green beans, cut into pieces
  • ½ red capsicum, sliced
  • 1 small carrot, sliced
  • ½ cup cabbage, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons water

🌿 Healthy Tip

Sambal can be flavourful without being oily. Use tomato, chilli, garlic and lime to build flavour, and add only a small amount of oil and sugar.

🍳

Method

1
Cook the Tempeh

Heat half the oil in a non-stick pan. Cook the tempeh for 5–6 minutes until lightly golden on several sides. Remove and set aside.

2
Prepare the Sambal

Blend or finely chop the chillies, garlic, shallot and tomato into a coarse paste.

3
Cook the Sambal

Add the remaining oil to the pan and cook the sambal paste for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Add soy sauce, lime juice and optional sugar.

4
Add the Vegetables

Add the long beans, capsicum, carrot, cabbage and water. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are just tender.

5
Combine and Serve

Return the tempeh to the pan and toss until evenly coated with the sambal and vegetables. Serve warm with a moderate portion of rice if desired.

Nutrition at a Glance
Calories320 kcal
Protein20 g
Carbohydrates29 g
Fat15 g
Fibre8 g
Sodium380 mg

Values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredients, brands and portion sizes used.

🌿 Why This Version Is Lighter

  • Uses only a small amount of cooking oil.
  • Adds plenty of vegetables for extra volume and fibre.
  • Keeps added sugar minimal and optional.
  • Uses tempeh as a filling plant-based protein.

🔄 Swaps & Variations

  • Use tofu if tempeh is unavailable.
  • Add eggplant, bok choy or extra cabbage.
  • Reduce the chilli for a milder version.
  • Add extra lime juice for more freshness.

♨ Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in a clean airtight container.
  • Refrigerate promptly and consume within about 2–3 days.
  • Reheat in a pan or microwave until steaming hot.
  • Add a small splash of water if the sambal becomes too dry.
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Important Note

Soy is a common food allergen, and chilli heat can vary greatly. Adjust the recipe according to individual allergies, dietary needs and tolerance for spicy food.

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