Flavorful Teriyaki Tempeh with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sriracha Soba Noodles: An Easy Vegan & Gluten-Free Friendly Recipe

Teriyaki Tempeh and Shiitake Mushrooms with Sriracha Soba. Vegan Recipe. Easily Gluten-Free.

★★★★★ (5 from 3 votes)

By: Vegan Richa

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 25 mins

Total: 40 mins

Servings: 3

Course: Entree

Cuisine: Asian

Pin
Print

This recipe features succulent Teriyaki Tempeh with tender mushrooms and zesty Sriracha soba noodles. Learn how to make an easy homemade vegan teriyaki sauce for a healthy, plant-based meal that’s perfect for weeknights and can easily be made gluten-free. Serves 3.

Ingredients

For the Homemade Vegan Teriyaki Sauce

• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free, or coconut aminos)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup ground raw sugar
• 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic)
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder (or 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger)
• 1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses (for color and depth of flavor)

For the Teriyaki Tempeh & Mushrooms

• 2 teaspoons Oil (e.g., sesame oil, avocado oil, or your preferred cooking oil)
• 4 oz Tempeh, thinly sliced or chopped into small, bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms (Shiitake mushrooms are highly recommended for their umami flavor, but button mushrooms also work well)

For the Sriracha Soba Noodles

• 3-4 bundles of Buckwheat Soba noodles (or 100% buckwheat soba for gluten-free, brown rice noodles, or quinoa)
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha (adjust to your preferred level of spice)

Optional Garnishes

• Mung bean sprouts
• Carrot slivers or shredded carrots
• Cucumber slices or slivers
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Soba Noodles: Cook the soba noodles (or your chosen alternative like rice noodles or quinoa) according to the package instructions. Soba typically cooks quickly in boiling water, usually 6-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain thoroughly, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, then add the Sriracha and toss to ensure the spice is evenly distributed. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the teriyaki sauce ingredients: low sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos), water, ground raw sugar, rice wine vinegar, garlic powder (or minced garlic), ginger powder (or minced ginger), and blackstrap molasses. Mix until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
3. Cook the Tempeh: Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced or chopped tempeh and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to turn golden on the edges.
4. Add Mushrooms: Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet with the tempeh. Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tempeh develops deeper golden edges and the mushrooms have softened slightly.
5. Combine with Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the prepared homemade teriyaki sauce over the tempeh and mushrooms in the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Simmer and Caramelize: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low-medium. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until most of the sauce has been absorbed by the tempeh and mushrooms, and the sauce begins to thicken, bubble, and caramelize around the edges. This process creates that irresistible sticky glaze.
7. Assemble the Dish: Once the tempeh and mushrooms are perfectly glazed, transfer them directly to the bowl containing your Sriracha-tossed soba noodles.
8. Gather Remaining Sauce: Add about a tablespoon of water to the pan where you cooked the tempeh and mushrooms. Stir it around to deglaze the pan and collect any remaining delicious sticky sauce. Drizzle this rich sauce generously over the noodles, tempeh, and mushrooms.
9. Garnish and Serve: Top your Teriyaki Tempeh and Sriracha Soba bowl with your favorite garnishes such as fresh mung bean sprouts, crunchy carrot slivers, crisp cucumber slices, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant, flavorful, and healthy vegan meal!

Notes and Tips

Making the Teriyaki Sauce Oil-Free: If you prefer an entirely oil-free teriyaki sauce, simply blend all the sauce ingredients and bring them to a gentle boil over low-medium heat in a small saucepan. For a thicker sauce, mix half a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then add it to the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. This thickened sauce can then be drizzled over steamed or roasted vegetables, or used to coat the tempeh and mushrooms in the pan (you can pan-fry the tempeh and mushrooms dry or with a little vegetable broth instead of oil).

Mushroom Preferences: While Shiitake mushrooms add a fantastic depth of umami, feel free to use cremini (baby bella) or button mushrooms if they are more readily available or preferred. Slice them evenly for consistent cooking.

Tempeh Preparation: For a slightly firmer tempeh, some prefer to steam it for 5-10 minutes before slicing and cooking. This can help reduce any bitterness and allows it to absorb flavors more readily.

Sweetness Adjustment: The recipe calls for ground raw sugar, which provides a balanced sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with 3 tablespoons and add more to taste. For a richer, deeper flavor profile, you can also experiment with a touch of maple syrup or agave nectar.

Spice Level: The 2 teaspoons of Sriracha in the noodles provides a medium kick. If you love spicy food, don’t hesitate to add more to your noodles or even a dash to the teriyaki sauce itself. For a milder version, reduce the Sriracha or omit it entirely and use a squeeze of lime juice for freshness.

Nutritional values based on one serving, calculated automatically and should be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Calories: 255kcal, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 818mg, Potassium: 342mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 19g, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 50mg, Iron: 1.9mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Why Choose This Vegan Teriyaki Tempeh?

This recipe isn’t just about recreating a classic flavor; it’s about embracing wholesome, plant-based ingredients to create something truly nourishing and delicious. Here’s why this Teriyaki Tempeh with Sriracha Soba should become a staple in your kitchen:

• Healthy & Wholesome: Tempeh is a fermented soybean product, making it an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and prebiotics for gut health. Coupled with nutrient-rich mushrooms and the complex carbohydrates of soba, this meal is a nutritional powerhouse.
• Easy & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cook time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
• Customizable for All: Whether you’re gluten-free, looking for more protein, or want to sneak in extra veggies, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Swap soba for brown rice, add tofu or seitan, or toss in blanched broccoli for a complete meal.
• Flavorful & Satisfying: The homemade vegan teriyaki sauce is a game-changer – perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, with a hint of ginger and garlic. The addition of Sriracha to the noodles provides an exciting contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
• Refined Oil-Free Sauce Option: For those mindful of oil intake, our teriyaki sauce can easily be made oil-free without compromising on flavor or texture.

Embracing a Plant-Based Lifestyle: More Than Just Food

Beyond the deliciousness of this Teriyaki Tempeh, exploring vegan recipes often opens the door to a broader understanding of plant-based living. Many people choose to go vegan for a variety of compelling reasons, ranging from personal health to global impact. This journey can be incredibly rewarding, offering a fresh perspective on diet, ethics, and environmental stewardship.

Health Benefits

A well-planned vegan diet is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and generally lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. Studies have linked plant-based diets to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and improved weight management. Ingredients like tempeh offer complete protein and beneficial probiotics, while mushrooms provide essential nutrients and powerful antioxidants. Incorporating more meals like our Teriyaki Tempeh can be a delicious step towards a healthier lifestyle.

Environmental Impact

The environmental footprint of a vegan diet is significantly smaller than that of a meat-inclusive diet. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation. By choosing plant-based options, you contribute to conserving precious natural resources and mitigating climate change. Every meal, like this Teriyaki Tempeh, can be a conscious choice for the planet.

Ethical Considerations

For many, the ethical treatment of animals is the primary motivator for adopting a vegan lifestyle. Choosing not to consume animal products supports a world where animals are not exploited for food, clothing, or other purposes. It’s a compassionate choice that aligns with a desire to reduce suffering and promote kindness towards all living beings.

What was your reason for embracing veganism or plant-based eating? Understanding the motivations behind dietary choices can inspire others and reinforce the positive impact of these decisions. An infographic by VeganMainStream once highlighted the top reasons people go vegan, often citing a combination of health, ethical, and environmental factors. Regardless of your primary reason, every plant-based meal you enjoy, like this vibrant Teriyaki Tempeh, contributes to a more sustainable, compassionate, and healthier world.

Final Thoughts: A Dish to Savor

This Teriyaki Tempeh with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sriracha Soba Noodles recipe is more than just a vegan alternative; it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and wholesome ingredients. It proves that plant-based meals can be incredibly satisfying, easy to prepare, and bursting with the rich, umami flavors we all crave. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting to explore plant-based cuisine, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to be amazed by the depth and deliciousness of this homemade vegan teriyaki creation. It’s a quick weeknight solution, an impressive dish for guests, and a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise on taste. Enjoy every sticky, saucy, and spicy bite!