4.29 18 Published Jan 05, 2017, Updated Jul 24, 2023 A little experimenting and I came up with a delicious creation that starts with a savory mushroom, miso broth with carrots and bok choy. Once the broth has finished simmering, each bowl is loaded with zucchini noodles, bok choy, strips of pan-seared tempeh, nori, green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Zucchini Noodles in Soup
This was my first time using zucchini noodles in soup so I wasn’t sure how they hold up in broth, but they work perfectly. Because you add them in right before serving the ramen, they don’t have time to get mushy and they still have a little crunch, just like al dente noodles. What really makes these ramen bowls is pan-seared tempeh! It adds a robust flavor from the tamari ginger marinade, gives the soup a meaty texture and adds a ton of protein, which makes the zucchini noodle ramen meal-worthy. Without the tempeh, the bowl wouldn’t be very filling!
Why I love Tempeh
I know I’ve mentioned it before, but tempeh is one of my fave plant-based protein sources. Yes, it’s loaded with muscle-building protein, but tempeh has a host of other nutritional benefits as well. It’s a fermented food like kombucha, kimchi and sauerkraut so it has heaps of good bacteria that is super important for gut health. It’s also high in the mineral manganese which is involved in the production of bone mass and digestive enzymes. Lastly, tempeh has been shown to help lower cholesterol and increase bone density. (source) If you’re new to tempeh and not quite sure where to find it in the grocery store, there are two main spots to look. The first is in the produce section and the second is in the section right near the yogurt. Some large grocery stores will keep it in the refrigerated area of the natural food section with other meat substitutes so be sure to check there as well. The most readily available brand (and the brand I use regularly) is Lightlife. They offer several different varieties, but my favorites are the original, wild rice, garden veggie and the three-grain. They’re all organic and non-gmo! Any of the varieties will work for this zucchini noodle ramen recipe!
More Tempeh Recipes
Tempeh Taco Salad Meal Prep BowlsCurried Tempeh SaladHow to Cook Tempeh + Tempeh RecipesBBQ Baked Tempeh Chips
