Go Back
This visually stunning and deeply flavorful dish features golden-fried tempeh atop velvety purple sweet potato purée. The miso caramel ties everything together with sweet-savory umami depth, while sesame seeds and edible flowers offer contrast, crunch, and flair.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Fusion
Servings 2
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Crispy Tempeh:

  • 200 g tempeh sliced into 1 cm thick pieces
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Neutral oil for frying

For the Purple Sweet Potato Purée:

  • 2 medium purple sweet potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 tbsp coconut cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Splash of plant milk as needed for consistency

For the Miso Caramel:

  • 1 tbsp white miso paste
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp water adjust to thin

To Garnish:

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Edible flowers
  • Microgreens optional

Instructions
 

Marinate the Tempeh:

  • Combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss sliced tempeh in marinade and let sit for 15 minutes.

Make the Sweet Potato Purée:

  • Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until soft (10–12 minutes). Drain and mash or blend with coconut cream and plant milk until smooth. Season with salt.

Cook the Tempeh:

  • Heat a pan with neutral oil over medium heat. Fry tempeh slices until crispy and golden on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side.

Prepare the Miso Caramel:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, maple syrup, tahini, and water until smooth. Adjust consistency with more water if needed.

Assemble the Dish:

  • Spoon the sweet potato purée onto plates. Top with crispy tempeh. Drizzle with miso caramel. Garnish with sesame seeds and edible flowers.

Notes

  • You can steam the sweet potatoes instead of boiling to retain more color.
  • Miso caramel can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • For extra crunch, add crushed roasted peanuts or cashews.
🌸 Tip: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a floral cocktail like a Lavender Aviation.
Keyword crispy tempeh recipe, elegant vegan meals, gourmet vegan recipes, miso caramel sauce, plant-based plating, purple sweet potato dish, sesame miso sauce, umami vegan dinner, vegan fine dining, vegan sweet potato purée