There’s something magical about a perfectly spiced biryani on a cool evening—the way the aromatics fill your kitchen, the comforting warmth of each bite, and the vibrant colors that make the dish as beautiful as it is delicious. This Tempeh Vegetable Biryani is our plant-based celebration of one of the world’s most beloved rice dishes, and it’s made even more special with Green Cuisine’s Indonesian Tempeh. Unlike the typical biryani masala pre-mixes, we’ve taken the traditional route here, building layers of flavor with whole aromatics like bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and stone flower that perfume the rice with their gentle, earthy notes. The result is a lightly spiced, aromatic dish that honors the thousands of regional biryani varieties while carving out its own unique identity.

At the heart of this recipe is Green Cuisine’s authentic Indonesian Tempeh, a product we’ve featured in several of our recipes because of its exceptional quality and texture. Made through traditional fermentation methods, this tempeh brings a nutty, slightly earthy flavor and a firm, satisfying bite that holds up beautifully to the cooking process. It absorbs the spices wonderfully while adding its own depth to the dish. Beyond its culinary appeal, tempeh is a nutritional powerhouse—it’s rich in plant-based protein, packed with prebiotics that support gut health, and loaded with vitamins and minerals including calcium, iron, and B vitamins. The fermentation process also makes it easier to digest than many other plant proteins, making this biryani not just delicious but genuinely nourishing.

This version of biryani is perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting yet wholesome, aromatic yet not overwhelmingly spicy. The coconut milk adds a subtle creaminess, the vegetables bring color and nutrition, and the whole spices create an intoxicating fragrance that transforms your kitchen into a warm, inviting space. Whether you’re new to cooking biryani or a seasoned pro looking for a plant-based twist, this Tempeh Vegetable Biryani is sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection.

Aromatics:

2-3 Bay Leaves

2 Cinnamon Sticks

2 Cardamom pods (pounded)

3 Cloves

1 tsp Cumin Seeds

2 Star Anise

1/2 Mace

A piece of Stone Flower (Parmotrema perlatum lichen)

Spices:

2 Shallots (diced)

2 tsp Ginger Paste

2 tsp Garlic Paste

1 tsp Turmeric Powder

1 tsp Black Pepper Powder

Other Ingredients:

1 Cup Basmati Rice

1 Pack Indonesian Tempeh

4 Tbsp Coconut Oil

Tomatoes (diced canned)

Carrot (diced)

Green Peas (diced)

Sweet Peppers (diced)

1/2 Cup Coconut Milk

1/2 Cup Tomato juice from the can

1/2 Cup Water

2 tsp Salt

A few Cilantro Leaves

Method:

  • Chop up all the vegetables and tempeh.
  • Wash rice and keep aside.
  • Assemble all the aromatics and spices before cooking.
  • In a heavy bottom pot, heat the coconut oil on medium.
  • Gently sauté the aromatics in the oil until it is activated.
  • Next add in the shallots and cook until translucent and aromatic.
  • Then add the garlic and ginger paste, cook it until the raw smells goes away.
  • Add the turmeric, black pepper and sauté for a minute before adding in the tomatoes.
  • Cook the tomatoes for a couple of minutes and add the tempeh.
  • Cover the pot and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add the vegetables, coconut milk, tomato juice to the pot and stir well.
  • Once this comes to a boil, add the rice.
  • Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes on low-medium heat.
  • Switch off heat, and let it sit covered for 15 mins.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve biriyani hot.

If you’ve made it this far, we hope you’re as excited about this Tempeh Vegetable Biryani as we are! This recipe truly showcases how plant-based cooking can be both deeply satisfying and wonderfully aromatic. The star of the dish—Green Cuisine’s Indonesian Tempeh—brings authentic flavor, incredible texture, and impressive nutritional benefits that make every bite worthwhile.

We encourage you to grab a pack of this exceptional tempeh and try this recipe at home. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to a nourishing meal, this biryani is sure to impress. The beauty of this dish is that once you master the technique, you can adapt it to your preferences—add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or experiment with different aromatics.

Green Cuisine’s Indonesian Tempeh is more than just an ingredient—it’s a gateway to exploring the rich world of plant-based cooking with authentic, traditionally-made products. Order yours today and discover why we keep coming back to this remarkable protein in recipe after recipe. Your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Happy cooking, and we’d love to hear how your Tempeh Vegetable Biryani turns out! Share your creations with us on social media and let us know what you think of this delicious, aromatic dish.