Looking for an easy, Asian-inspired taco recipe sure to please your tastebuds and leave your stomach feeling nice and full? These Kimchi Tempeh Tacos will do just that. They’re totally delicious and require just 20 minutes!

In my world, taco nights happen pretty frequently. I love the versatility of tacos and the fact that there are literally countless ways to prepare them! That’s probably why these kimchi tempeh tacos mark my ~10th taco recipe!
These tacos are quite different than those that I’ve made before, and I’m loving them! They’re Asian-inspired tacos that are full of intense, delicious flavors. The kimchi and tempeh combination is truly to die for.
If you’re unfamiliar, kimchi is an absolutely incredible dish made from fermented cabbage. I love to make it with garlic, pepper flakes, and ginger!
Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or another random day of the week, you must prepare these delicious Korean tacos.
Reader rating
“Holy cow this was so delicious! I decided to be more conscious about my meat consumption and this recipe made me not even miss the meat.” —Brittany
Ingredients for kimchi tempeh tacos
The ingredients for these tacos simply consist of shells, fillings, and the sauce! Be sure to reference my killer tempeh taco meat and kimchi recipes, too. Since the kimchi requires two days to ferment, you’ll need to have this ready ahead of time. (Trust me, it’s worth it.)
Taco Filling
- Tempeh Taco Meat: We’ll be using tempeh as the main ingredient in our Korean tacos. This is my go-to taco “meat” recipe!
- Kimchi: Kimchi is simply fermented cabbage perfect for adding a flavorful zing to any recipe. We’ll be using it as a filling for our tacos!
- Avocado: All tacos are better with avocados! These tacos are made complete with 1-2 delicious slices.
- Cilantro: We’ll be using cilantro to add flavor to this dish.
- Tortillas or Shells: Choose either tortillas or hard shells. Either way, your tacos will be delicious! (You can also make your own flour or flavored tortillas!)
Sauce
- Sour Cream: Sour cream will help give this taco sauce the perfect consistency. Feel free to substitute plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Mayonnaise: We’ll be using mayo to help bulk up the sauce. Not a mayo fan? Simply sub more sour cream or yogurt.
- Sriracha: To give this taco sauce lots of delicious flavor, sriracha is perfect!
- Lime Juice: Lime juice will tie the sauce together and provide a nice tangy taste.
How to make Asian-inspired tacos
These tacos are incredible, and not just because they only require 20 minutes to make. They’re absolutely delicious and are ready in just 4 simple steps!
- Prepare the taco meat: I use this vegan taco meat recipe for my tempeh taco “meat.” This part will require just 15 minutes!
- Prepare the fillings: Slice the avocados and chop the cilantro. I also recommend sautéing the kimchi for 5 minutes to slightly caramelize it. It’s so delicious that way!
- Mix the sauce: To prepare the sauce, simply stir all of the ingredients together until they’re well combined.
- Assemble the tacos: Spoon tempeh taco meat into each tortilla, topping with kimchi, avocado, cilantro, and sauce.
How to make vegan tempeh tacos
Tacos are a great, versatile dish that can be customized to fit any palate or preference. If you’re looking for a vegan version of these tacos, get excited. The recipe swaps are as easy as can be!
To transform this recipe into one that’s vegan-friendly and still absolutely delicious, we’ll need to look at two ingredients: sour cream and mayonnaise. All you have to do is swap them with your favorite dairy-free alternatives. You don’t have to make any extra mixtures or recipes; simply grab your favorite vegan options and you’ll be good to go!
I love recipes that can be made vegan with simple swaps that don’t require separate recipes. It makes everything so much easier!
Looking for more taco ideas?
Here are some Live Eat Learn favorites!
- Crispy Avocado Tacos
- Vegan Breakfast Tacos
- Soyrizo Tacos with Adobo Crème
- Roasted Beet and Chickpea Tacos
- Corn and Pulled Mushroom Vegetarian Tacos
- Korean Eggplant Tacos
- Vegan Hibiscus Tacos
Ingredients
Taco Filling
- Tempeh Taco “Meat” click for recipe
- 1 cup chopped kimchi 175 g
- 1 avocado
- Handful cilantro
- 6 small tortillas or taco shells
Sauce
- ¼ cup sour cream can sub dairy-free alternative or Greek yogurt, 60 g
- ¼ cup mayonnaise can sub dairy-free alternative, 60 g
- 1 to 2 Tbsp sriracha 15 to 30 g
- 1 tsp lime juice 5 mL
Instructions
- Tempeh: Prepare the Tempeh Taco "Meat" (15 minutes to make).
- Fillings: Prepare remaining fillings. Optionally saute kimchi for 5 minutes to slightly caramelize it. Slice avocado and chop cilantro.
- Sauce: Stir together all Sauce ingredients.
- Assemble: Spoon Tempeh Taco Meat into each tortilla, topping with kimchi, avocado, cilantro, and sauce.
Rachel says
Made homemade tempeh for the first time with soy bean and spores.
Never ate tempeh before. Followed the recipe minus the cilantro.
OMG ABSOLUTELY HEAVENLY!!!
Made tempeh taco meat in less quantity… wished I would have made more of it.
forgot to say that I also made my own kimchi.
Sarah says
I need to try homemade tempeh, sounds so fun! Happy you liked the recipe! 😀
Eric says
These tacos were amazing! Thanks for the great recipe. The second time I made them I subbed Impossible ‘meat’ for the tempeh, and they were just as tasty.
Sarah Bond says
So happy to hear it, Eric! 😀
Veda Williams says
Out of control good. I’ve never had tempeh until today, but I’m now a fan for life. Thank you!!
Sarah Bond says
I’m so happy to hear it, Veda! Enjoy this delicious new world of tempeh! 😀
Kay eff says
Great base recipe! Just wanted to add that corn tortillas are raw and must be heated on both sides before serving😊
Brittany says
Holy cow this was so delicious! I decided to be more conscious about my meat consumption and this recipe made me not even miss the meat. Thank you for sharing
Sarah Bond says
This makes me so happy to hear, Brittany! Enjoy! 😀