Welcome to my kitchen! I’m Nyla—a chef with a true love for creating recipes that not only taste amazing but also bring people together. This website is where I share my favorite dishes, cooking tips, and step-by-step guides to help you enjoy the process as much as the result. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, you’ll find inspiration here to make every meal special! Today, I’m incredibly excited to share a recipe that’s not only delicious but also fantastic for your gut health: a Vegan Gut-Healing Bowl with Tempeh and Kimchi. It’s packed with probiotics, prebiotics, and all sorts of goodness to keep your digestive system happy and thriving.

Vegan Gut-Healing Bowl with Tempeh and Kimchi

This vibrant and flavorful bowl combines the power of fermented foods with plant-based protein and healthy fats to create a meal that supports a healthy gut microbiome. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty breakfast! In this recipe, we’ll marinate and bake tempeh until it’s crispy and golden, then toss it with a medley of gut-friendly ingredients like kimchi, avocado, leafy greens, and a tangy sesame dressing. The gut-healing bowl is designed to be customizable, so feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or grains.

A Brief Overview of This Recipe

The magic of this Vegan Gut-Healing Bowl lies in its combination of ingredients that work synergistically to promote a healthy gut. Kimchi, a Korean staple, is a powerhouse of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion and boost immunity. Tempeh, made from fermented soybeans, provides protein and prebiotics, which feed the good bacteria in your gut. Add in some healthy fats from avocado, fiber from leafy greens, and complex carbohydrates from your choice of grain (like quinoa or brown rice), and you have a complete and balanced meal that supports gut health.

Ingredients You Will Need

• 8 oz tempeh, cut into cubes
• 1 cup kimchi, chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 cups mixed leafy greens (spinach, kale, arugula)
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped red cabbage
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Optional: Sriracha or gochujang for extra spice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Tempeh: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Add the tempeh cubes and toss to coat evenly.
2. Bake the Tempeh: Spread the marinated tempeh on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
3. Assemble the Bowl: In a bowl, combine leafy greens, cooked quinoa or brown rice, shredded carrots, and red cabbage.
4. Add the Toppings: Top the greens and grains with baked tempeh, kimchi, and avocado slices.
5. Drizzle with Dressing: Drizzle any remaining marinade from the tempeh bowl over the gut-healing bowl. Alternatively, you can make a separate dressing using the same ingredients.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha or gochujang, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and gut-healing bowl!

Why This Vegan Gut-Healing Bowl Works

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about creating a symphony of flavors and textures that benefits your gut. The fermented foods like kimchi and tempeh are vital for repopulating your gut with beneficial bacteria, which can improve digestion, boost your immune system, and even affect your mood. The fiber from the vegetables and grains acts as food for these good bacteria, helping them to thrive. Healthy fats from avocado help your body absorb nutrients and reduce inflammation. Isn’t it amazing how one bowl can do so much?

Tips and Variations

This gut-healing bowl is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own! Here are a few tips and variations to get you started:

• Spice it up: If you love spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tempeh marinade or drizzle some gochujang over the finished bowl.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or sprouts to your bowl.
• Swap the grain: If you don’t have quinoa or brown rice on hand, you can use other grains like farro or barley.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the tempeh and grains ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the bowls just before serving.
• Use different fermented foods: If you’re not a fan of kimchi, you can substitute it with sauerkraut or other fermented vegetables. The key is to get those beneficial probiotics into your gut!

Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection

Did you know that your gut and your brain are connected? It’s true! The gut-brain axis is a complex network of communication that allows your gut to influence your brain and vice versa. This means that a healthy gut can lead to a happier, healthier brain. The Vegan Gut-Healing Bowl is designed to support this connection by providing your gut with the nutrients it needs to function optimally. When your gut is happy, your brain is happy, and you’re more likely to feel good both physically and mentally.

Prep Time | Total Time | Kcal | Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Kcal: Approximately 500-600 kcal (depending on portion sizes and added ingredients)
• Yield: 2 servings

The Importance of Fermented Foods in Your Diet

Fermented foods are a cornerstone of gut health, and incorporating them into your diet can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. Fermentation is a process that uses microorganisms like bacteria and yeast to convert carbohydrates into other compounds. This process not only preserves food but also creates beneficial probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome. Kimchi and tempeh are both excellent sources of probiotics, making them valuable additions to any gut-healing diet. Regularly consuming fermented foods can improve digestion, boost immunity, and even reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Why not try adding a gut-healing bowl to your weekly menu plan? Your body will thank you!

Thank you for being here! I’m so glad you’re here. If you enjoyed this recipe or found it helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family—great food is meant to be shared! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more delicious recipes, kitchen tips, and daily cooking inspiration. Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to bringing you even more tasty ideas straight from my kitchen.

Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare some components of this bowl ahead of time! The tempeh can be baked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also cook the quinoa or brown rice ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble the bowl just before serving to prevent the greens from getting soggy and the avocado from browning.

I don’t like kimchi. What can I substitute it with?

If you’re not a fan of kimchi, you can substitute it with other fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, pickled ginger, or even a dollop of plain yogurt (if you’re not vegan). The key is to choose a fermented food that you enjoy and that provides beneficial probiotics for your gut.

Is tempeh gluten-free?

Tempeh itself is naturally gluten-free because it’s made from fermented soybeans. However, some brands may add grains or other ingredients that contain gluten, so it’s always a good idea to check the label. To be safe, look for tempeh that is specifically labeled as gluten-free, and use tamari instead of soy sauce in the marinade.

Can I use different types of greens in this bowl?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of leafy green that you enjoy in this bowl. Spinach, kale, arugula, romaine lettuce, and mixed greens are all great options. You can even add some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra flavor and nutrients.

What are the benefits of eating a gut-healing diet?

Eating a gut-healing diet can have numerous benefits for your overall health and well-being. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. By incorporating foods that support gut health, such as fermented foods, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats, you can improve your digestion, boost your immunity, reduce inflammation, and even support mental health.

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