Marinated Baked Tempeh
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
4
Marinated Baked Tempeh
Description
To prepare Marinated Baked Tempeh, the tempeh is first cut into cubes and steamed for 10 minutes. Steaming softens the tempeh, allowing it to absorb marinade flavors more effectively. The marinade combines tamari (a soy sauce alternative), rice vinegar's acidity, maple syrup's sweetness, olive oil's richness, spicy sriracha, and fresh ground black pepper to create a balanced flavor profile.
After marinating for at least 30 minutes, the tempeh cubes are arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet and baked at 425°F. The cooking occurs in two phases, with the marinade brushed on halfway through to build a charred, caramelized crust that contrasts with the tender interior. The resulting tempeh has a savory-sweet glaze with a hint of spice, making it suitable for topping salads or bowls.
The recipe also offers a grilling alternative, where the tempeh is marinated and cooked on a medium grill to develop similar charred marks and flavor. This variation adds a smoky element to the tempeh for different serving options.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) package tempeh
- ¼ cup tamari
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Cut the tempeh into cubes, place in a steamer basket, and set over a pot with 1-inch of water. Bring the water to a simmer, cover, and steam for 10 minutes. This helps the tempeh become tender and ready to soak up more flavor from the marinade.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari, vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, sriracha, and several grinds of pepper. Place the tempeh in a shallow dish and pour the marinade on top to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet, reserving the excess marinade.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush more of the marinade onto the cubes. Bake for 10 more minutes, or until the cubes are charred around the edges. Enjoy on salads or grain bowls.
Notes
- For grilling instead of baking, cut tempeh into triangles and grill over medium heat, turning and dipping in marinade to develop char marks.
- Steaming the tempeh first softens it to better soak up marinade flavors before cooking.
- Reserve excess marinade for brushing during baking to enhance glaze and char development.