Marinated Baked Tempeh
Ingredients
- 1 package tempeh
8-ounce
- ¼ cup tamari
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 4
Arrange the cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet, reserving the excess marinade.
- 5
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.
Marinated Baked Tempeh
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About this Recipe
Craving a plant-based meal that's bursting with flavor and easy to prepare? This Marinated Baked Tempeh recipe offers a satisfying, savory, and slightly sweet dish perfect for any day of the week, proving that delicious plant-forward eating can be incredibly straightforward.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic lies in the perfectly balanced marinade, featuring the umami depth of tamari, the delicate sweetness of maple syrup, a bright tang from rice vinegar, and a subtle kick from sriracha. This potent combination deeply infuses the tempeh, allowing it to soak up all the delicious notes, transforming it into a tender, flavorful protein. Baking ensures a hands-off approach, creating a consistently cooked tempeh that's both convenient and incredibly satisfying, allowing the complex marinade flavors to truly meld and deepen.
What to Expect
You'll experience firm, hearty tempeh thoroughly permeated with a complex, savory-sweet flavor profile. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of rich umami from the tamari, a hint of natural sweetness from the maple syrup, and a bright acidity from the rice vinegar, all finished with a gentle warmth from the sriracha and the subtle aroma of extra-virgin olive oil and freshly ground black pepper. It’s a wonderfully satisfying texture that truly holds its own, making it a stellar plant-based centerpiece or complement to countless meals.
Customization & Variations
- For an extra aromatic touch and depth of flavor, consider adding a clove or two of minced garlic or a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the marinade.
- Adjust the sriracha to perfectly suit your palate, omitting it entirely for no heat, or adding more for an extra fiery kick.
- This tempeh also shines when served alongside roasted vegetables like tender broccoli florets or colorful bell peppers; they can even be marinated with the tempeh for a cohesive flavor profile.
- If you don't have tamari on hand, you can use regular soy sauce, though keep in mind the dish will no longer be gluten-free.
Serving & Context
This Marinated Baked Tempeh is incredibly versatile, making it an excellent, protein-rich addition to vibrant grain bowls topped with your favorite fresh greens and dressings, or as a hearty and flavorful filling for sandwiches and wraps. It's fantastic for meal prep throughout the week or a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner, pairing wonderfully with a side of fluffy rice, nutritious quinoa, or a light salad.