This recipe for marinated tempeh uses just four simple ingredients: soy sauce, maple syrup, sriracha sauce, and coconut oil. Tempeh is the perfect plant protein-rich ingredient for marinating because it soaks up flavors like a sponge!
Tempeh is such a versatile ingredient and I love making a variety of dishes with it such as this tomato tempeh stir fry recipe. I also love making salads with tempeh and this marinated tempeh can easily be used in my tempeh tahini salad, my meal prep tempeh salad, or these marinated tempeh skewers.
How To Cook Tempeh
This recipe bakes tempeh, however, traditionally in Indonesia tempeh is deep fried. I also like to make tempeh in my air fryer.
What is Tempeh?
Tempeh is a plant based protein source that originates from Indonesia. Similar to tofu, tempeh is made from soybeans. However, unlike tofu, tempeh is a whole soybean product that is fermented. Tempeh is a whole food that uses fermentation to bond the beans together to form a dense cake. This is done by using the fungus, Rhizopus Oligosporus, also known as the tempeh starter.
What does tempeh taste like?
Tempeh has a unique flavour due to the fermentation process which can be described as a chewy texture with a slight nutty taste. The fermented bond gives it a chewy texture, whilst the soybeans are like soft nuts that gently break in your mouth as you chew.
Tempeh often polarizises people. You either love it, or hate it. I think it's similar to olives, oysters, or anchovies. You have people who LOVE it, and then those that hate it. The first time I tried tempeh I knew I loved it!
Tempeh in Asia VS Tempeh in The West
I’m incredibly fortunate to live in Malaysia, where freshly made tempeh is sold in abundance. The tempeh I buy is often still warm from the fermentation process. Unfortunately, tempeh in Western countries is usually packaged and has often been sitting on a refrigerator shelf for a long time. Whatever process it undergoes to last that long can affect its flavor. However, don’t let this discourage you! I’m simply sharing this so that if you ever get the chance to visit Southeast Asia, you absolutely must try the tempeh!
How to Make Marinated Tempeh
Making marinated tempeh is as easy as mixing a few pantry staples for a flavorful marinade, soaking the tempeh, and then cooking it to perfection. In just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious, protein-packed addition to your meals.
Why You'll Love Making Marinated Tempeh
Marinated tempeh is one of my go-to recipes because it’s:
- Quick and easy: The marinade requires only a few ingredients, and the preparation is simple.
- Customizable: You can tweak the marinade to suit your taste preferences.
- Versatile: It works well in salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, or as a snack.
- Nutritious: Packed with plant-based protein and rich flavors, it’s a great addition to a balanced diet.
- Less Oil: It uses way less oil than the traditional method of cooking tempeh by deep frying in oil (although, deep fried tempeh is seriously tasty!!)
Ingredients Needed for Marinated Tempeh
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple marinade for tempeh:
- Tempeh (100 grams): The star of the dish, providing a hearty, protein-rich base.
- Soy Sauce (⅓ cup): Adds a savory, umami flavor to the marinade. Use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.
- Maple Syrup (2 tbsp): Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce with a hint of natural sweetness.
- Coconut Oil (1 tbsp): Enhances the marinade by helping the marinade stick the tempeh as well as brown the tempeh edges for a crispy edge.
- Sriracha (2 tsp): Adds a touch of heat for a flavorful kick. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance.
How to Make Marinated Tempeh
Ingredients
- 100 grams tempeh
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 teaspoon sriracha
Instructions
- Prepare the tempeh: Cut the tempeh into small squares.
- Make the marinade: In a container, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, coconut oil, and sriracha until well combined.
- Marinate the tempeh: Add the tempeh pieces to the container, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 170°C (340°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Shake and bake: Secure the container lid tightly and shake to redistribute the marinade. Arrange the tempeh pieces on the baking tray.
- Cook: Bake for approximately 7 - 10 minutes, keeping an eye on the tempeh to prevent burning. Adjust the cooking time if the pieces are smaller.
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Marinated Tempeh
- Cut evenly: Ensure all tempeh pieces are of similar size to cook evenly.
- Marinate longer for more flavor: While 10 minutes works, letting the tempeh marinate for up to an hour enhances its taste. It can also be left in the container overnight.
- Check for doneness: Smaller pieces cook faster, so monitor closely to avoid burning!
Frequently Asked Questions About Marinated Tempeh
Yes, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
Yes. You can heat a little bit of oil in a fry pan or skillet and the the tempeh and cook for a few minutes or until the edges start to brown.
Store cooked tempeh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven or enjoy cold.
Variations
- Spiciness: Add extra sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes for more heat.
- Garlic-infused: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the marinade for added depth.
- Citrus kick: Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making This Tempeh Marinade
- Skipping the marination step: This reduces the flavor absorption, making the tempeh less flavorful.
- Overcooking: The tempeh will go from perfectly cooked to burnt very quickly! Watch it closely.
- Uneven cutting: Irregularly sized pieces will lead to different cooking times.
- Not shaking the container: Failing to redistribute the marinade can result in unevenly flavored tempeh.
Let's Make Marinated Tempeh!
Marinated tempeh is a delicious, protein-packed addition to your plant-based meals. With just four simple ingredients, it’s an easy recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Make sure to leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you!! For more easy and healthy recipes like this one you can follow me on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Enjoy!
Marinated Tempeh
Ingredients
- 100 grams tempeh
Marinade
- ⅓ cup soy sauce refer to blog notes for alternatives
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 teaspoon sriracha sauce add more if you like it extra spicy!
Instructions
- Prepare the tempeh: Cut the tempeh into small squares.
- Make the marinade: In a container, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, coconut oil, and sriracha until well combined.
- Marinate the tempeh: Add the tempeh pieces to the container, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 170°C (340°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Shake and bake: Secure the container lid tightly and shake to redistribute the marinade. Arrange the tempeh pieces on the baking tray.
- Cook: Bake for approximately 7 - 10 minutes, keeping an eye on the tempeh to prevent burning. Adjust the cooking time if the pieces are smaller.
Leave a Reply