Let me take you on a little journey! When I first decided to make Easy Baked Tempeh, I was a bit skeptical. I had attempted tempeh a couple of times before, and let’s just say my results were a tad lackluster. But this time? I nailed it right out of the gate! I mixed up the marinade – wow, the aroma was *amazing*! The surprise came when I bit into a piece of our crispy baked tempeh; it was so good I clapped my hands with joy! To improve it further, I added a splash more soy sauce and sesame oil on my second try, which really boosted the flavor. So, trust me, you’ll want to give it a whirl.

Easy Baked Tempeh

If you're searching for an easy and delicious way to add protein to your meals, look no further than this Easy Baked Tempeh recipe! Tempeh is soy-based, packed with nutrients, and super versatile. This dish is perfect for both vegan friends and meat-lovers alike, and it can jazz up any meal. We combine tempeh with a zesty marinade and bake it to perfection, resulting in a crunchy yet tender delight that's full of flavor. Let's dive in!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Dish, Side Dish

Cuisine Asian Fusion, Vegan

Servings 4 people

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 block 8 oz tempeh, sliced into strips or cubes
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger or fresh grated ginger!
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a kick!
• Cooking oil spray or olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get it nice and warm while we whip up that marinade!
• Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir it all together until it’s a beautiful blend. Trust me, it smells fantastic already!
• Prepare the Tempeh: Now, grab your tempeh block and carefully slice it into strips or cubes, depending on your preference. If you like a stronger flavor, you can even steam it for 10 minutes first, as this helps it absorb the marinade better!
• Marinate the Tempeh: Add the tempeh pieces to your bowl of marinade and gently toss them to coat. Let them soak in that flavorful goodness for at least 10 minutes (or longer if you have time). Every bit counts!
• Bake the Tempeh: Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking oil. Arrange the marinated tempeh in a single layer, making sure they have some space between them to crisp up!
• Time to Bake: Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and let those beauties bake for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
• Enjoy: Once they’re baked, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes (if you can wait!) Serve them as a main dish, add them to salads, or toss them in a stir-fry. Yum!

Keyword Easy baked tampeh, Healthy Recipes, plant-based meals, tempeh recipe, vegan protein

Nutritional Information

5 Tips for This Recipe

• Don’t skip marinating! It makes a world of difference.
• Steam the tempeh before marinating for even more flavor absorption.
• Experiment with spices and herbs to make the marinade your own.
• For extra crunch, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
• Use leftovers in sandwiches or wraps for a tasty lunch.

5 FAQs for This Recipe

• Can I use other proteins instead of tempeh?
  Absolutely! This marinade works well on tofu or chicken too.
• How long does baked tempeh last?
  It lasts about 3-5 days in the fridge when properly stored.
• Can I freeze baked tempeh?
  Yes, just ensure it’s in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating!
• What do I serve baked tempeh with?
  It’s delicious on rice, in salads, or as a protein-packed snack!
• Is tempeh high in protein?
  Yes, tempeh is a fantastic source of plant-based protein!

5 Storage Tips

• Always store in an airtight container to maximize freshness.
• Label your leftovers with the date, so you know when they were made.
• Tempeh can be stored separately from marinades if you prefer.
• For freezing, place the tempeh in freezer bags, squeezing out excess air.
• Reheat in the oven, microwave, or a skillet for the best texture.

5 Common Cooking Mistakes

• Not marinating long enough – give it time to soak in the flavors!
• Baking at the wrong temperature – make sure your oven is preheated upwards of 375°F!
• Using too much marinade, leading to soggy tempeh. Less is more!
• Not cutting tempeh evenly, which can cause uneven cooking.
• Skipping spices! They elevate the flavor immensely.

Final Thoughts

Our journey crafting this Easy Baked Tempeh was a flavorful ride! Not only did we find a protein-packed dish that suits everyone’s palate, but we also learned a few key tricks along the way. Marinating is essential, and the versatility of tempeh is a wonderful surprise.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s about enjoying the process and taste-testing as we go! Feel free to play with flavors and share your creations with friends and family. Remember, it’s all about having fun in the kitchen!

So, grab your tempeh, and let’s get baking. Happy cooking, everyone!