This delightful tempeh recipe is a melting pot of flavors with a savory soy sauce marinade sweetened by maple syrup and spiced up with fresh ginger and garlic. The baking process imparts a rich depth of flavor into the tempeh, transforming it into a mouthwatering treat. This is a great dish for those exploring vegan cuisine or anyone looking for a tasty and nutritious meal.
Tempeh may not be a regular in your fridge, but it's a staple in vegan and vegetarian diets and has been part of Indonesian cuisine for centuries. It's a fermented soy product that has a distinctive nutty flavor and firm texture. It's packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. When shopping, you can usually find tempeh in the refrigerated section near the tofu.
Ingredients for the Delightful Tempeh
Soy sauce: Gives the dish its savory, umami flavor.
Water: Used to dilute the soy sauce so it's not overly salty.
Maple syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Garlic: Provides a kick of flavor and enhances the savory notes of the dish.
Fresh ginger: Adds a spicy, aromatic zing that complements the sweet and savory flavors.
Olive oil: Helps to crisp up the tempeh and adds a layer of richness.
Tempeh: The star of the dish, it absorbs all the flavors of the marinade and becomes delightfully tasty.
One reader, Emylee Nakamura says:
This delightful tempeh recipe is a game-changer! The marinade creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, and the tempeh turns out so tender and flavorful. It's a hit with my family and has become a regular in our dinner rotation. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Crafting Delightful Tempeh Recipes
How to marinate tempeh: Mix soy sauce, water, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger in a food processor until smooth. Pour the mixture over tempeh in a baking dish, cover with foil, and marinate for 1 to 2 hours.
How to bake tempeh: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the marinated tempeh, covered with foil, for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil, increase the heat to 375°F (190°C), and continue baking for 15 more minutes or until the tempeh is slightly browned.
How To Make Tempeh Delight
Tempeh delight is tempeh baked in a sweet-savory sauce of garlic, ginger, maple syrup, and soy sauce. This vegan dish is perfect over steamed rice.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupsoy sauce
- ¼cupwater
- ¼cupmaple syrup
- 3clovesgarlic,or more to taste
- 2tbspfresh ginger,chopped
- 2tbspolive oil
- 16oztempeh,sliced diagonally
Instructions
-
Process soy sauce, water, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger together in a food processor or blender until smooth.
-
Pour oil into a baking dish. Place tempeh on top of oil and pour soy sauce mixture over tempeh. Cover dish with aluminum foil and marinate for 1 to 2 hours.
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
-
Bake tempeh, covered with aluminum foil, in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove aluminum foil, increase heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and continue baking for 15 more minutes or until tempeh is slightly brown.
Nutrition
- Calories: 171.96kcal
- Fat: 9.57g
- Saturated Fat: 1.74g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.17g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.55g
- Carbohydrates: 12.95g
- Fiber: 0.12g
- Sugar: 6.02g
- Protein: 11.26g
- Sodium: 444.76mg
- Calcium: 78.14mg
- Potassium: 299.90mg
- Iron: 1.70mg
- Vitamin C: 0.43mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Tempeh Dishes
When marinating the tempeh, ensure that it is fully submerged in the soy sauce mixture. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the tempeh, resulting in a more flavorful dish. If the tempeh is not fully submerged, you can occasionally turn it over during the marinating process to ensure all sides get evenly coated.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Tempeh Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the marinade the night before and let the tempeh marinate in the refrigerator overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Batch cooking: Make a double batch of the tempeh recipe and freeze the extra for a quick and easy meal in the future.
Use pre-minced: Save time by using pre-minced garlic and ginger for a quicker prep process.
Invest in a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly blend the marinade ingredients together, saving time and effort.
Quick marinating: If short on time, marinate the tempeh for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop before baking.
Substitute Ingredients For Tempeh Delight Recipe
- soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar flavor profile, making it a suitable substitute for those with gluten sensitivities.
- maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a similar sweetness and viscosity to maple syrup, making it a suitable alternative in this recipe.
Best Way to Present This Delightful Tempeh Dish
Elevate the tempeh: Slice the tempeh into elegant portions and arrange them in a visually appealing manner on the plate.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
Drizzle with a balsamic reduction: Create a beautiful design on the plate using a balsamic reduction to add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few delicate edible flowers strategically around the tempeh to add an element of elegance and refinement.
Use fine dining plating techniques: Employ techniques such as quenelles or precise sauce drizzling to showcase the tempeh in a visually stunning manner.
Add a touch of citrus: Grate some lemon or orange zest over the dish to impart a burst of citrus aroma and a hint of brightness to the overall presentation.
Create a balanced composition: Ensure that the plate is visually balanced with the tempeh as the focal point, complemented by carefully arranged accompaniments.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Tempeh Recipes
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making sauces, marinades, and dressings.
Baking dish: A baking dish is a deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and roasting a variety of dishes, from casseroles to roasted vegetables.
Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil is a thin, pliable sheet of metal that is used to cover and wrap food for cooking and storage. It helps to retain moisture and heat while cooking.
Oven: An oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food. It provides consistent and controlled heat for cooking a wide range of dishes.
How to Store and Freeze Tempeh for Later Use
Once the tempeh has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify over time, making it even more delicious for future meals.
If you want to freeze the tempeh for later use, follow these steps:
- Cut the tempeh into smaller, portion-sized pieces for easier thawing and reheating.
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped tempeh pieces in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze the tempeh for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen tempeh, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat the tempeh in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave until heated through.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the frozen tempeh directly from the freezer. Simply place the frozen pieces on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
When reheating leftover tempeh, be sure to add a splash of water, soy sauce, or vegetable broth to help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out. This will ensure that your tempeh remains flavorful and satisfying, even after being stored or frozen.
How to Reheat Leftover Tempeh Dishes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover tempeh in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the tempeh from drying out.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat the tempeh in a skillet or pan on the stovetop. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan and heat it over medium heat. Add the tempeh and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side or until heated through and slightly crispy.
For a quick and easy option, you can use a microwave to reheat the tempeh. Place the leftover tempeh on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat the tempeh, as it can become tough and rubbery.
If you have leftover marinade, you can add a small amount to the tempeh before reheating to help keep it moist and flavorful. This works well with any of the above reheating methods.
Consider slicing the leftover tempeh and adding it to a salad, wrap, or sandwich for a tasty and convenient meal. The tempeh can be enjoyed cold or slightly warmed, depending on your preference.
Random Fact About Tempeh Recipes:
Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans. It is a great source of plant-based protein and contains probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
Is Making Tempeh at Home Economical?
This tempeh recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Tempeh is an affordable source of protein, and the other ingredients like soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger are commonly found in most kitchens. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $10-$15. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and economical choice for a family meal. I would rate this recipe a solid 8 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is This Tempeh Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This tempeh recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, tempeh is a nutritious plant-based protein source that is low in fat and high in fiber. It also contains beneficial prebiotics and probiotics for gut health. The recipe incorporates fresh ginger and garlic, which offer anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
However, the recipe also includes some less healthy ingredients. Soy sauce is high in sodium, and consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues. Maple syrup, while a natural sweetener, still adds extra sugar to the dish. The use of olive oil is a healthier choice compared to other oils, but the recipe could benefit from reducing the overall amount of oil used.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of soy sauce and replace some of it with low-sodium vegetable broth to maintain flavor while cutting down on sodium
- Use a smaller amount of maple syrup or substitute it with a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia or erythritol
- Decrease the quantity of olive oil used in the baking dish, or opt for cooking spray instead
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to increase the nutrient content and fiber
- Serve the tempeh alongside a portion of whole grains, like brown rice or quinoa, and a side of steamed or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, nutritious meal
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Tempeh Creation
This delightful tempeh recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The marinade of soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger infuses the tempeh with a rich umami taste, while the baking process creates a tender interior and a slightly crispy exterior. The use of maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness, complementing the savory elements. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy tempeh, and it can be a versatile addition to any meal, whether served as a main dish, in a salad, or as a protein-packed snack.
Enhance Your Tempeh Delight Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Tempeh Delight Recipe:
This delightful tempeh recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The soy sauce and maple syrup create a sweet and savory marinade, while the garlic and ginger add a delightful kick. The use of tempeh makes this dish a great source of plant-based protein. The simple yet flavorful marinade infuses the tempeh with rich, umami taste. Trust the combination of soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger to elevate your tempeh to new heights. This recipe promises a delicious and satisfying meal that will surely impress your taste buds.
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