How to Cook Tempeh Recipe (3 Ways)

5 from 2 votes

This easy tempeh recipe has the perfect savory marinade and crisp outer coating! This is the BEST savory tempeh recipe you will ever try - I can almost guarantee!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Marinating time1

Course: Lunch/Dinner

Cuisine: American

Diet:

Servings:

Calories: 348kcal

Author: Allie Petersen

Ingredients

Tempeh

8 oz tempeh

Marinade

2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari*
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1.5 tbsp maple syrup
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cumin

Instructions

CUT UP YOUR TEMPEH:

Remove the tempeh from the package.
Cut the tempeh in half so you have two large squares. Then cut those squares into thinner pieces so you have a total of four squares.
8 oz tempeh
Cut into small triangles. (Alternatively you can cut into cubes)

MARINATE:

Stir up your marinade in a small bowl. Place your tempeh in a shallow large bowl. Pour the marinade over the top and use your hands to gently toss until every tempeh piece is coated in the marinade.
Place the bowl in the fridge and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight is ideal. If you are short on time, you can cook the tempeh right away, but it won't be quite as flavorful.
2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari*, 1 tbsp olive oil , 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1.5 tbsp maple syrup, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 tsp paprika , 1/2 tsp cumin

PAN-FRY

In a med/large saucepan, spread a tbsp of oil over the bottom of the pan on medium heat.
Add your tempeh, but leave the extra marinade in the bowl.
Cook the tempeh about 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another few minutes on the other side. Pour over the extra marinade and let the tempeh carmelize for another few minutes, or until your tempeh is crispy to your liking.
Tip: Add more oil if needed to achieve crispy texture.

SERVE:

Serve your tempeh with rice, quinoa, stir-fried veggies, over a salad, and more!

Notes

Soy sauce: For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos. For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce.

Alternatives to pan-frying:

Air Frying: Shake off excess marinade and place tempeh evenly in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400 F for 8-10 minutes, until crispy on the outside. Drizzle the leftover marinade on top.
Bake: Preheat oven to 400 F. Spread tempeh evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 23-27 minutes, or until golden brown. Cooking time varies based on how large your tempeh pieces are.

Nutrition