Crispy Baked Tempeh is marinated in a simple, spice-filled sauce and baked to a crispy perfection in the oven for a protein rich dinner. This easy tempeh recipe is ready in 30 minutes!
Simple and delicious, this crispy baked tempeh is a great way to get in that plant-based protein.
Have you heard of tempeh before? For those who haven't, tempeh is traditionally made from fermented soybeans (though it can be made from any type of bean). It looks like a block of beans stuck together.
It's different from tofu because much of the whole bean remains. Tempeh has a meaty, firm texture whereas tofu is quite soft. The result: tempeh is incredibly versatile!
One of my favorite ways to enjoy it is as taco meat - the texture is unbelievable!
The above five ingredients are my staple ingredients in this recipe. You can add some other spices like onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme.
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2. Slice the tempeh into cubes.
Step 3. Toss the cubes with the liquid aminos, maple syrup, garlic powder, liquid smoke, and optional spices as desired.
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Step 4. Arrange the cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Pour on any remaining marinade liquid. Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Enjoy!
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I love eating this tempeh by itself, but here are a few other serving suggestions:
Tempeh is so good for you. First, it's fermented. Fermented foods are probiotics that feed our gut bacteria. They help good bacteria grow and keep our entire microbiome in balance.
Second, tempeh (the kind we're using) is made of soybeans. There is a lot of controversy over soy. Is it good? Is it bad? Well, the evidence suggests that soy is not just good, it's great for us. Soy can decrease breast cancer risk. It also lowers your risk of getting high blood pressure. (See the book How Not to Die for more information.)
Finally, legumes, like soy, are so healthy that the American Institute for Cancer research suggests that we be eating beans with every meal. With this recipe, you'll have no problem getting in those beans!
Tempeh is easily found at most grocery stores. You can typically find it in the refrigerated section - if there's a vegan refrigerated section, it will be there.
Tempeh is a block of fermented beans. Most traditionally, tempeh is made from soybeans. But you can find tempeh from black beans and chickpeas too!
This recipe will work with any type of tempeh. Feel free to switch it up!
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Some recipes call for steaming. This can help to reduce the slight bitterness of tempeh. But really, the marinade and the baking will eliminate any bitterness.
I usually don't cook with oil - you don't need any! Especially when cooking in an air fryer.
An air fryer works similarly to a convection oven. It circulates hot air to cook all sides of the food at a rapid pace. Because of the quick cooking time the tempeh will not get stuck to the base of the air fryer.
I've found that you really don't need to marinate tempeh for that long.
In this recipe, you don't have to marinade at all. But you can if you want - a 30 minute marinade will allow the mixture to soak further into the tempeh.
This is completely optional. Even without a marinade time, the tempeh is full of flavor!
Liquid aminos and liquid smoke are my go-to flavors when cooking tempeh, even when I just pan-fry it. But you don't have to make the sauce the same every time!
Whip up your favorite dressing or marinade and toss with the tempeh before baking.
A nice coating of vegan honey mustard dressing or a drizzle of vegan aioli would be delicious!
Lord thank you for healthy plant-protein that you gave to us for food. You are so good. Amen.
Looking for more ways to cook tempeh? Try some of my favorites:
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Crispy Baked Tempeh is marinated in a simple, spice-filled sauce and baked to a crispy perfection in the oven for a protein rich dinner. This easy tempeh recipe is ready in 30 minutes!
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At Elizabeth's Table I bring you easy and nutritious, plant-based recipes, explore the relationship between food and faith, and share my unique lifestyle.
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