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This maple tamari tempeh recipe is super easy and versatile, and I’ve been meaning to share it on my blog for ages! I make it so often without a set recipe, which is why it hasn’t made it to the blog—until now.
Tempeh is one of those ingredients I usually freestyle with, except when I’m making some special dishes like Meghan Telpner’s delicious tempeh from her “Undiet” cookbook or my cousin Amy’s Tempeh Chili from my first book, “Joyous Health.”
Sure, it’s not the prettiest food, but it’s really handy. Sometimes, I just blend a package of tempeh in my food processor for 10 seconds to make a bolognese instead of using ground chicken or beef. It gives a lighter, plant-based twist to the dish. You can also use it as a substitute in a Tuscan Bolognese for a protein-packed vegan option.
Tempeh even works great as a bacon substitute in a BLT! You can find it in the refrigerated section at your local health food store or the natural food aisle of most groceries.
Now, about this recipe—Maple Tamari Tempeh Strips are amazingly versatile. Add them to sandwiches, wraps, stir-fries, or your buddha bowls. They’re also a great bacon alternative for breakfast if you bake them until crispy. There are countless ways to enjoy tempeh’s tasty goodness.
Nutritional Benefits of Tempeh:
– **Probiotic Food:** Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is a lively food that can boost the friendly microbes in your gut, supporting overall health.
– **High Plant-Based Protein:** With 19g of protein per 100g serving, tempeh is a strong plant protein source. Its fermentation also makes it more digestible as proteins are partially broken down into amino acids.
– **Supports Strong Bones:** Tempeh provides a fantastic non-dairy source of calcium, essential for maintaining bone density and strength.
There’s so much more to say about tempeh, but let’s save that for another time. If you enjoy this recipe, I might share my Ginger Tamari Veggie Stir Fry!
Before you start, here’s an important tip: always choose certified organic tempeh. Most soy in North America is genetically modified and treated with herbicides like Round-Up, which you want to avoid. I recommend the Henry’s brand, available gluten-free from health food stores, which I’ve trusted for nearly a decade.
Making this Maple Tamari Tempeh is simple. Slice the tempeh thinly, prepare the marinade, and let it soak up the flavors while you wait. As it absorbs the marinade, the tempeh expands, so though it seems like a small amount, it can serve about four people—just pair it with some other dishes.
Here’s my recipe for Maple Tamari Tempeh
Makes 20-24 slices.
This maple tamari tempeh is delicious in sandwiches, veggie stir-fries, or salads like the Juicy & Crunchy Kale Salad. Enjoy!
Q&A:
Joy, I’m new to tempeh! Where can I buy it?
Great question! You can find it in the refrigerated section of your local health store or the natural foods aisle of big grocery stores.
Great info as always! I love the idea of using blitzed tempeh in a bolognese sauce, and the ideas for your Maple Tamari recipe sound fantastic too!
Thanks, Andria! Let me know if you give it a try!
Love this side dish and I’d love to hear more about your Ginger Tamari Veggie Stir Fry!
The Tamari stir-fry is in the Joyous Cookbook!
