Get ready to transform your plant-based cooking game with a recipe that'll make even meat-lovers do a double-take! This Marinated Hoisin Peanut Tempeh isn't just another boring tofu dish – it's a flavor-packed culinary adventure that combines the rich, umami depth of hoisin sauce, the creamy nuttiness of peanut butter, and the hearty texture of tempeh. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's not only incredibly delicious but also packed with protein and bursting with Asian-inspired flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with excitement.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package tempeh, sliced
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined, creating a marinade with rich, complex flavors.
- Remove tempeh from packaging and slice into thin, uniform rectangles approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure even marinating and cooking.
- Place tempeh slices into the marinade, gently turning each piece to coat completely. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing tempeh to absorb the flavors. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 2 hours.
- Preheat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the cooking surface to prevent sticking.
- Remove tempeh from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Reserve remaining marinade for potential sauce or basting.
- Place marinated tempeh slices onto the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until edges become golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Transfer cooked tempeh to a serving plate and garnish with finely chopped green onions for added freshness and color.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or as a protein in a grain bowl.
Tips
- Tempeh Preparation: Always slice tempeh uniformly to ensure even marinating and cooking. Thinner slices (about 1/4 inch) will absorb more flavor and cook more quickly.
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the marinating process! While 30 minutes is the minimum, letting the tempeh sit for up to 2 hours will develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Heat Management: Use a non-stick skillet and medium-high heat to achieve those perfect golden-brown edges without burning the marinade.
- Flavor Boost: Reserve some marinade before adding raw tempeh to use as a quick sauce or for basting during cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, pair your tempeh with steamed jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, or create a vibrant grain bowl for added nutrition and texture.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
