Description
This Marinated Sesame Peanut Tempeh recipe features protein-rich tempeh perfectly marinated in a savory and slightly sweet peanut sauce, then pan-simmered until tender and flavorful. Served over steamed broccoli and cooked rice, it's a wholesome, delicious vegetarian meal that comes together in just 25 minutes, ideal for a quick and nourishing lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Tempeh and Marinade
- 1 block/package of tempeh (8 ounces)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 cup low sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- Juice from 1/2 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions for garnish
- Optional: 1/2 avocado
Instructions
- Whisk Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the garlic, toasted sesame oil, tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, vegetable broth, peanut butter, lime juice, and red pepper flakes to create the peanut marinade and sauce.
- Cut Tempeh: Slice the tempeh block into squares, then cut each square into triangles for easier cooking and serving.
- Marinate Tempeh: Place the tempeh pieces into a bowl and coat them evenly with half of the prepared sauce. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes, tossing once halfway through to ensure thorough coverage.
- Steam Broccoli: While the tempeh marinates, steam the chopped broccoli until tender but still vibrant. Simultaneously, prepare the rice using your preferred method, such as a rice cooker.
- Heat Oil in Pan: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a medium pan over low to medium heat in preparation for cooking the tempeh.
- Simmer Tempeh: Add the marinated tempeh to the heated pan and let it cook until the sauce starts to darken and thicken slightly.
- Add More Sauce: Pour in half of the remaining peanut sauce to the pan with the tempeh, keeping the rest for drizzling when serving.
- Flip Tempeh: Allow the tempeh to simmer for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure it absorbs the flavors evenly and gets a nice glaze.
- Serve: Assemble bowls by placing a bed of cooked rice, topped with the steamed broccoli and the glazed tempeh. Garnish with chopped scallions and optional avocado slices, then drizzle the reserved peanut sauce on top for extra flavor.
Notes
- Marinate the tempeh for at least 15 minutes to maximize flavor absorption.
- Use low sodium tamari for a gluten-free option or regular soy sauce otherwise.
- Steaming the broccoli preserves nutrients and vibrant color.
- The optional avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
