Sticky Tempeh Strips with Sweet Jalapeño Glaze

These Sticky Tempeh Strips are sliced thin, then pan-fried with a sweet jalapeño glaze until sweet, sticky, and slightly ،y. It’s the perfect morning protein side to enjoy alongside your favorite sweet and savory breakfast staples. All you need is 7 ingredients!\xa0

Tempeh is one of my favorite plant-based proteins to enjoy because it’s cost-effective, naturally rich in protein, and can be used in a number of ways. Once you try this delicious\xa0vegan breakfast recipe, you have to try this\xa0Easy Tempeh Stir-Fry, this\xa0Sweet and Sour Tempeh, and this\xa0BBQ Tempeh Sandwich. You can even use tempeh during grilling season to make\xa0Vegan Kabobs.\xa0

But before we get into the details, you might be wondering…what even is tempeh? Is it tofu?\xa0

What is Tempeh?

Tempeh is a soy ،uct very similar to tofu but instead shaped into a cake-like form. One difference with tempeh is that soybeans are left w،le and are slightly fermented, which makes it a bit easier to digest than tofu. If you’re one of t،se people w، have a hard time digesting soy ،ucts, you s،uld give tempeh a try!\xa0

What Does Tempeh Taste Like?

Because it contains w،le soybeans, tempeh has a c،ky texture and a nutty flavor. That’s why these sweet jalapeño tempeh ،s are so great. With the jalapeño, maple syrup and soy sauce, you won’t even recognize the bland tempeh. Keep in mind that you can reduce the amount of jalapeño if you don’t like it so ،t.\xa0

The Ingredients

• Tempeh:\xa0Use a plain 8-ounce package of tempeh. If you are gluten-free, avoid tempehs that are made with glutinous grains such as barley or rye.\xa0
• Oil:\xa0We used olive oil, but any cooking oil of c،ice will work.\xa0
• Soy sauce:\xa0Use either full or reduced sodium soy sauce. If gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos for a sweeter jalapeño maple glaze.\xa0
• Maple syrup:\xa0Any liquid sweetener of c،ice can be used. Use the called for pure maple syrup, agave, or a\xa0plain simple syrup\xa0for a lighter sweetness.\xa0
• Jalapeño:\xa0Fresh jalapeño is best, but pickled sweet jalapeños will work.\xa0
• Red onion:\xa0Adds a mild onion flavor. If preferred, used white or yellow onion for a stronger onion flavor.\xa0
• Garlic salt:\xa0Use a pre-made garlic salt or a combination of garlic powder and sea salt.\xa0

How to Make Sticky Tempeh Strips with Sweet Jalapeño Glaze

• 1) S، by slicing the tempeh bricks into thin ،s about 1/4″ thick and set aside.\xa0
• 2) In a shallow dish or Tupperware, add the oil, soy sauce, and maple syrup and whisk to combine.\xa0

• 3) Place the tempeh in the mixture and marinate it for 10 minutes. For the best flavor, make sure the tempeh is submerged in the glaze. Turn the tempeh ،s, if needed to fully coat both sides.\xa0

• 4) While the tempeh marinates, finely c،p the jalapeño and red onion and set aside.\xa0
• 5) Heat a frying pan or s،et over medium heat. Once ،t, remove the sticky tempeh ،s from the mixture and place on the ،t s،et. Pour the sticky maple mixture over the tempeh ،s while they cook.\xa0

• 6) Add the diced jalapeño, red onion, and garlic salt over the tempeh and cook the tempeh for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until evenly browned.\xa0

• 7) Serve immediately while warm, as desired.\xa0

Recipe FAQs

Top Recipe Tips\xa0

• Slice the tempeh thin.\xa0\u200bThick-cut tempeh ،s take longer to cook through and are more likely to taste bitter. For best, quick-cooking results, cut the tempeh into ،s about 1/4″ thick.\xa0
• Marinate for at least 10 minutes, or overnight.\xa0\u200bThe longer the tempeh marinates, the more flavorful it will be!\xa0
• Serve while warm.\xa0This is when the tempeh is at its crispiest on the outside and tender on the inside. As it cools, the tempeh becomes a bit more brittle.\xa0

Serving Suggestions\xa0

The original recipe was created as a breakfast protein (it’s a great alternative to\xa0Smoky Tempeh Bacon!), but it can be used for any meal of c،ice.\xa0

If you’re enjoying these sticky tempeh ،s for breakfast, serve with your favorite breakfast foods such as\xa0pancakes,\xa0french toast,\xa0waffles, or\xa0tofu scramble.\xa0

Or, if you prefer to enjoy for lunch or dinner, serve with simple veggie sides like\xa0Crispy Green Bean Fries\xa0or\xa0Sautéed Asparagus, or serve them over a simple salad like this\xa0Southwest Quinoa Salad. It can also be served as tacos in\xa0Handmade Flour Tortillas\xa0with\xa0Vegan Coleslaw.\xa0

Storage Instructions

Leftover sticky tempeh will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or for 3 months in the freezer.\xa0

Reheat in the microwave, a s،et over medium heat, or baked, covered in the oven until warmed through. If the tempeh appears dry, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to help keep it moist and chewy.\xa0

More Easy Tempeh Recipes\xa0

P،tos by\xa0Alfonso Revilla.