Marinated Sesame Peanut Tempeh

Don’t have time to cook but want something delicious? This marinated tempeh bowl is for you! It’s smothered in a simple sesame peanut sauce, sautéed until crispy and even vegan. It’s gluten free, perfect for meal prep, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Are you team tempeh or tofu? Maybe neither?! Either way, both tempeh and tofu are pretty bland foods on their own, but I’ve finally mastered the art of spicing them up!

The key? A killer sauce. One that specifically involves soy sauce, peanut butter and sesame oil. Those three ingredients are among my most used in my pantry!

TBH a good sauce is the key to any good recipe, but these three ingredients together could make absolutely anything taste good.

We all know I love sesame anything, and this marinated tempeh recipe is no exception. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and (almost) completely hands off. Try my peanut cauliflower next!

Tofu vs. Tempeh

Tempeh uses whole soybeans that have been fermented into a more firm and dense “cake.” Tofu on the other hand is made from pressed and condensed soy milk that is formed into solid almost sponge like blocks.

Both tempeh and tofu contain high amounts of protein but they have very different tastes and textures.

Tofu is much spongier and can be more fragile whereas tempeh is very dense with a slight tangier flavor.

You are welcome to use either tofu or tempeh in this recipe, or even chicken or chickpeas if you don’t like either!

How to make peanut tempeh

This recipe is super simple. Maybe too simple?! No such thing if you ask me. First, whisk together all of the ingredients for the sauce. 

Cut the tempeh into squares, cut each square into triangles. You can cut it into any shape you want, but I find triangles work best for this recipe.

Add the tempeh to a bowl and coat with half of the sauce. Let sit for about 20 minutes to marinate. Toss it halfway through to ensure the sauce is coating every side.

Marinating tempeh isn’t 100% necessary, but it does ensure it’s as flavorful as possible. Additionally, steaming tempeh before marinating can help remove some of the bitterness. I don’t mind the bitter (oddly enough), but I steaming for about 10 minutes before marinating can be helpful for the best flavor.

The longer you let it marinate, the more flavorful it becomes, but even just 20 minutes helps a lot. If you can, let it marinate overnight to really get the flavor inside of the tempeh.

While the tempeh is marinating, steam the broccoli and prepare the rice. I like to use a rice cooker and steamer basket for the broccoli to make life easier. 

Once the tempeh is finished marinating, heat a medium pan with 1-2 tbsp of oil over low/medium heat and add the tempeh in. 

Let simmer until the sauce starts to darken and thicken slightly, then add in half of the other half of the sauce (save the other bit for drizzling on top of the bowls). 

Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the tempeh to absorb the flavor. Flip halfway to ensure it is evenly cooked and doesn’t burn.

Assemble the bowls with a bed of rice and top with the tempeh, broccoli and an extra drizzle of the peanut sauce. 

Frequently asked questions

Can I use tofu instead?

The tempeh can be subbed for extra firm tofu if you prefer. If you do use tofu, you’ll just want to cook it for a bit longer so it gets nice and crispy on the outside.

Can I use almond butter?

The peanut butter can be subbed for any other nut or seed butter if you have allergies, but this will of course change the flavor slightly. I have made this recipe with almond butter and it is still delicious!

Can I make this a stir fry?

Yes, love that idea! I suggest stir frying (instead of steaming) your broccoli along with some carrots, bell pepper, onion, cabbage or whatever else you like with a bit of sesame oil.

Then, serve that with the tempeh and rice.

More recipes you’ll love!

• Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
• Garlic Sesame Tofu
• Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles

If you make this recipe, don’t forget to subscribe to newsletter and tag me on instagram so I can see your creation! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out!

5 from 11 votes

Marinated Sesame Peanut Tempeh Recipe

by: claire cary

Don’t have time to cook but want something delicious? This marinated tempeh bowl is for you! It’s smothered in a simple sesame peanut sauce, sautéed until crispy and even vegan. It’s gluten free, perfect for meal prep, and ready in under 30 minutes.

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Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 10 mins

Total: 25 mins

2

1x2x3x

Ingredients

Bowl:

• ▢ 1 block/package of tempeh 8 ounces
• ▢ 1 cup cooked rice I like using my cilantro lime rice
• ▢ 1 cup chopped broccoli
• ▢ ¼ cup chopped scallions for garnish
• ▢ Optional: 1/2 avocado

Sauce:

• ▢ 2 cloves garlic finely minced
• ▢ 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• ▢ ¼ cup low sodium tamari or soy sauce
• ▢ 2 tbsp maple syrup
• ▢ 2 tbsp vegetable broth
• ▢ 2 tbsp peanut butter
• ▢ Juice from 1/2 lime
• ▢ ½ tsp red pepper flakes

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Whisk together all of the ingredients for the sauce. 
• Cut the tempeh into squares, cut each square into triangles. 
• Add the tempeh to a bowl and coat with half of the sauce. Let sit for about 15 minutes to marinate. Toss it halfway through to ensure the sauce is coating every side.
• While the tempeh is marinating, steam the broccoli and prepare the rice. I like to use a rice cooker and steamer basket for the broccoli to make life easier. 
• Once the tempeh is finished marinating, heat a medium pan with 1-2 tbsp of oil over low/medium heat and add the tempeh in. 
• Let simmer until the sauce starts to darken, then add in half of the other half of the sauce (save the other bit for drizzling on top of the bowls). 
• Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the tempeh to absorb the flavor. Flip halfway to ensure it is evenly cooked. 
• Assemble the bowls with a bed of rice and top with the tempeh, broccoli and an extra drizzle of the peanut sauce. 

Notes

The tempeh can be subbed for tofu, chickpeas, or even chicken or salmon.

Once cooked, this tempeh will last in the fridge for about 3-5 days.

The peanut butter can be subbed for any other nut or seed butter if you have allergies, but this will of course change the flavor slightly. I have made this recipe with almond butter and it is still delicious.

Serving: 1bowl / Calories: 345kcal / Carbohydrates: 42g / Protein: 16.3g / Fat: 12g / Fiber: 9.3g / Sugar: 8.4g

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