I recently whipped up a dish featuring bite-sized tempeh tossed in a glossy blend of garlic, soy sauce, and honey. The subtle additions of ginger and red pepper flakes brought an unexpected twist. This recipe now stands proudly among my favorite healthy tempeh recipes for a quick, protein-rich meal.

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I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen lately and I came up with an easy honey garlic tempeh recipe that’s perfect if you’re in a rush for a vegetarian on the go lunch or a tasty dinner. I start with 8 oz tempeh, cut into bite-sized pieces and a couple of cloves of garlic minced (if you love garlic like me, feel free to add more).

Then I mix up 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar with 1/4 cup water, into which I’ve dissolved 1 tbsp cornstarch. I usually toss in 1 tsp minced ginger for extra flavor and a pinch of red pepper flakes when I want a little kick.

Next, frying everything in 2 tbsp vegetable oil really seals in the flavors. This dish is a high protein and super healthy tempeh meal that goes great with rice, stir-fried veggies, or even steamed edamame.

Enjoy makin’ this dish, it’s really a game changer for quick dinners!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because the honey garlic sauce is insanely flavorful and makes even simple tempeh taste special. I also like how its super easy to make even when im short on time; the steps are simple enough that I can whip it up after school without a lot of stress. The crispy texture of the fried tempeh mixed with the sticky sauce gives me a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. Lastly, its a versatile dish that I can serve with rice, stir-fried veggies, or even steamed edamame, which makes it a go-to meal for any day.

Ingredients

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Tempeh: High-protein, fibrous soy food that offers a nutty flavor and hearty texture.
Garlic: Aromatic and antioxidant that really intensifies flavors and supports immune health.
Soy Sauce: Salty umami-rich liquid that deepens flavors and adds great complexity.
Honey: Natural sweetener that adds a mild balanced sweetness with unique floral notes.
Rice Vinegar: Mildly tangy liquid giving a subtle zesty kick to the dish.
Ginger: Fresh spicy zing that enhances aroma and promotes digestion overall.
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds gentle heat for an extra kick in the mix.
Vegetable Oil: Helps crisp up the tempeh while evenly carrying flavors during frying.

Ingredient Quantities

8 oz tempeh, cut into bite sized pieces

3 garlic cloves, minced (feel free to add more if youre a garlic lover)

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1/4 cup water

1 tbsp cornstarch (dissolved in the water above)

1 tsp minced ginger (optional but recommended for extra flavor)

2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying

A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick)

How to Make this

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1. Cut the 8 oz of tempeh into bite sized pieces and set em aside.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1/4 cup water with 1 tbsp cornstarch already dissolved, and if you want extra flavor, add 1 tsp minced ginger along with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

3. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

4. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tempeh pieces and fry them until they are golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

5. When the tempeh is done, lower the heat and pour the sauce mixture into the same pan.

6. Stir everything together so the tempeh gets nicely coated with the sauce.

7. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens up.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a little more garlic or red pepper flakes if you love a kick.

9. Once your sauce has become gluey and the tempeh is well coated, remove the pan from heat.

10. Serve your yummy honey garlic tempeh immediately with a side of rice, stir-fried veggies, or steamed edamame and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Knife and cutting board for chopping the tempeh and mincing the garlic (and ginger if you’re using it)
2. Small bowl for mixing the garlic, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, water with dissolved cornstarch, ginger, and red pepper flakes
3. Measuring cups and spoons to make sure you get the ingredient ratios right
4. Frying pan for frying the tempeh and later for cooking the sauce with the tempeh
5. Spatula to stir and coat the tempeh evenly in the sauce
6. Stove to heat your pan and cook the tempeh and sauce

FAQ

Q: Can i substitute tofu for tempeh?

A: Sure, you can use tofu, but keep in mind that tofu has a softer texture and might need a shorter cooking time so it doesn't fall apart.

Q: What does the cornstarch and water do in the recipe?

A: It helps to thicken the sauce nicely so it clings to the tempeh, making every bite flavorful.

Q: Can i add extra veggies to this dish?

A: Absolutely, feel free to toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots for more color and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How spicy is this dish by default?

A: It's generally mild, but if you're into a bit of a kick, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes according to your taste.

Q: What is the best way to store any leftovers?

A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop to avoid breaking the sauce.

Honey Garlic Tempeh Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the soy sauce, you can swap it out with tamari or coconut aminos if you’re lookin for a gluten free alternative.
If you dont have honey, try using maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the sweetness.
Instead of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar diluted a bit with water can work pretty well.
You might also replace vegetable oil with olive oil or sesame oil to give it a slightly different flavor profile.

Pro Tips

1. Try pressing the tempeh for about 10 minutes before you cook it to get rid of some extra water, this makes it crisper when u fry it
2. When u fry the tempeh, make sure the oil is hot enough so that it sizzles immediately. If it cools down too fast, the tempeh might just soak up the oil and get greasy
3. Keep a close eye on the sauce when u pour it in, since it can burn if u dont stir it often enough while it thickens up
4. Feel free to tweak the amounts of garlic or red pepper flakes based on ur taste, sometimes a little extra kick or flavor makes all the difference in the final dish