Marinated Sesame Peanut Tempeh Bowl Recipe
This Marinated Sesame Peanut Tempeh recipe offers a flavorful plant-based protein dish featuring tempeh marinated in a savory peanut sauce with sesame oil, tamari, and spices. Paired with steamed broccoli, cooked rice, and garnished with scallions and optional avocado, it’s a nutritious and delicious meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Tempeh and Sauce
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 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 garlic, toasted sesame oil, low sodium tamari, maple syrup, vegetable broth, peanut butter, lime juice, and red pepper flakes to create the flavorful peanut sauce.
- Cut Tempeh: Cut the tempeh block into squares, then cut each square into triangles to create bite-sized pieces perfect for marinating and cooking.
- Marinate Tempeh: Place the tempeh triangles in a bowl and coat with half of the prepared peanut sauce. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even coating.
- Steam Broccoli and Prepare Rice: While the tempeh marinates, steam the chopped broccoli until tender but still crisp. Prepare cooked rice using a rice cooker or stovetop method as preferred.
- Heat Oil in Pan: Heat a medium pan over low to medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of oil, such as vegetable or sesame oil, to prepare for cooking the tempeh.
- Simmer Tempeh: Add the marinated tempeh to the hot pan and cook until the sauce starts to darken and reduce.
- Add Remaining Sauce: Pour in half of the remaining peanut sauce and continue simmering the tempeh for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and good absorption of flavors.
- Serve: Assemble bowls by creating a bed of cooked rice, then topping with the cooked tempeh, steamed broccoli, and an extra drizzle of the reserved peanut sauce. Garnish with chopped scallions and, if desired, add half an avocado for creaminess.
Notes
- Marinate tempeh for at least 15 minutes to maximize flavor absorption.
- Use low sodium tamari to reduce salt content and enhance taste.
- Optional avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- Steaming broccoli helps maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- For a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes to taste.
Keywords: tempeh recipe, peanut sauce, sesame tempeh, vegetarian main course, Asian-inspired vegetarian dish, easy tempeh dinner, gluten-free tempeh