Some ingredients don’t get enough attention and tempeh is definitely one of them.

Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans, giving it a firm texture and a slightly nutty, savory flavor. It’s satisfying and holds up well to different cooking methods, making it a great option for building simple, balanced meals.

What makes it especially interesting is how well it absorbs flavor. With the right marinade, it transforms into something rich, bold and deeply satisfying.

Simple Tempeh Marinade & Prep (Serves 2–3)

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz (about 225g) tempeh, sliced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 3–4 tbsp water (to thin)
  • Salt & pepper (optional, to taste)

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, mix tomato paste, onion powder, garlic powder, nutritional yeast and water until smooth.
  • Add sliced tempeh and coat well.
  • Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30–60 minutes (longer for deeper flavor).
Cook by either:
  • Broiling for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until slightly crisp
  • Or pan-frying in a non-stick pan over medium heat until golden and crisp on both sides

Once cooked, it works beautifully in sandwiches, tossed into salads or added to grain bowls, take your pick.

Note: Some people prefer to boil their tempeh briefly before marinating to soften its flavor, but this recipe skips that step and relies on the marinade for depth.