Teriyaki Tempeh

Teriyaki Tempeh Recipe from Japan with Pineapple and Vegetables

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Teriyaki Tempeh is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of tamari and sherry with the sweetness of pineapple juice. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a plant-based alternative to traditional teriyaki dishes.

History

Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique that involves grilling or broiling meat or fish with a glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. In this vegetarian version, tempeh is used as the protein source, providing a hearty and nutritious alternative to meat.

Ingredients

0.25 cup tamari
2 tbsp mirin or sherry
0.25 cup pineapple juice
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pinch red pepper flakes
4 tempeh burgers

Pineapple salsa

2 cup fresh pineapple, diced
0.25 cup red onion, diced
0.25 cup green bell pepper, diced
0.5 tomato, seeded, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded, minced
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, minced
0.5 tsp ground coriander seed
0.25 tsp ground cumin
0.13 tsp salt

How to prepare

To make the marinade, combine tamari, mirin, pineapple juice, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a shallow baking dish.
Place the tempeh burgers in the marinade and set them aside for 15 minutes.
Turn the burgers occasionally to ensure they are coated with the marinade.
In a small bowl, combine pineapple, red onion, green pepper, tomato, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, and spices.
Refrigerate the mixture until serving time.
Remove the tempeh burgers from the marinade and grill them over medium-hot coals for 5 minutes on each side.
Serve immediately with pineapple salsa.

Variations

You can use tofu or seitan instead of tempeh for a different texture and flavor.
Add some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the marinade for extra vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the tempeh burgers for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the protein.

- Grilling the tempeh over medium-hot coals will give it a nice charred flavor and crispy texture.

- Serve the teriyaki tempeh with the pineapple salsa on the side for a refreshing and tangy contrast to the savory dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the teriyaki tempeh over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You can also add some steamed vegetables on the side for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the tempeh over medium-hot coals will give it a nice charred flavor and crispy texture. You can also bake or pan-fry the tempeh if you don't have a grill.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sherry, you can use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. You can also use soy sauce instead of tamari if that's what you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the tempeh burgers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to grill them. The pineapple salsa can also be made in advance and refrigerated until serving time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the teriyaki tempeh on a platter with the pineapple salsa on the side for a colorful and appetizing presentation. Garnish with some fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a side of steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the tempeh burgers until heated through or reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese.

Alergens

Contains soy (tamari) and gluten (tempeh).

Summary

Teriyaki Tempeh is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Teriyaki Tempeh is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. With a flavorful marinade and a refreshing pineapple salsa, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was given to me by a dear friend who had traveled to Japan and brought back a taste of the exotic flavors of the East. The recipe was for Teriyaki Tempeh, a dish I had never heard of before but one that sounded intriguing and delicious. As I read through the list of ingredients and instructions, I could already imagine the savory, sweet, and tangy flavors melding together in perfect harmony.

I decided to give the recipe a try, eager to expand my culinary horizons and learn something new. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - tempeh, soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil - and set to work in my kitchen. As I chopped the garlic and grated the ginger, the familiar scents filled the air, comforting me like an old friend.

I marinated the tempeh in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar, letting it soak up the flavors for a few hours. Then, I sautéed it in a hot pan with garlic and ginger until it was crispy and golden brown. The aroma that wafted from the pan was heavenly, promising a delicious meal to come.

I added the remaining marinade to the pan, letting it simmer and thicken into a sticky, glossy sauce. The sweet scent of the mirin and the salty tang of the soy sauce mingled together, creating a tantalizing aroma that made my mouth water. I knew that this dish was going to be something special.

As I plated the Teriyaki Tempeh, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The dish looked beautiful, with the tempeh glistening in the rich sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. I couldn't wait to taste it and see if it lived up to my expectations.

I took a bite of the Teriyaki Tempeh, savoring the complex flavors that exploded on my taste buds. The tempeh was chewy and hearty, soaking up the sweet and savory sauce like a sponge. The ginger added a subtle heat, while the garlic added depth and richness. It was a symphony of flavors that danced across my palate, leaving me wanting more.

I shared the Teriyaki Tempeh with my family, who eagerly dug in and savored each bite. Their eyes lit up with delight as they tasted the dish, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. This recipe would become a staple in our household, a beloved favorite that would be passed down through generations.

Over the years, I continued to make Teriyaki Tempeh for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a sense of connection to my friend who had brought me the recipe and to the culinary traditions of Japan. I was grateful for the opportunity to learn something new and expand my cooking repertoire, thanks to a simple recipe that had sparked my sense of wonder and curiosity.

As I look back on that first time I saw the recipe for Teriyaki Tempeh, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and memories that have come from it. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and love for others. And this recipe, with its exotic flavors and rich history, has become a cherished part of my culinary journey. It serves as a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to inspire a sense of wonder and joy.