This crispy baked tempeh is a quick and easy protein to add to any meal with ease. Smoky, savory and with a light crunch.
As a plant-based eater, one question I get asked frequently is: where do you get your protein? There are so many kinds of plant-based protein to choose from; one of my favorites is this crispy baked tempeh.
The usual proteins include ones that you are probably familiar with: beans and legumes like peas, edamame, lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, etc. Tofu is another popular choice and yet, one that many are intimidated by.
Tempeh is one that is less known and I’m excited to introduce it to you. Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food, made from carefully fermenting and lightly cooking soy beans and then pressing them into a cake-like form. It has a slightly nutty flavor and is generally dry compared to the wet and spongy texture of tofu. Additionally, I also find it much easier to prepare and cook over tofu.
Why tempeh?
Tempeh boasts an impressive nutrition profile making it a wonderful choice as a plant-based protein. In just 3 ounces, tempeh has:
– 15g protein
– 9g carbs
– 9g fat
– iron, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorous
– prebiotics
In addition, another huge bonus to tempeh is that it comes already cooked so it has a very short preparation time. If you’re someone who needs quick meals or easy to prep meals, tempeh should definitely be on your short list! Tempeh can be pan-seared, steamed, or baked and there are endless possibilities when it comes to marinating and preparing it.
This is one of my favorite ways: simple, tasty, quick. If you don’t have an air fryer, that’s perfectly okay; a regular oven will do. A toaster oven could even work in a pinch because technically, tempeh is already cooked. If you don’t have smoked paprika, that’s okay too! Tempeh is versatile and forgiving.
Furthermore, if you love tempeh and are looking for additional ideas, check out my buffalo tempeh Caesar salad!
Crispy Baked Tempeh
Ingredients
- 8 oz package of tempeh
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Cut the tempeh into cubes.
- Toss the tempeh and all ingredients in a bowl.
- Air fry at 400 for 5-7 minutes or bake in a conventional oven at 400 for 10-12 minutes.
Notes
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