Tasty Baked Tempeh

4.84 from 12 votes

Tasty Baked Tempeh is high-protein, crispy, and delicious. A meal topper that tastes good! Meal prep these bite-size pieces to boost fiber and protein.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Vegan

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: people

Calories: 237kcal

Author: Nisha Melvani

Equipment

Oven or air fryer

Ingredients

16 ounces tempeh
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons sriracha (optional)
2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce (preferably low sodium)

Instructions

Simmer the tempeh (optional): Place the tempeh in a medium saucepan and add enough water to cover it by about 2 inches. Bring the water to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Cook the tempeh for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or use a nonstick sheet.
Preheat the oven to 360ºF.
Break the tempeh blocks into bite-sized pieces over a medium bowl using your hands.
Add nutritional yeast, garlic powder, sriracha, and tamari, then toss well with your hands to coat evenly. (Optional: Drizzle lightly with olive oil.)
Spread the tempeh pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space to brown evenly. If needed, use two sheets to avoid overcrowding.
Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden. For a quicker option, air fry at 360ºF for about 10 minutes, or until golden.

Notes

Simmer First for Better Flavor – A 7-minute simmer removes bitterness and helps tempeh absorb marinades more effectively.

Break by Hand for More Texture – Tearing tempeh into chunks creates natural grooves that soak up seasoning better than clean knife cuts.

Marinate for Maximum Flavor – Let tempeh sit in tamari, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, and sriracha for longer or overnight if you have time.

Add a Drizzle of Oil (optional) – A drizzle of olive oil helps crisp up the edges while keeping the inside tender.

Bake or Air Fry – Bake until golden, but avoid burning to prevent AGEs; for a quicker option, air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes. You can bake it at a higher temperature for less time.

Nutrition