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5 from 2 reviews

Sweet Balsamic Tempeh

25 min
by: Lindsay Grimes
September 11, 2019 (Updated: September 21, 2024)
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Sweet Balsamic Tempeh
I can’t get enough of this Sweet Balsamic Tempeh! It’s so easy to cook up, vegan, gluten free, and absolutely perfect for meal prep!

I get mixed feedback about tempeh whenever I share it on my Instagram stories. Half of you are absolutely obsessed and half can’t get it to taste great. I get it. 

I think tempeh can be tough if you don’t cook it and dress it up deliciously. In this post I’m excited to share the absolute best way to cook tempeh. In my opinion, it’s all about getting a crisp golden brown outside and smothering it with the tastiest sauce. 

Sweet Balsamic Tempeh

I’m telling you, I could NOT stop eating this. The sauce is absolutely mouthwatering. I love the heartiness of tempeh compared to tofu. Tofu is softer and tempeh is solid and has some texture to it. And the best part? It comes together shockingly quickly. 

I served mine up with some sautéed broccoli, but this would be absolutely delicious with some rice or cauliflower rice. I almost want to double up this recipe for meal prep. It’s one of those dishes that you just look forward to because it ‘s so dang tasty. 

Sweet Balsamic Tempeh

Cut the tempeh in 1/2 – 1 inch cubes. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat for about 1 minute. Add the tempeh and cook for about 7 minutes, tossing frequently so the tempeh gets golden brown. 

Once the tempeh is golden on a few sides, add the balsamic, ketchup, agave, water, onion powder, and garlic powder to the pan. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens. 

Serve alongside sautéed veggies and top with chopped herbs. 

Sweet Balsamic Tempeh

Did you make this? Leave a review below and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!

Recipe

Sweet Balsamic Tempeh

I can’t get enough of this Sweet Balsamic Tempeh! It’s so easy to cook up, vegan, gluten free, and absolutely perfect for meal prep!

Recipe by:Lindsay Grimes
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
Prep: 5 minCook: 20 minTotal: 25 min
Print recipe Rate recipe Pin Save recipe
Servings: serves 2

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. tempeh
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup agave nectar (honey or maple syrup works too)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Cut the tempeh in 1/2 – 1 inch cubes.
  2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat for about 1 minute.
  3. Add the tempeh and cook for about 7 minutes, tossing frequently so the tempeh gets golden brown.
  4. Once the tempeh is golden on a few sides, add the balsamic, ketchup, agave, water, onion powder, and garlic powder to the pan.
  5. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens.
  6. Serve alongside sautéed veggies and top with chopped herbs.
© The Toasted Pine Nut

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Enjoy!! xo

I can't get enough of this Sweet Balsamic Tempeh! It's so easy to cook up, vegan, gluten free, and absolutely perfect for meal prep! thetoastedpinenut.com #thetoastedpinenut #tempeh #tempehrecipes #howtocooktempeh #sweetbalsamic #balsamicsauce #veganrecipes

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15 no bake desserts

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If you love this recipe it would mean SO MUCH to me if you give it a star rating and leave a comment about it. Not only do I love basking in the glory of your recipe love, but (perhaps more importantly 😋) it helps other readers find my recipes online. Thanks so much for your feedback!!

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  1. AvatarSteph says

    Posted on 3/1/21 at 3:54 pm

    This recipe is delicious and super easy! I have been a vegetarian for over 15 years but have not loved tempeh until this recipe! Even my husband (who loves eating meat) absolutely loved it! We didn’t have fresh herbs available but added some minced onion and served with pearl couscous. We’ll definitely make this again!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Grimes Freedman says

      Posted on 3/1/21 at 4:04 pm

      Aw I’m so happy you guys love it!! Thanks so much for the comment! xo

      Reply
  2. AvatarSarah says

    Posted on 4/30/22 at 7:32 pm

    Really loved this! Was a bit unsure if it was too much sauce but once it cooked down was perfect!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Grimes Freedman says

      Posted on 5/12/22 at 11:28 am

      Yay! I’m so happy you loved it! xo

      Reply

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Lindsay

Nice to Meet You!

I’m Lindsay - cookbook author, blogger and chocolate lover! If gluten-free desserts are your jam, you’re in the right place! I live in south Jersey with my family and new puppy Roxie! Some of my favorite things are oat milk lattes, sunny days and warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies.

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