Maple Dijon Baked Tempeh [Vegan Tempeh Recipe for the Holidays]

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If you are looking for the perfect gluten-free and vegan main course for your winter or spring holiday table, this Maple Dijon Baked Tempeh is it! Covered in a rich, sweet and savory sauce flavored with maple syrup, Dijon mustard, tamari and apple juice with a touch of garlic and tarragon, this vegan tempeh recipe will give you all the holiday feels. 

Back when I used to eat meat, I really never enjoyed the meat itself.

Instead, what I actually liked about meat dishes was the sauce or seasoning, rather than the meat itself.

And that brings me to this tempeh recipe.

I wanted to make a meal that had a bold flavor, one that screamed “holiday dinner!”

So, I decided to make a maple Dijon sauce similar to one that would be used for a maple-glazed ham, but obviously without the ham.

I went with tempeh as the protein because of its firm texture, earthiness and ability to soak in flavors.

Ingredients Needed

• Gluten-Free Tempeh (I used Lightlife Original)
• Gluten-Free, Reduced Sodium Tamari
• Maple Syrup
• Dijon Mustard
• Apple Juice
• Olive Oil 
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Garlic Powder
• Dried Tarragon

How to make maple Dijon baked tempeh - step by step

Step 1 - Cut the tempeh

Place both blocks of tempeh on a cutting board.

Cut both blocks of tempeh into strips. You will get approximately 10 strips per block.

Step 2 - Steam the tempeh

Steam the tempeh for 10 minutes. My preferred method for steaming is my rice cooker, but you can use a steamer basket on the stovetop if preferred.

Steaming helps to cut back on the bitterness of the tempeh and allows it to better absorb flavors.

To steam using your rice cooker, add 1 cup of water to the rice cooker pot.

Then, place the tempeh strips in the machine's steamer basket.

Close the lid and press the steam or steam cook button (depending on your brand of rice cooker) and select 10 minutes for the steaming time.

To steam using a steamer basket, boil about 1-2 inches of water in a pot that fits your steamer basket.

Place the tempeh strips in the basket and carefully place the basket into the pot. Cover and steam for 10 minutes.

For both methods, after steaming, turn off the heat and allow the tempeh to cool for about 5 minutes before removing from the rice cooker or steamer basket.

Step 3 - Prepare the sauce

While the tempeh is steaming, make the sauce.

Add all of the remaining ingredients to a baking dish and whisk together with a fork. 

Step 4 - Marinate the tempeh

Add the steamed tempeh strips to the sauce mixture and then flip each one over.

Cover and place in the refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes. 

Halfway through marinating, preheat your oven to 400° F.

After 30 minutes, remove the cover and using a spoon or pastry brush, lightly baste the tops of the tempeh strips with some of the sauce from the baking dish. 

Step 4 - Bake the tempeh

Bake for 15 minutes. Then, flip each tempeh strip over and baste again.

Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.

Allow the tempeh to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Top with additional sauce from the baking dish, if desired.

You can also garnish with more tarragon if you'd like. 

What to serve with this tempeh dinner

This vegan main pairs perfectly with our cheesy vegan mashed potatoes, vegan cream cheese mashed potatoes, cashew mac and cheese, nut-free vegan mac and cheese, roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with pomegranate, balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts, and air fryer asparagus.

This tempeh is perfect for Christmas or Easter dinner...or any holiday for that matter!

Then, finish off your holiday meal off with our vegan pear crisp. 

Storing and reheating leftovers

Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Leftovers are best reheated in the oven or in a nonstick skillet on the stovetop with a little olive oil or vegetable broth.

You might also enjoy:

• Easy Marinated Tempeh
• Baked Tofu Bites
• Holiday Chickpea Veggie Loaf

 

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