One of the main reasons I love tempeh for people who are new to plant-based eating is that you can treat it almost exactly like you would a piece of meat. This sweet and savory baked tempeh dish is a perfect example.
A simple marinade requiring just four pantry staples is all it takes to lend this plant-based protein tons of sweet, savory, and comforting flavor. And all you’ll need for the entire recipe is a block of tempeh, some grapeseed oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, tamari (regular soy sauce works too), and a blend of your favorite fresh herbs. (My vote? A blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage.)
Roasting this tempeh is a process that meat-eaters are sure to be familiar with. Just brush tempeh with the marinade, toss fresh herbs on top, and roast until golden brown and aromatic.
When I say aromatic, I mean aromatic. This is the type of dish you’ll want to toss in the oven right as your guests begin to arrive. I want to lock up the smells and hold onto them forever.
I’m all about the flavor when it comes to holiday cooking but I also can’t help but appreciate the nutritional value of this protein-packed recipe. (Tempeh has about as much of the important macronutrient as turkey.)
And soybeans have a whole lot more to offer than just protein, which I get into in a little more detail on this post about nutrition myths related to soy. 
Serve this sweet and savory vegetarian entree alongside quinoa or brown rice and a blend of roasted root vegetables for a delicious holiday spread that will keep both vegans and meat-eaters happy. 
- 1 block tempeh sliced into three equal squares
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce use gluten-free tamari if needed
- 12-16 sprigs fresh herbs I used a blend of rosemary, thyme, and sage
- Extra virgin olive oil for serving optional
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Preheat oven to 375º F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spread tempeh squares on baking sheet and set aside.
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Whisk together grapeseed oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and tamari/soy sauce in a small mixing bowl and then brush mixture generously onto each side. Spread sprigs of fresh herbs on top and place baking sheet on center rack of oven. Roast until golden brown and aromatic, about 30 minutes.
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Remove tempeh from oven and transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving if desired.
This post was originally published 11/2015 and has been adapted and updated.
Kelly Jones says
Sage is just my absolute favorite right now! I have yet to cook tempeh on my own at home but this seems super easy!
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
It is so easy, Kelly, you have to try it ASAP! Let me know how it goes! 🙂
Martha says
I’ll have to try tempeh roasted. Great idea! Love your assortment of herbs and the photos.
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Thanks so much Martha! Roasted tempeh is delicious, I can’t wait to here how you like it!
Jodi @ Create Kids Club says
This dish looks so beautiful and I bet it tastes just as good and it looks. I have to admit, I have never made tempeh, but I may just need to give it a try!
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
I totally think you should try tempeh Jodi! But even if you don’t, this same recipe would still be great with tofu, salmon, or root veggies instead of tempeh. Enjoy! 🙂
Lauren O'Connor says
Looks gorgeous and love the infusion of thyme, sage, rosemary. This actually inspires me to give Tempeh a second try.
: )
Lauren O’Connor recently posted…Staying Fit Through the Holidays
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
haha thanks so much Lauren! I really hope I can change your mind about tempeh, its my favorite! 🙂
Lauren Grant | Zestful Kitchen says
Ok, first off, these photos are oh-so stunning! And secondly, yum! You ahve some incredible flavor combinations going on here!
Lauren Grant | Zestful Kitchen recently posted…Kumquat & Thyme Cocktail
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Thanks so much Lauren! 🙂
Chelsey says
Always looking for another tempeh recipe! This looks almost too pretty to eat!
Chelsey recently posted…25 Gifts for the Healthy Foodie Under $50 {Frugal Friday}
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Thanks Chelsey! Please do eat it though, that’s the best part! 😛
Janice says
This recipe could please even the most ardent carnivore! Planning to make it for my vegan friend… and me!
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Yay, thanks Janice! I hope you and your friend both enjoy!:)
Corinne says
Mine was too dry and tough. I tried making it a second time, cooking it in the sauce instead of brushing it over, but same result.
Soy sauce is also overpowering and wasn’t really a Thanksgiving flavor.
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Thanks for the feedback, Corinne. You may find the texture more appealing if you steam the tempeh first. And definitely feel free to use salt instead of soy sauce—I can’t get enough of that umami flavor. 🙂