Mediterranean Tempeh Bites
Savor the taste of the Mediterranean with these delightful Tempeh Bites, infused with rich flavors of balsamic vinegar, aromatic herbs, and robust garlic. As they cook, the marinade caramelizes beautifully, creating a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the nutty profile of the tempeh. These versatile bites are perfect for topping salads, served over fluffy rice, paired with your favorite pasta dishes, or simply enjoyed as delectable finger snacks at parties or gatherings. Elevate your plant-based meals with this tasty and nutritious option that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
85
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
tempeh
8 ounces (Cut into 1/2 inch wide cubes)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
balsamic vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons (N/A)
soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons (N/A)
garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
red pepper flakes
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (N/A)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (N/A)
dried rosemary
1 teaspoon (Crushed between fingers)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the tempeh into half-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
2
In a medium bowl or container with a lid, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, dried basil, and crushed rosemary. Whisk or stir until well mixed.
3
Add the cubed tempeh to the marinade, cover the container tightly, and shake gently to ensure all pieces are coated evenly. For optimal flavor absorption, refrigerate for at least one hour or, ideally, overnight.
4
During marination, make sure to shake the container occasionally to redistribute the marinade, enhancing the flavor profile of the tempeh.
5
When ready to cook, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Pour in the marinated tempeh along with any leftover marinade.
6
Cook the tempeh for about 10 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking and to allow the marinade to caramelize into a golden glaze.
7
Once the pieces are nicely browned and caramelized, remove them from heat. Serve the Mediterranean Tempeh Bites immediately or transfer to a covered container for storage in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
1.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Tempeh Bites?
Mediterranean Tempeh Bites are savory, plant-based protein snacks infused with balsamic vinegar, aromatic herbs like thyme and basil, and robust garlic.
How should I cut the tempeh for this recipe?
You should cut the tempeh into half-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the marinade effectively.
What ingredients are used in the marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, dried basil, and crushed rosemary.
How long should I marinate the tempeh?
For optimal flavor absorption, you should refrigerate the tempeh in the marinade for at least one hour, or ideally overnight.
What is the best way to cook the Mediterranean Tempeh Bites?
Cook the marinated tempeh in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned.
Can I store leftovers of this recipe?
Yes, once cooled, you can transfer the bites to a covered container and store them in the refrigerator.
What is the calorie count for these tempeh bites?
Each serving contains approximately 85 calories.
Are these Mediterranean Tempeh Bites vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 5 grams of protein per serving in this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
According to the recipe tags, it is gluten-free; however, ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
What can I serve these tempeh bites with?
They are versatile and can be used as salad toppings, served over rice, paired with pasta, or eaten as finger snacks.
How do I prepare the rosemary for this recipe?
The dried rosemary should be crushed between your fingers before being added to the marinade to release its flavor.
Can I make these bites spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Why should I shake the container during marination?
Shaking the container occasionally helps redistribute the marinade so that every piece of tempeh is evenly coated.
What kind of texture does the tempeh have after cooking?
The tempeh has a nutty profile with a caramelized, golden glaze on the outside.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 4 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
Each serving provides about 1.5 grams of dietary fiber.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, there are approximately 1.75 grams of sugar per serving, primarily from the balsamic vinegar.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 9 main ingredients, including the tempeh and various pantry staples for the marinade.
Do I need to add extra oil to the pan when cooking?
No, you should pour the marinated tempeh along with any leftover marinade directly into the skillet.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A non-stick skillet is recommended to prevent the caramelizing glaze from sticking to the pan.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried thyme and basil, you can use fresh herbs, though you may need to increase the quantity.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because they can be marinated overnight and stored easily, they are excellent for plant-based meal prepping.
What gives the bites their Mediterranean flavor?
The combination of balsamic vinegar, garlic, olive oil, and dried Mediterranean herbs like basil and rosemary.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I eat these bites cold?
Yes, they can be enjoyed immediately or served cold as a party snack or salad topper.
What size should the tempeh package be?
This recipe is designed for an 8-ounce package of tempeh.
How do I know when the tempeh is finished cooking?
The bites are done when they are nicely browned and the marinade has thickened into a golden glaze.
Is this a healthy snack option?
Yes, it is a nutritious, protein-rich, and plant-based option that is low in calories.