Sticky Ginger Sesame Tempeh with Quick Pickled Cucumber

Sticky Ginger Sesame Tempeh A Cracking Good Dish

By Sarah Chen-MartinezAugust 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Level Up Your Tempeh Game!

Fancy a quick, tasty, and surprisingly healthy dinner? Ever wondered how to make tempeh dishes genuinely exciting? I have been doing Recipes Using Tempeh for a while and I know Vegan Tempeh Dishes can be amazing.

Quick Hook

Honestly, have you ever looked at tempeh and thought, "Hmm, not sure about that?" Well, get ready to change your mind! This recipe is all about delivering a flavour bomb with this somewhat mysterious soybean cake.

This Sticky Ginger & Sesame Tempeh with Quick Pickled Cucumber is packed with Asian Inspired Tempeh Recipes flavours and textures.

Brief Overview

Tempeh originated in Indonesia and has become a popular plant based protein source worldwide. It’s fermented soybeans formed into a slab! This Healthy Tempeh Dinner recipe is easy medium, taking about 45 minutes from start to finish.

This Crispy Tempeh Recipes dish serves 2-3 people perfectly.

Main Benefits

The best part? Tempeh is full of protein and probiotics, making it a gut-friendly option. This is the perfect weeknight meal, especially when you want something satisfying without the guilt.

What makes this Sesame Ginger Tempeh recipe special is the balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. It's pure umami, mate!

Ingredients: Time to Get Prepped!

You'll need tempeh, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and some veg. For the glaze, grab honey or maple syrup if you like it Tempeh Recipes Vegan .

The Quick Pickled Cucumber Recipe needs cucumbers, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let's cook.

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let's talk grub. Before we even think about turning the hob on, let's gather our bits and bobs. This Sticky Ginger & Sesame Tempeh with Quick Pickled Cucumber recipe is a belter! Even if you're new to recipes using tempeh , don't fret, I'll guide you through it.

Main Ingredients: Tempeh Time!

Tempeh: 8 ounces (225g), sliced about 1/2 inch thick. Go for plain or lightly seasoned stuff.
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (low sodium for the win!).
Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon .
Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (that nutty goodness!).
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (or arrowroot starch if you're feeling fancy).
Veg Oil: 2 tablespoons (for frying sunflower or rapeseed works a treat).

For the quality of the tempeh, look for a firm block. It should have a slightly nutty smell. No weird smells, yeah? It's also key for making it one of the best Vegan Tempeh Dishes .

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs Away!

Ginger and sesame are your best mates here. This combination is like a warm hug. Plus this Asian Inspired Tempeh Recipes always hits the spot.

Ginger Sesame Glaze: Soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup for Tempeh Recipes Vegan ), rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, cornstarch, and a cheeky pinch of red pepper flakes.
Pickled Cucumber: Rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Spice it up with red pepper flakes. For a mellow vibe, keep it sweet. The glaze is what takes our dishes from bland to grand.

Equipment Needed: Simple but Effective

Don't need a fancy schmancy kitchen. Basic kit will do just fine.

Large skillet or wok (for the crispy tempeh recipes ).
Small saucepan (for the glaze, innit).
Mixing bowls.
Chopping board and knife.
Tongs or spatula.
Paper towels (for pressing, more on that later).

A baking tray could work for the oven if you're making baked tempeh . If you ain't got a wok, a large frying pan's a decent stand-in.

Remember, healthy tempeh dinner can be fun and easy to prepare! I once tried to make a sesame ginger tempeh dish without ginger.

..don't do that. Honestly, it was like a curry without the spice! Just a dull flavor. Never again, I learnt the hard way.

The quick pickled cucumber recipe is simple and fast, so it won't take too long.

Alright, let's dive into cooking method for this Sticky Ginger & Sesame Tempeh Dishes recipe. Honestly, it's easier than assembling flatpack furniture, promise.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Sorted!

First things first, get your mise en place sorted. That's chef speak for "everything in its place". Chop your veggies, measure out your sauces, and have it all ready to go.

Essential, right? Think of it like prepping for a board game night nobody wants to be searching for dice mid-game.

For this recipe, that means slicing the cucumber for the Quick Pickled Cucumber Recipe and getting that glaze ready.

For a real time saver, prep the glaze before you even think about the tempeh. Combine all the glaze ingredients and set aside.

It's like having your playlist ready before a road trip. Safety first: Watch your fingers when slicing that cucumber! Sharp knives are your friend, but only if you treat them with respect.

step-by-step: Tempeh Transformation

Here's how we turn bland tempeh into Crispy Tempeh Recipes magic:

Press that tempeh! This is crucial . Wrap those slices in paper towels and press firmly.
Whisk all the glaze ingredients together in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until it thickens slightly.
Combine cucumber, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Let it sit to pickle while you cook.
In a bowl, marinate the tempeh with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and cornstarch.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook the tempeh until golden brown, about 3- 4 minutes per side .
Pour the glaze over the cooked tempeh. Cook for another 1- 2 minutes , until sticky.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve with that quick pickled cucumber!

You'll know the tempeh is done when it's golden brown and crispy. Don't be afraid to peek!

Pro Tips: Ace Your Tempeh

Here are a few tricks I've picked up over the years making Recipes Using Tempeh :

Pro Tip 1: Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the tempeh. If you do, it'll steam instead of crisping up.
Pro Tip 2: Toast your sesame seeds! It brings out so much more flavour.
Pro Tip 3: You can make the Vegan Tempeh Dishes glaze a day ahead. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before using. Just like batch cooking at it's finest!

Avoid using too much oil when frying the tempeh. It'll just end up greasy. Honestly, nobody wants soggy tempeh. If you don't have sesame seeds, don't stress.

Just leave them out. I call it kitchen improvisation . The key is adapting!

There you have it. Sticky Ginger & Sesame Asian Inspired Tempeh Recipes !

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or a curious carnivore, this dish is a delicious way to explore the world of healthy tempeh dinner .

These Tempeh Recipes Vegan are perfect for a quick Baked Tempeh weeknight dinner! It is not only versatile but also nutritious, offering a satisfying Sesame Ginger Tempeh experience.

Trust me, once you try it, you'll wonder why you didn't jump on the tempeh bandwagon sooner.

Recipe Notes for Your Next Tempeh Triumph

Right then, let's talk about making this Sticky Ginger & Sesame Tempeh truly brilliant. Honestly, tempeh dishes can be a bit hit or miss.

We want this to be a HIT! These little notes are key.

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Fancy a bit of restaurant presentation? Pile the Sesame Ginger Tempeh high on a bed of fluffy rice. Scatter a few extra sesame seeds on top.

Don't forget the Quick Pickled Cucumber. It adds a lovely pop of colour and freshness. For drinks, think a crisp lager or a refreshing glass of iced green tea.

Simple, yet effective!

Storage Savvy: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries! This Healthy Tempeh Dinner keeps well. Store the tempeh and pickled cucumber separately in airtight containers.

Pop them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the tempeh, a quick zap in the microwave or a gentle pan-fry will do the trick.

I wouldn't recommend freezing it. The texture might get a bit weird, you know?

Remix Time: Variations on a Theme

Feeling adventurous? For a Vegan Tempeh Dishes version, swap the honey for maple syrup or agave. Easy peasy! Want to get seasonal? In the summer, try adding some grilled peaches to the plate for a sweet and smoky vibe.

For a Baked Tempeh dish, skip the pan-frying and bake tempeh for 20 minutes at 375° F , until crispy.

Knowledge is Power: Nutrition Basics

Alright, so Crispy Tempeh Recipes aren't usually thought of as super healthy. But this one is pretty good! It's packed with protein from the tempeh, plus healthy fats from the sesame oil.

Just be mindful of the sodium content in the soy sauce. Tempeh is a complete protein, which is fantastic.

Want more Recipes Using Tempeh ? Check out the reference below.

Overall, these Asian Inspired Tempeh Recipes are delicious and are a great way to enjoy Tempeh Recipes Vegan . This Quick Pickled Cucumber Recipe is also a great addition.

So, go on, give it a go! You might just surprise yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is tempeh, and is it good for me?

Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans. Think of it as a less processed cousin to tofu! Because it's fermented and contains the whole soybean, it's packed with protein, fiber, and probiotics, making it a healthy and satisfying option for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

It's a cracking source of plant based goodness.

My tempeh dishes always end up a bit bland. How can I make them more flavorful?

Aha, the age-old tempeh dilemma! The key is to properly marinate and/or sauce the tempeh. Pressing the tempeh before cooking is also crucial, as it removes excess water and allows it to absorb more flavour. In this recipe, we do both by marinating the tempeh with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and cornstarch.

A flavorful glaze, like the ginger sesame one in this recipe, is the perfect finishing touch.

Can I adapt these tempeh dishes if I'm gluten-free or vegan?

Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. To make this recipe vegan, swap the honey in the glaze for maple syrup or agave nectar. With a few simple tweaks, anyone can enjoy this delicious dish!

How long will leftover Sticky Ginger & Sesame Tempeh keep, and what's the best way to store it?

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through. You might find the tempeh loses a bit of its crispness upon reheating, so a quick zap in a hot pan is your best bet.

I'm not a huge fan of ginger. Are there other ways to customize these tempeh dishes?

No worries, not everyone's a ginger fanatic! You can easily adapt the glaze with other flavors. Consider using a peanut sauce, a teriyaki glaze, or even a sweet chili sauce. Remember to adjust the other ingredients to balance the flavors. Experiment and have fun creating your own signature tempeh dish!