Spicy Tempeh Bulgogi

A sweet sesame-soy marinate makes infuses plant-based tempeh (fermented soybean cake), making a delicious Asian-inspired vegan meal.

bowl of Spicy Tempeh Bulgogi with side of kimchi and green onions on cutting board
Photo: Adam Albright
Prep Time:
30 mins
Marinate Time:
2 hrs
Total Time:
2 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 pound tempeh (fermented soybean cake), cut into 1/2-inch cubes or strips

  • ½ cup chopped pear

  • ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoon packed brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoon sliced green onion

  • 2 tablespoon water

  • 1 - 2 tablespoon gochujang paste* or sriracha sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

  • 3 cloves garlic, halved

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 2 cup hot cooked rice

  • Kimchi (optional)

  • Toasted sesame seeds

  • Sliced green onions

Directions

  1. Place tempeh in a resealable plastic bag set in a shallow dish. For marinade, in a blender combine next 11 ingredients (through sesame oil). Cover and blend until smooth.

  2. Pour marinade over tempeh. Seal bag; turn to coat tempeh. Marinate in refrigerator 2 to 4 hours, turning bag once. Drain tempeh, reserving marinade.

  3. In a 12-inch skillet heat vegetable oil over medium. Add tempeh; cook 8 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned, turning once.

  4. Meanwhile, for sauce, in a small saucepan heat reserved marinade over medium, adding enough water to reach desired consistency.

  5. Serve tempeh with rice and, if desired, kimchi. Drizzle with sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional green onions.

*Tip

Gochujang paste is a Korean red chile condiment made of chiles, rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. Look for it in the Asian section of the supermarket.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

467 Calories
21g Fat
48g Carbs
27g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 467
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Sodium 537mg 23%
Total Carbohydrate 48g 17%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 27g 54%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 156mg 12%
Iron 4.4mg 24%
Potassium 1037mg 22%
Folate, total 80.5mcg
Vitamin B-12 0.1mcg
Vitamin B-6 0.4mg

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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