This Tempeh Marinade is an easy, flavorful way to upgrade plant-based meals. It’s perfect for beginner cooks, meal preppers, and anyone craving a bold, zesty twist on veggies. The lemony-herb marinade brings out the best in tempeh and grilled veggies.
Don't forget to try my Ginataang Kalabasa and my Huli Huli Cauliflower - both perfect for bold vegan dinners too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is 100% vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with pantry-friendly ingredients. It’s great for quick grilling or lunches.
Tempeh is a great source of plant-based protein. It’s rich in soybeans and has a dense, chewy texture. The lime juice in the marinade enhances taste and helps absorb iron.
Even if you’re new to cooking tempeh, this recipe is beginner-friendly. Just soak, skewer, and cook your marinated tempeh in a grill, oven, or even the air fryer.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- Tempeh
- Bell peppers (red & green)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Dried rosemary
- Garlic paste
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
1. In a mason jar or container with a lid, combine all the marinade ingredients.
2. Shake vigorously to emulsify. (Alternatively, whisk in a bowl until well combined.)
Marinate the Ingredients:
3. Pour the marinade into a food-safe container or resealable bag.
4. Add the tempeh, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, making sure everything is well-coated.
5. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
Assemble the Skewers:
6. Thread the marinated ingredients onto bamboo or steel skewers in the following pattern: Bell pepper → Tempeh → Bell pepper → Tempeh → Bell pepper → Tempeh → Cherry tomato
7. Repeat the pattern until the skewer is full. Continue with the remaining ingredients.
Grill and Serve:
8. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat.
9. Grill the skewers for 5–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until grill marks appear and veggies are tender.
10. Brush the skewers with the leftover marinade while grilling to keep them moist and flavorful.
11. Serve hot and enjoy!
Substitutions & Variations
- Ingredient Swap
Use tofu, mushrooms, or zucchini if you don't have tempeh.
Don’t have Italian seasoning? Mix basil, oregano, and thyme.
Swap tamari or soy sauces if needed for a gluten-free option. - Variation
Instead of cherry tomatoes, try pineapple chunks for a sweet twist.
Slice tempeh into thin strips to mimic tempeh bacon.
Add a dash of liquid smoke and maple syrup or honey for smoky-sweet flavour. - Mistake to Avoid
Don’t skip the marinating time. Tempeh needs at least 2 hours to soak up all the flavor. - Storage Tips
- This marinade doesn’t freeze well due to the lime juice and fresh garlic. Best used fresh or within 3 days in the fridge.
- If you’re prepping kebabs ahead, store the veggies and marinated tempeh separately and assemble later.
FAQs
Tempeh Marinade
Ingredients
Main:
- 1 pound block tempeh cut into 1x1-inch cubes
- 1 large red or green bell pepper cut into large dice
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes
Marinade:
- ⅔ cup olive oil
- 1 cup lemon juice from about 4 lemons
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1½ teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a mason jar or container with a lid, combine all the marinade ingredients.
- Shake vigorously to emulsify. (Alternatively, whisk in a bowl until well combined.)
Marinate the Ingredients:
- Pour the marinade into a food-safe container or resealable bag.
- Add the tempeh, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, making sure everything is well coated.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread the marinated ingredients onto bamboo or steel skewers in the following pattern:
- Bell pepper → Tempeh → Bell pepper → Tempeh → Bell pepper → Tempeh → Cherry tomato
- Repeat the pattern until the skewer is full. Continue with the remaining ingredients.
Grill and Serve:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat.
- Grill the skewers for 5–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until grill marks appear and veggies are tender.
- Brush the skewers with the leftover marinade while grilling to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Watch The Recipe Video!
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Recipes for Every Moment
Planning a picnic, a cookout, or something light yet satisfying? This Tempeh Marinade is the perfect go-to - easy to prep, grill, and share!
Maisaci says
I absolutely love tofu, especially when my wife cooks it! 😍
Ching says
It looks yummy and healthy. I would love to try this dish soon. Thanks for sharing!
jackie says
Lainey! This was so easy and fun to make, thank you!
Sheeeenyy says
So flavorful and savory! The kind of marinade that turns plain tempeh into something crave-worthy.
Sweet says
I wanna try this.... Despite not being fond of tempeh hehehehe
Maddie S says
OMG, Lainey this tasted AMAZING!! I will be adding this to my monthly meal rotation!
Joy says
Amazing! My family LOVED this- it will be on rotation for dinner as well!
Kian Cablinda says
This looks good for Vegan BBQ nights!
Dimple says
Tempeh is my favorite! I definitely love this!
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
Yesss, tempeh lovers unite! 💛✨ I’m so happy you love this—tempeh really shines in this recipe. Hope you enjoy every bite! 😍🍽️