Ready to transform your summer grilling? Say goodbye to boring veggie burgers and hello to this incredibly flavorful Chipotle Lime Grilled Tempeh! It’s smoky, zesty, and packed with plant-based protein, making it the undeniable star of any cookout. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing the tempeh with a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with creamy avocado and fresh tomatoes. Trust me, even the most dedicated meat-eaters will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
• 2 8-ounce / 225-gram packages tempeh
• 1⁄2 teaspoon / 2.5 ml salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon / 2.5 ml ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 cup / 60 ml olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup / 60 ml lime juice
• 1⁄4 cup / 60 ml reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1⁄4 cup / 60 ml snipped fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons / 10 ml ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons / 10 ml finely chopped canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
• 2 medium avocados, halved, seeded, peeled, and sliced
• 1 cup / 240 ml red and/or yellow cherry tomatoes
• Snipped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Season the tempeh blocks on all sides with salt and black pepper, then place them in a large resealable plastic bag set inside a shallow dish to catch any potential leaks.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, reduced-sodium soy sauce, fresh cilantro, ground cumin, and chopped chipotle pepper to create the marinade.
3. Pour the marinade over the tempeh in the bag. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and turn it several times to ensure the tempeh is fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 6, turning the bag occasionally to redistribute the marinade.
4. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove the tempeh from the bag, discarding the leftover marinade. Place the tempeh directly on the grill rack and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until you have beautiful grill marks and the tempeh is heated through.
5. To serve, slice the grilled tempeh into four equal portions. Top each piece with fresh avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and an extra sprinkle of cilantro, if desired.
Nutritional Information
• PER SERVING: 485 calories, 36 g total fat (6 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 853 mg sodium, 23 g carbohydrates, 6 g fiber, 25 g protein.
Pro Tips
• For a less bitter flavor and better marinade absorption, steam the tempeh blocks for 10 minutes before seasoning and marinating. Let them cool slightly before proceeding.
• No grill? No problem! You can cook the marinated tempeh in a cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat for the same amount of time.
• When handling chipotle peppers, wear gloves to protect your skin from the volatile oils. If you don’t have gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after.
• The marinade can be whisked together and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making prep even faster on grilling day.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this grilled tempeh recipe gluten-free
A: Yes, absolutely. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the reduced-sodium soy sauce with an equal amount of tamari or coconut aminos. Both are fantastic gluten-free alternatives that provide the same savory depth to the marinade.
Q: Do I really need to steam the tempeh before marinating
A: While you can skip it in a pinch, we highly recommend steaming the tempeh for 10 minutes. This simple step removes any potential bitterness and helps the tempeh act like a sponge, soaking up much more of the flavorful chipotle lime marinade for a better final result.
Q: What is a good soy-free substitute for tempeh in this recipe
A: Since tempeh is a soy product, a direct soy-free substitute is tricky. However, this delicious chipotle lime marinade is fantastic on other plant-based options. For a great soy-free alternative, try it with large portobello mushroom caps or thick slices of a firm, chickpea-based loaf.
Q: How should I store leftover grilled tempeh
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The grilled tempeh is delicious served cold in salads and sandwiches, or you can reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
