Maple Soy Grilled Tempeh Skewers
Grilled tempeh skewers marinated in a balanced maple syrup and soy sauce blend, imparting a perfect salty-sweet flavor with a hint of garlic. This american-inspired grilling (vegan) ready in about 52 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes tempeh, maple syrup, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes tempeh
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 6, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz cubed tempeh to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated tempeh cubes onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
- Step 4: Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning until grill marks form and tempeh is heated through with slightly charred edges.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Serve with a side of fresh salad or steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple Soy Grilled Tempeh Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 52 minutes (40 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Maple Soy Grilled Tempeh Skewers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cut into 1-inch cubes tempeh from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple Soy Grilled Tempeh Skewers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Maple Soy Grilled Tempeh Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Maple Soy Grilled Tempeh Skewers vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
