Sweet Tamarind and Palm Sugar Glazed Fried Tempeh

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-16 · Updated 2026-05-16

Golden fried tempeh cubes coated in a tangy and sweet tamarind-palm sugar glaze with a hint of chili heat. This Asian-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs tempeh, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, vegetable oil, tamarind paste 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 tempeh, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp tamarind paste
• 3 tbsp palm sugar, grated or chopped
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry 12 oz tempeh cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 3 tbsp grated palm sugar, 1/4 cup water, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Toss the fried tempeh cubes in the tamarind glaze until evenly coated and sticky.
4. Step 4: Serve warm as a flavorful snack or side dish.