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Hot and Sweet Pepper Jelly Tempeh

in Entrees, Other

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I tried tempeh for the first time a few months ago, but after making this dish I am wishing that I would have tried it years ago!  Not only is it a fabulous substitute in dishes that normally contain meat, but it also certainly shines on its own when paired with simple marinades.  Marinating tempeh, and then either baking or sauteing it, produces a flavorful, delicious, and simple dinner in just a matter of minutes.  The flavors of this dish will make anyone think that the recipe is complicated, when in fact it is oh so simple!

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Hot and Sweet Pepper Jelly Tempeh

Servings: 2

Ingredients

1 package of 3-grain tempeh
olive oil cooking spray
2 1/2 to 3 TB pepper jelly*
1 TB extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp Bragg’s Liquid Aminos (you can also use low-sodium soy sauce)
1 clove garlic, minced

*I used Trader Joe’s Hot & Sweet Pepper Jelly

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Directions

1. Slice the tempeh into half-inch thick pieces.

2. Spray a medium skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.  Once hot, add the tempeh into the skillet.

3. Cook the tempeh for approximately 8 to 10 minutes on each side, or until the tempeh is golden brown and begins to form a bit of a crispy texture.

4. While the tempeh is cooking, whisk together the pepper jelly, EVOO, liquid aminos, and garlic until well-combined.

5. Once the tempeh is cooked, lower the heat to medium-low and add the pepper jelly glaze.  Ensure that all of the pieces of tempeh are coated with the glaze.  Cook the tempeh for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the pepper jelly glaze is warm.

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Serve the Hot and Sweet Pepper Jelly Tempeh slices with your favorite grain or a side of veggies.  I served mine with cooked mixed vegetables.  I imagine that this tempeh dish would also pair well with a side of fresh fruit.  I love to balance out spicy dishes with a bit of sweetness.

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And while on the topic of spicy and sweet, I must mention that this tempeh dish is exactly that.  The perfect balance of spiciness and sweetness exists in the pepper jelly glaze, and when combined with the nutty tasty of the tempeh, it is an absolutely delicious sweet and savory combination.  Do not be afraid by the title of this recipe or by the description on the pepper jelly jar.  It is not that hot.  I like spicy foods, but I found the spiciness level of this dish to be rather minimal compared to many foods that I eat.  I definitely found that the pepper jelly glaze is more sweet than it is spicy.

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This dish was definitely tasty enough to earn a spot on my “make again soon!” list of foods.  I LOVED the flavors, thoroughly enjoyed the sweet and savory combination of the tempeh and the pepper jelly glaze, and the ease of this recipe could not be beat.  Oh, and the reheated leftovers at work the next day were just as tasty.  When combined, all of these things definitely make for a winner of a dish!

Lastly, before I end this post, I just want to extend my true gratitude and appreciation for all of the warm thoughts, kind words, and prayers for my brother that I have received from all of you!  I feel so thankful for everything! 🙂

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{ 88 comments… add one }
  • anggitacy May 28, 2013, 7:58 am
    looks good. :D
  • blonde hair blue eyed runner May 28, 2013, 8:42 am
    That looks way good! So does tofu or tempeh have any protein in it? Like can you eat it as a total substitute to protein??
  • Lucie@FitSwissChick May 28, 2013, 8:58 am
    Genius! I adore hot and sweet combos, and that glaze looks delicious! It's sad that we can not buy tempeh here, it's obviously not common enough yet!
  • Kelly @ Vegan Iowan May 28, 2013, 9:05 am
    Yum! This looks like a quick, easy crowd-pleaser! I have had hits and misses with tempeh, but will have to give this a shot. I am so sorry to hear about your brother; I'm sending prayers your way!
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl May 28, 2013, 1:14 pm
      I have loved tempeh every way that I have cooked it so far. You should definitely try this out!
  • Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health May 28, 2013, 9:12 am
    I felt same way about tempeh too - I have only tried stir frying with some soy-sauce and chili paste.
  • IHeartVegetables May 28, 2013, 9:13 am
    I'm always looking for new ways to make tempeh! This is really creative!
  • chasingchels May 28, 2013, 9:27 am
    I've never heard of hot and sweet pepper jelly, but I like the sound of it! I'll have to keep an eye out next time I go to TJs :)
  • eatgreatbegreat May 28, 2013, 10:06 am
    I've never tried tempeh, but this looks awesome! I think I need to give it a try! Where can you find it in the grocery store?
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl May 28, 2013, 1:17 pm
      Yes, you should! I find it in health food stores like whole foods, but most major grocery stores should have it either in their health food section or the produce section. It is refrigerated.
  • Nicole @ FruitnFitness May 28, 2013, 10:09 am
    Okay this sounds amazing and I'm not even a big jelly fan.
  • Slim Sanity (@Slim_Sanity) May 28, 2013, 11:03 am
    My sisters were just telling me about tempeh this weekend. I have never had it, but they said I'd probably really like it!
  • Michelle @ Eat Move Balance May 28, 2013, 11:17 am
    I love hot and sweet pepper jelly! I haven't tried TJ's version yet, but I should check it out the next time I'm there.
  • Ang @ Nutty for Life May 28, 2013, 11:33 am
    I LOVE pepper jelly. It has such a unique taste. I bet this is amazing. I never would have thought to use it on something typically saved for savory things.
  • Alyssa @ Road to RD May 28, 2013, 11:41 am
    I've been seeing so many sweet and savory recipes, but I'm kind of afraid to try them! I love tempeh, but I've never had pepper jelly.
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl May 28, 2013, 1:20 pm
      Oh, you should definitely try it! This was the first time that I tried pepper jelly and I really liked it!
  • megbek May 28, 2013, 12:31 pm
    I just read your post - my thoughts are with your brother, you and your family. <3 I must try tempeh, I've never had it!!!
  • Alex @ Cookie Dough Katzen May 28, 2013, 12:57 pm
    I love sweet and spicy combos! My thoughts are with you and your family.
  • jumpeatrun May 28, 2013, 1:11 pm
    I love tempeh- never tried sweet and hot jelly though!
  • Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes May 28, 2013, 1:18 pm
    I've also never had tempeh before...maybe I should give it a go! Sweet and spicy together are right up my alley....
  • sprint2thetable May 28, 2013, 1:31 pm
    I looove hot pepper jam! What a cool idea to put it with tempeh.
  • Michelle May 28, 2013, 2:28 pm
    This looks so yummy!
  • Kierston @candyfit May 28, 2013, 3:45 pm
    That sure sounds tasty!
  • Jan @ Sprouts n Squats May 28, 2013, 5:53 pm
    That looks yummy! I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to spicy/hot dishes though so not sure I'd be brave enough to give it a go.
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl May 28, 2013, 7:53 pm
      You should definitely give it a try. It really was not that spicy. I definitely found it to be more sweet than spicy.
  • Em May 28, 2013, 8:33 pm
    I've never tried tempeh, but you've inspired me to give it a try! It looks pretty easy to make too, which is always a bonus :)
  • Sara @ Nourish and Flourish May 28, 2013, 9:31 pm
    I love tempeh and I LOVE anything spicy and sweet! This is an awesome recipe, Hannah! I definitely bookmarked it, and may even use the marinade for chicken or steak, too! I've been thinking about and praying for you, your brother, and your family! Hugs <3 xoxo
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl May 28, 2013, 10:00 pm
      I really think that you will LOVE this recipe, especially the multiple uses for the marinade! I am sure it will be delicious with pretty much everything! ;) Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. I SO appreciate it!
  • Khushboo Thadani (@KhushbooThadani) May 28, 2013, 10:09 pm
    I've only tried tempeh once and although I didn't love, I think this recipe would make me feel otherwise :)!
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl May 29, 2013, 7:18 am
      You should definitely give it another try! And this recipe is so easy, so what have you got to lose?? ;)
  • kadeecramer May 29, 2013, 12:06 am
    Love anything combining spicy and sweet!
  • Melissa May 29, 2013, 1:06 am
    I've never tried Tempeh, but I've heard a lot about it though. Now, after seeing your pictures, I'll definitely need to give it a try :) Also, I've never seen Trader Joe’s "Hot & Sweet Pepper Jelly". Looks like an interesting tasting spread. What dishes/meals would this jelly be best with?
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl May 29, 2013, 4:44 pm
      This is the first time that I tried the pepper jelly! I am sure that you could use this marinade with other things, or with meat if that is your thing. I am also thinking about spreading it on toast with a Laughing Cow cheese wedge...but I happen to love sweet and savory combos!
  • Kelly @ Hidden Fruits and Veggies May 29, 2013, 7:46 am
    I've seen pepper jelly probably a billion times and though "what could I possibly do with that?" I'm glad you answered the question for me! This looks amazing.
  • Alex (Veggin' Out in the Kitchen) May 29, 2013, 8:29 am
    I haven't had tempeh in far too long! This looks like the perfect recipe to bring it back :) I've only had pepper jelly with brie cheese and crackers before, but this looks like a different, equally awesome way to use it!
  • Tara May 29, 2013, 8:53 am
    I have never tried tempeh! This recipe might be the reason I start!
  • Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie May 29, 2013, 9:15 am
    I actually have a jar of pepper jelly and I had no idea what to do with it!!
  • Jamie H. May 29, 2013, 11:39 am
    Ever since I first tried tempeh in a whole foods bar, I've been a huge fan! This seems like the perfect recipe for my first time cooking with tempeh.
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl May 29, 2013, 4:51 pm
      Oh, this would definitely be perfect for your first time. It is SO easy! It really is fool-proof.
  • Kathy @ Food Wine Thyme May 29, 2013, 12:20 pm
    Love tempeh. Love hot pepper jelly. Yummy. Hope your brother is doing better
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl May 29, 2013, 4:53 pm
      This is a fabulous combination of the two! Thank you! He was discharged yesterday and is doing pretty well!
  • Rach @ This Italian Family May 29, 2013, 3:05 pm
    I've never tried hot and sweet pepper jelly OR tempeh, but you make it sound great together!
  • Asiya @ Chocolate and Chillies May 29, 2013, 3:57 pm
    I've never had tempeh before..looks great!
  • Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking May 29, 2013, 3:57 pm
    I've never seen tempeh look so mouthwatering! What a great flavor combination!
  • Brittany May 29, 2013, 4:52 pm
    YUMMM! Your tempeh recipes are my FAVORITE!
  • Katie @ Blonde Ambition May 29, 2013, 7:19 pm
    I have never tried tempeh, but I absolutely loooove pepper jelly. I have also tried lemon pepper jelly and ginger jelly and I can't get enough of weird non-fruit jelly flavors like those! Anywayy...I'm very intrigued by tempeh now :)
  • Ashley @ AlmostVegGirlie May 29, 2013, 10:21 pm
    The Trader Joes pepper jelly looks so good! Once we finally get a TJs here, I'll definitely have to keep an eye out for that since I love anything sweet and spicy.
  • jessielovestorun May 30, 2013, 3:33 am
    I have never tried tempeh before, but this recipe makes it look incredible!
  • Miss messy May 30, 2013, 4:31 am
    I've never heard of tempah before but this looks delicious :)
  • Sarah May 30, 2013, 10:34 am
    i love pepper jelly! what a great sauce for tempeh :)
  • elise May 31, 2013, 3:34 pm
    sooo, i dont really understand what pepper jelly is. is it sweet? or spicy? it kinda weirds me out...
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl May 31, 2013, 7:45 pm
      Ohh my gosh it is SO good! It is kind of hard to describe...it is like a mixture of spicy AND sweet. I think it is a bit more sweet than spicy though. I am not sure that description helps much, but trust me when I say that it is tasty!
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