This miso-glazed tempeh is a delicious and simple way to turn tempeh into a flavorful main dish! It’s packed with protein, completely plant-based, and easy to make!

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I’ve been a vegetarian for over 17 years, and tempeh has become one of my go-to proteins. It’s super versatile and absorbs flavors really well. This miso-glazed version is sweet, salty, tangy, and perfect to pair with your favorite veggies. It’s great for meal prep, since it can be enjoyed warm or cold. Toss it on a salad, add it to a grain bowl, or tuck it into a wrap.

What is Tempeh?

Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans, similar to tofu. But tempeh has a firm texture and slightly nutty flavor. It’s high in protein, full of fiber, and thanks to the fermentation, loaded with gut-friendly probiotics. You don’t need to press it like tofu, which makes it great for a quick meal!

What is Miso?

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans. It is commonly used in soups, marinades, and sauces to add a savory, umami flavor to dishes. This fermented soybean paste can be made from just soybeans or soybeans and other grains such as rice or barley. The color, flavor, and texture vary depending on the ingredients used, the fermentation process, and the aging time. Miso paste can be found in most supermarkets. I got mine at Kroger.

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Tempeh – Any 8oz block will work, but I like the Lightlife Three Grain Tempeh for texture.
  • Soy Sauce – Use low-sodium if preferred — or sub with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
  • Maple Syrup – This balances the salty miso. You can swap in honey or agave.
  • Miso Paste – White or yellow miso work best. Red miso is stronger, but still delicious if that’s what you’ve got.
  • Rice Vinegar – Adds acidity to brighten the glaze. You could sub apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
  • Sesame seeds & green onions – Totally optional but highly recommended for a finishing touch.

How to Make Miso Glazed Tempeh

In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, miso paste, and rice vinegar. Cook until the mixture is thickened.
Marinate the tempeh in 1/4 cup of sauce for 30 minutes.
Broil for 4–6 minutes until the glaze is set and the tempeh is lightly golden.
Brush with 2 tablespoons of reserved glaze and return to broiler for another 2–4 minutes, until caramelized.
Transfer to a serving platter and brush with any remaining glaze. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or green onions, if using.

Other Tempeh Recipes

Looking for other ways to use this tasty protein? Try my peanut tempeh noodles, tempeh lettuce wraps, or vegan tempeh sandwich! They’re all packed with protein, plant-based, and easy to make.

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Miso Tempeh

Miso Glazed Tempeh

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  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 2
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This miso-glazed tempeh is a delicious and simple way to turn tempeh into a flavorful main dish! It’s packed with protein, completely plant-based, and easy to make!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 (8oz) pack tempeh, sliced into small triangles
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons white or yellow miso paste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • Optional garnish: sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, miso paste, and rice vinegar. Cook over medium heat, whisking often, until the mixture is thickened and syrupy, about 5 minutes. It should reduce to about 1/2 cup.
  2. In a shallow bowl, add the tempeh and brush with 1/4 cup of the glaze. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Adjust oven rack to 6-inches from broiler and preheat to broil.
  4. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with oil. Place the marinated tempeh on the baking sheet and brush 2 tablespoons of glaze.
  5. Broil for 4–6 minutes until the glaze is set and the tempeh is lightly golden.
  6. Flip the tempeh and brush with remaining glaze and return to the broiler for another 2–4 minutes, until caramelized and browned.
  7. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds or green onions, if using.