Welcome to Our Culinary Adventure! 🌟 Sticky Korean Tempeh with Spicy Fries Recipe 🌶️
How We Discovered the Magic of Tempeh – We’ve always loved exploring different cuisines from around the world, and one day, while trying to whip up something uniquely delicious yet wholesome, we stumbled upon tempeh. Originally from Indonesia, tempeh is a fantastic plant-based protein that’s both versatile and nutritious. Inspired by our love for Korean flavors, we thought, “Why not give this a spicy, sweet twist?” That’s how our Sticky Korean Tempeh with Spicy Fries was born—a dish that’s now a favorite in our kitchen and, we hope, soon in yours too!
The Inspiration Behind the Dish 🍲 Why Korean Flavors?
A Little Background on Korean Cuisine – Korean cuisine is rich with intense flavors, ranging from the fiery heat of gochujang to the subtle sweetness of maple syrup. We were drawn to how these flavors could elevate the somewhat neutral taste of tempeh, transforming it into something extraordinary. Our adventure with Korean spices started with a simple experiment and turned into one of our most popular recipes!

🥄 Our Secret Ingredient Revealed! 😲
It’s All About the Gochujang – Gochujang, or Korean chili paste, is a game changer in this recipe. Its unique blend of heat, sweetness, and umami deepens the overall flavor profile, making the tempeh truly irresistible.
Let's Talk Tempeh 📖 Discovering Its Versatility
First Encounters with Tempeh – Initially, tempeh was a mystery to us. Its firm texture and earthy flavor were unlike anything we’d cooked with before. However, we quickly learned that marinating tempeh can infuse it with any flavors you like, which is how it became the star of our Sticky Korean Tempeh dish.
🍟 Spice Up Your Life! How We Perfected the Spicy Fries
Crafting the Perfect Companion – No dish is complete without a side that complements its main star. For our Sticky Korean Tempeh, what better match than crispy, homemade spicy fries? Tossed with just the right amount of spices, they’re a crunchy delight that pairs wonderfully with the chewy sweetness of the tempeh.
Bringing It All Together 🍽️ A Meal to Remember
A Culinary Symphony Every time we serve this dish, it reminds us of our early days experimenting in the kitchen, laughing over spilled gochujang, and marveling at how a simple soybean product could taste so divine. This recipe isn’t just food; it’s a story of exploration, innovation, and lots of fun.
🌱 Why We Love What We Do! The Joy of Sharing
More Than Just Recipes – Every recipe we share is a piece of our heart and a reflection of our journey through the vibrant world of vegetarian and vegan cooking. We believe in eating well, enjoying every bite, and sharing our culinary discoveries with all of you. This Sticky Korean Tempeh with Spicy Fries is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor, health, and creativity.

We hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as we enjoyed creating it. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion that calls for something boldly delicious. Don’t forget to share your experiences and photos when you give it a try—happy cooking!
Ingredients
For the Sticky Korean Tempeh:
- 400 grams tempeh sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch piece ginger grated
- 2 tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions chopped for garnish
For the Spicy Fries:
- 4 large potatoes cut into fries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- To Prepare the Tempeh: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, gochujang, and rice vinegar to create the marinade.
- Add the tempeh slices to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for more flavor.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the marinated tempeh. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until caramelized and sticky. Remove from heat.
- To Prepare the Spicy Fries: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the cut potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
- To Serve: Serve the sticky tempeh garnished with sesame seeds and green onions alongside the spicy fries.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust the level of spice in the tempeh and fries according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of gochujang and cayenne pepper.
- Tempeh can be marinated overnight for deeper flavor integration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sticky Korean Tempeh with Spicy Fries
🌶️ Can I use a different type of chili paste instead of gochujang?
Yes, you can substitute gochujang with another chili paste like sriracha or even a mix of tomato paste and chili flakes. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly since gochujang has a unique depth and sweetness to it.
🍟 What’s the best way to cut potatoes for the fries?
For the crispiest results, cut your potatoes into evenly sized sticks about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect golden crunch.
🕒 Can I marinate the tempeh longer than an hour?
Absolutely! If you have time, you can marinate the tempeh overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated.
🌿 Is this recipe suitable for someone with nut allergies?
Yes, this recipe is nut-free. However, always check the labels on your ingredients to make sure they haven’t been processed in facilities that handle nuts.
🔥 How can I make this dish less spicy?
If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of gochujang in the marinade and cayenne pepper on the fries. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
🍽️ What are some good side dishes to serve with this?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple cucumber salad, steamed rice, or even a light slaw to balance the bold flavors.
💡 Need More Help?
Feel free to ask more questions in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media. We love hearing from you and seeing how our recipes turn out in your kitchen!
Add a Comment