Cooking With Beer, Whiskey and Spirits

Sweet IPA-Glazed Tempeh Skewers: A Flavorful Vegan Grill Recipe

These Sweet IPA-Glazed Tempeh Skewers bring out the rich, caramelized sweetness of a beer glaze paired with the hearty texture of tempeh. The IPA beer adds a unique depth with its hoppy and slightly bitter notes, which blend beautifully with maple syrup, garlic, and spices. Perfect for summer BBQs, tailgating, or even an indoor grill, these skewers offer a delightful combination of flavors in each bite.

In this recipe, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, tips for grilling tempeh to perfection, and suggestions for serving these skewers as a main course or appetizer. Let’s dive into the recipe and enjoy these sweet IPA-glazed skewers!

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Why You’ll Love These Sweet IPA-Glazed Tempeh Skewers

1. Bold and Unique Flavor: The combination of IPA beer with maple syrup and spices creates a rich, sweet, and hoppy glaze.
2. Perfect for Grilling: These skewers are easy to grill and turn out perfectly caramelized every time.
3. Great for Entertaining: Impress your guests with a unique vegan dish that’s packed with flavor and fun to eat.
4. Nutritious and Filling: Tempeh is loaded with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making this dish as nourishing as it is delicious.
5. Versatile and Customizable: Change up the vegetables or experiment with different IPA varieties for new flavors.

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Ingredients for Sweet IPA-Glazed Tempeh Skewers

Each ingredient in this recipe enhances the flavors in the glaze and pairs well with the hearty tempeh.

For the Sweet IPA Glaze:

• 1/2 cup IPA beer (choose a mildly bitter IPA for balance)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (for a natural sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste

For the Skewers:

• 1 block of tempeh (about 8 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning)

Optional Add-Ins

1. Pineapple chunks for a tropical twist
2. Cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor
3. Mushroom caps for a meaty texture
4. Fresh basil or thyme sprigs for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Sweet IPA-Glazed Tempeh Skewers

This recipe is simple and takes about 30-45 minutes from start to finish.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Marinating Time: 15-20 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Serves: 4

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Step 1: Prepare the Sweet IPA Glaze

1. Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix together the IPA beer, maple syrup, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well combined.
2. Simmer and Thicken: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze has reduced slightly and becomes syrupy.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the glaze and adjust the seasoning, adding more maple syrup for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness.

The combination of IPA and maple syrup creates a beautifully balanced glaze that’s both sweet and slightly hoppy.

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Step 2: Marinate the Tempeh

1. Cut the Tempeh: Slice the tempeh into 1-inch cubes and place them in a shallow dish or bowl.
2. Marinate: Pour half of the IPA glaze over the tempeh, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, turning halfway through to let the flavors fully absorb.

Marinating infuses the tempeh with the rich, sweet, and hoppy flavors of the glaze, giving it a steak-like depth of flavor.

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Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

1. Prepare the Vegetables: While the tempeh marinates, cut the red bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion into similarly sized pieces. This ensures even cooking on the skewers.
2. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated tempeh, red bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion onto skewers, alternating between tempeh and vegetables for a colorful presentation.

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Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Option 1: Grilling

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, brushing with the remaining glaze occasionally, until the tempeh is caramelized and the vegetables are tender.

Option 2: Oven Roasting

1. Preheat Oven to 425°F (220°C): If using an oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roast the Skewers: Arrange the skewers on the baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the glaze is caramelized.

Grilling or roasting the skewers caramelizes the glaze, adding a rich, sweet flavor to the tempeh and vegetables.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Brush with Extra Glaze: Before serving, brush any remaining glaze over the skewers for added flavor.
2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve the skewers hot alongside rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.

These skewers are best enjoyed immediately, with the sweet glaze, savory tempeh, and vibrant vegetables coming together in each bite.

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Tips for Perfect Sweet IPA-Glazed Tempeh Skewers

1. Choose a Balanced IPA: Use an IPA that isn’t too bitter to avoid overpowering the sweetness in the glaze.
2. Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the tempeh for at least 15 minutes helps it absorb the flavors of the glaze.
3. Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the skewers as they cook to prevent burning. Tempeh can dry out if overcooked.
4. Serve Fresh: These skewers are best enjoyed hot off the grill or oven, while the glaze is still caramelized and sticky.

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Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to customize it to suit your taste!

1. Try a Different Protein: Replace tempeh with tofu or seitan for a different texture and flavor.
2. Use Other Vegetables: Add or swap vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even sliced carrots.
3. Experiment with Different Beers: Try a pilsner or amber ale for a different flavor profile.
4. Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.

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Nutritional Benefits of Sweet IPA-Glazed Tempeh Skewers

This dish is not only flavorful but also packed with plant-based nutrients.

• High in Protein: Tempeh is rich in protein, making it a filling and satisfying option for vegan meals.
• Fiber-Rich Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats that enhance the nutrient absorption of the meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the glaze and marinate the tempeh in advance. Grill or roast when ready to serve for the best texture.

2. What if I don’t have IPA beer?

You can substitute with a different type of beer, such as a pilsner, or use a non-alcoholic beer for a similar flavor.

3. Can I freeze leftover tempeh skewers?

Yes, but note that the texture may change slightly upon reheating. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.

4. What are some good side dishes for these skewers?

Serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

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Perfect Pairings for Sweet IPA-Glazed Tempeh Skewers

These skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides to create a satisfying, balanced meal.

1. Garlic Quinoa: A light, garlicky quinoa is the perfect base for the sweet, savory skewers and complements the hoppy glaze with its subtle nutty flavor.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Serve these skewers with roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet and hearty side that pairs well with the IPA glaze.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brings a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that complements the caramelized tempeh.
4. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing, tangy contrast to the rich glaze of the skewers.
5. Herbed Rice Pilaf: An herbed rice pilaf adds depth and fragrance, creating a hearty base to balance the bold flavors of the glaze.

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Final Thoughts

These Sweet IPA-Glazed Tempeh Skewers are a unique, flavorful addition to any plant-based menu. The combination of a sweet IPA glaze, hearty tempeh, and colorful vegetables makes these skewers perfect for summer barbecues, cozy dinners, or even a fun meal prep idea. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, these skewers are sure to impress with their rich flavor and satisfying texture.

Ready to Try This Recipe?

Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and prepare to enjoy a sweet, sticky, and delicious vegan skewer that brings out the best in both tempeh and IPA beer. These skewers are easy to customize, simple to make, and perfect for enjoying the bold flavors of IPA in a plant-based dish. Bon appétit!