Tempeh Al Pastor

Tempeh Al Pastor is a soy-free tempeh dinner made with fresh, fermented chickpea tempeh instead of soy.

4 servings · About 2 hr 45 min · Soy-free

Why fermented chickpea tempeh

Because our tempeh is cultured from chickpeas rather than soybeans, it brings a mild, savory, nutty base that carries bold flavors well and keeps the whole dish soy-free.

Ingredients

• Chile marinade: 3 dried guajillo chiles
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 1 chipotle in adobo + 1 tsp sauce
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• juice of 1 orange
• 2 tbsp ACV
• ½ white onion, rough chop
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Mexican oregano
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp each: cinnamon, cloves
• 2 tbsp achiote (annatto) paste
• 1 tbsp brown sugar 2 blocks (16 oz) fresh tempeh, cubed ½”
• ½ fresh pineapple for charring
• corn tortillas
• white onion, fine dice
• cilantro
• lime wedges
• salsa verde

Instructions

1. Toast dried chiles. Dry skillet, medium heat. Press flat, 30 sec per side until fragrant. Don’t burn, dark = bitter.
2. Rehydrate. Cover with hot water 15 to 20 min until soft. Drain.
3. Blend. All marinade ingredients on high 60+ sec until completely smooth. Adjust to taste.
4. Marinate. Pour over tempeh. 1 to 2 hours MAX. Pineapple juice contains bromelain, it will make fresh tempeh mushy past 2 hrs.
5. Cook. Large cast iron, medium-high, 2 tbsp oil. Single layer. Sit 3 to 4 min until browned. Flip. Add remaining marinade, caramelize 3 to 4 min more.
6. Char pineapple. Dry-sear slices 2 to 3 min per side.
7. Assemble. tortilla → tempeh → white onion → cilantro → pineapple → lime → salsa verde.

Chef note: Sub: 1 tbsp ground annatto + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp oregano.

Make it with

This pairs with Tempeh Chorizo Crumbles. Start from a block of OG Raw Chickpea Tempeh (shop it here). Short on time? Reach for our heat-and-serve Chickpea Brisket Tacos.

Allergen swaps

Our tempeh is soy-free and gluten-free. Check any packaged sauces or condiments for soy and wheat if those are strict concerns.

Frequently asked questions

Is Tempeh Al Pastor soy-free?

Yes. Our tempeh is fermented from chickpeas, not soybeans, so this recipe is naturally soy-free. Check any packaged sauces or condiments if soy is a strict concern.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The tempeh is gluten-free and this recipe is gluten-free as written. Just double-check any store-bought sauces or condiments you add.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Components keep well in the fridge for a day or two. For the best texture, sear or crisp the tempeh fresh before serving.

More from the tempeh kitchen

• Tempeh Tikka Masala
• Peanut Tempeh Stir-Fry with Noodles