Cut the tempeh into cubes or strips, as desired. If doing strips, I like to make it on the thinner side so they get crispy, but you can do thicker ones if desired - thicker can be a bit better for sandwiches! Cubes are great for salads.
1 (8 oz.) package original tempeh
Mix up the tamari, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, maple syrup, and smoked paprika for the marinade. Add the tempeh to it, stirring it around to coat it all. You can cook immediately, or let it marinate for about 30 minutes to an hour to infuse extra flavor into the tempeh, stirring every so often.
⅓ cup low-sodium tamari, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons liquid smoke, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
When you’re ready to cook, heat oil over medium heat in a saute pan and add your tempeh, reserving the extra liquid in the bowl for now.
Cook the tempeh for about 7 to 10 minutes over medium heat, flipping the strips or stirring the cubes as they cook, to get golden on all sides.
When the tempeh is cooked well and browned, reduce the heat to the lowest it will go and add in the extra marinade, tossing it around to coat all the tempeh. It will quickly form into a sticky sauce. Cook for about 30 seconds longer and then remove from the heat.
Serve immediately. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.