If you're using wooden skewers, place them in a shallow dish and cover with water for at least 30 minutes.
Slice the lemongrass stalk open lengthwise and remove the tough outer layers, retaining the light colored inner stalk. Cut the inner stalk into 1-inch pieces and place it in a food processor bowl with the shallots, garlic, ginger, lime juice, soy sauce or tamari, oil, agave or maple syrup, chili paste or Thai chili and coriander. Blend to a relatively smooth consistency (some small chunks will remain).
Place the tempeh cubes in a shallow dish. Pour the lemongrass marinade over the tempeh and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours, tossing occasionally to distribute marinade.
Skewer the tempeh cubes, alternating with red pepper pieces, placing 5-7 pieces of each on a skewer. Reserve any excess marinade.
Preheat oven to 400ºF and lightly coat a baking sheet with oil. Arrange the skewers on the baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, turning about half way through and brushing with reserved marinade. After 12 minutes, switch the to broil and move the baking sheet to a location under broiler. Broil for about 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until the tempeh and peppers are lightly charred in spots.
To Make the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
Whisk the peanut butter, lime juice, agave or maple syrup, soy sauce or tamari and ginger together in a small bowl. Add water, a bit at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Notes
The tempeh satay can also be cooked on an indoor or outdoor grill. Oil the grill lightly and cook over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, until lightly charred, flipping halfway through.
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