Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the tempeh into thin strips or cubes. In a bowl, gently toss the tempeh with half a teaspoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder if desired.
Place the seasoned tempeh on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until it becomes crispy and golden.
While the tempeh bakes, prepare the pilaf. In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic in a tiny splash of water or vegetable broth until softened.
Add the cooked brown rice and chickpeas to the saucepan. Stir in the nutritional yeast, and season with salt and pepper. Let the flavors meld over low heat for 5-7 minutes.
For the asparagus, bring a small pot of water to a simmer. Add the asparagus spears and steam them for 5-6 minutes until tender yet crisp.
Plate the dish by placing a serving of chickpea rice pilaf, top with crispy baked tempeh, and arrange the steamed asparagus on the side.
Finish with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper if needed, and serve warm.