Tempeh, the Indonesian fermented soybean cake, is a nutritional powerhouse and a fantastic plant-based protein source. It’s earthy, slightly nutty, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting to explore plant-based cuisine, tempeh deserves a spot in your kitchen. This guide will introduce you to some easy and delicious tempeh recipes to get you started.
1. Tempeh Stir-Fry
Stir-fries are a classic for a reason: they’re quick, easy, and incredibly adaptable.
Ingredients:
1 block tempeh, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece of ginger, grated
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup snow peas
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Tempeh Stir Fry with Peanut Ginger Sauce
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add tempeh and cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Remove tempeh from the pan and set aside.
Add onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan and cook until softened.
Add bell pepper, broccoli, and snow peas and cook until slightly tender.
Return tempeh to the pan and add soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (if using), and sesame oil.
Stir to combine and cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve over rice or noodles.
2. Baked Tempeh with Sweet Potato
This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
1 block tempeh, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss tempeh and sweet potato cubes with olive oil, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tempeh is golden brown and sweet potato is tender.
Serve immediately.
3. Tempeh Tacos
These tacos are a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian option.
Ingredients:
1 block tempeh, crumbled
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice
Warm tortillas
Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, salsa, etc.
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine crumbled tempeh with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add tempeh mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned.
Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
Stir in cilantro and lime juice.
Warm tortillas according to package directions.
Fill tortillas with tempeh mixture and your favorite toppings.
4. Tempeh Salad
This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients:
1 block tempeh, crumbled and pan-fried
1 cup mixed greens
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Add crumbled tempeh to the salad.
Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.
5. Tempeh “Bacon”
This easy-to-make tempeh bacon is a delicious and versatile option for any dish that calls for bacon.
Ingredients:
1 block tempeh, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
In a shallow dish, combine soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup (if using), and garlic powder.
Add tempeh slices to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange tempeh slices on the baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Cooking with Tempeh:
Marinating: Marinating tempeh enhances its flavor and helps it absorb more of the seasonings.
Crumbling: Crumbling tempeh makes it easier to use in dishes like tacos, stir-fries, and salads.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked tempeh for later use. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Beyond these recipes, tempeh can be used in countless other dishes, such as:
Burgers
Sandwiches
Soups and stews
Breakfast scrambles
Quesadillas
Conclusion
Tempeh is a nutritious and delicious addition to any diet. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s no wonder that tempeh is gaining popularity among home cooks and chefs alike.
