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Protein

What is tempeh?

Tempeh is a traditional soy product that originated in Indonesia. It is made by fermenting cooked soybeans and then pressing them into a dense, cake-like form. Tempeh is a good source of protein, and has a nutty, savory flavor. It can be sliced and pan-fried, used as a meat substitute in sandwiches and stir-fries, or crumbled and used as a topping for salads and soups.

How do you cook tempeh?

There are many ways to cook tempeh, but here are a few common methods:

  • Sautéing: Slice the tempeh into thin pieces, and then sauté in a pan with a little oil until golden brown. You can add any desired seasonings or sauces during this process.
  • Steaming: Steam the tempeh for about 10 minutes before slicing and using it in a recipe. This can help to soften it and make it more flavorful.
  • Grilling: Cut the tempeh into thick slabs, brush with a marinade, and then grill for about 5 minutes on each side.
  • Baking: Cut the tempeh into thin slices or cubes, toss with oil and seasonings, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Deep-frying: Cut the tempeh into thin slices or cubes, toss with cornstarch and deep fry until golden brown.

It’s important to note that Tempeh is already fermented and cooked, so it doesn’t need to be cooked for long time to be edible.

What are some good dishes to make with tempeh?

There are many delicious dishes that can be made with tempeh, here are a few popular ones:

  • Stir-fry: Cut the tempeh into small cubes and stir-fry with your choice of vegetables and a flavorful sauce.
  • Sandwiches or wraps: Slice the tempeh and use it as a meat substitute in sandwiches or wraps.
  • Tempeh bacon: Cut the tempeh into thin slices, marinate them in a smoky, savory marinade, and then pan-fry or bake until crispy.
  • Tempeh meatballs: Crumble the tempeh and mix with breadcrumbs and seasonings to form meatballs. Bake or simmer in a marinara sauce.
  • Tempeh curry: Cut the tempeh into small cubes and add it to a curry dish with your choice of vegetables and a flavorful curry sauce.
  • Tempeh Reuben sandwich: Slice the tempeh and use it as a meat substitute in a Reuben sandwich with sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and swiss cheese.
  • Tempeh Tacos: Cut the tempeh into small cubes or slices and sauté it with your favorite taco seasoning and fill your tacos with it.

These are just a few examples, but tempeh can be used in many different ways and can be a great ingredient for vegetarians and vegans.

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