Tempeh
Versatile, High in Protein, & Scrumptious
Tempeh is a delicious meat alternative. It is rich in protein, versatile, and incredibly healthy. Plus, cooking it is quite simple. At first glance, honestly, tempeh may look like a brick wall, but it is actually made of soybeans. Therefore, in a dish it is often used as the protein source. Of course, there are also soy-free versions, in which the tempeh is then made with grains or other beans.
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Tempeh vs. Tofu
Difference
Reason two, not only is tempeh less processed but it is also created through fermentation.Fermentation has an abundance of health benefits from prebiotics aiding healthy gut bacteria to boosting your immune system. But don’t get it wrong, they both have many health benefits. While tempeh is higher in iron, potassium, and fiber, tofu provides more calcium.
We do warn you that tempeh, along with its nuttier taste, can be more bitter than tofu. You can combat this with a nice sauce and take a look at how to cook it below.
How to Cook Tempeh
Cooking tempeh is very simple. If you’re familiar with meat think of it as a slice of chicken. You can marinate it in sauce beforehand or just cook it with the sauce. The best methods are either frying it in a pan or baking it in the oven (or air fryer if you have it). Make sure you slice the block to your liking before you cook it though, whether that’s in thin strips, cubes, or crumbled up.
Tip: If you are having trouble with the bitterness try steaming the tempeh in 1-inch of water for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then you can drain and pat it dry before you begin the actual process.
Best Recipes to Substitute Meat with Tempeh
If you are worried about your cholesterol or simply want to have a change, tempeh makes a great meat substitute. Crumbled-up, for instance, it can be used as a ground beef alternative which you can add to bolognese or use as a taco filling. If you slice it up into thin strips and dip it in some smoky BBQ-inspired sauce it can be a great bacon substitute. You can also cut into cubes and stick on a skewer to grill. So next time you are making a delicious meat dish, try simply swapping it out for tempeh. If it’s more of a soup or stew though, that is a place we may recommend tofu instead.
