You may have come across some of tempeh recipes and wondered, what exactly is tempeh?

Well, it's a plant-based protein made from cooked soybeans (similar to edamame) that undergoes a fermentation process.

This fermentation binds the soybeans together into a compact cake or patty, which is what you’ll typically find at the store. While some tempeh varieties are made with just soybeans, others may include grains like barley, rice, flax, or millet mixed in with the soybeans.

What Does Tempeh Taste Like?

Tempeh has a mild, nutty flavor with earthy undertones when eaten on its own. Its taste is subtle, allowing it to easily absorb the flavors of any dish it’s added to. When marinated or cooked with sauces, tempeh takes on those flavors, enhancing its overall taste. Its texture is firm and slightly chewy, which makes it an ideal meat substitute in various dishes.

Health Benefits of Tempeh

Tempeh is a powerhouse of nutrition, offering numerous health benefits. As a complete protein, it provides all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for plant-based diets. In addition to its high protein content—31 grams per 1-cup serving—tempeh is also packed with essential nutrients like iron, manganese, B vitamins, and prebiotics, which support gut health and digestion.

How To Cook

Ingredients:

2 oz packages tempeh

¼ cup maple syrup

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

2 teaspoons avocado , or olive oil

3 Tablespoons low sodium tamari, soy sauce or coconut aminos

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tablespoon avocado or olive oil, for cooking

Instruction:

1. Remove the tempeh from the package and cut it into small triangles by first slicing it in half width-wise. Then, make cuts in a star pattern to create 16 mini triangles from each half, resulting in a total of 32 triangles.

2. In a small bowl, combine maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, tamari, 2 teaspoons of oil, and minced garlic. Place the tempeh triangles in a shallow dish with a large surface area, pour the maple balsamic marinade over the tempeh, and toss to coat. Let the tempeh marinate in the fridge for 1 to 24 hours, stirring the mixture a couple of times during marination if possible.

3. To pan-glaze the tempeh, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated tempeh (without pouring in the marinade) and cook until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once the tempeh is browned, pour the maple balsamic marinade into the pan and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced to a glaze that coats the tempeh. Toss the tempeh a couple of times during this process.

4. Once the sauce has thickened and all the tempeh pieces are coated, the tempeh is ready to be served. It pairs well with rice, cauliflower rice, or another grain, and can be accompanied by a veggie side.

The dish is now ready to enjoy, offering a delicious, savory flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang!

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Video by Monson Made This