Tempeh has a rather pronounced, intense taste with an aftertaste reminiscent of nuts and mushrooms. This particular flavor is related to the fermentation process required for its preparation. If cooked inappropriately it can be decidedly bitter, but with proper care and the right mix of herbs and spices it can be used to prepare tasty vegan dishes.

What is tempeh

For those who may not be familiar with it or have never tasted it, let's first shed some light on what tempeh, also known as “soy meat,” is. It is a widely used food in Indonesia and throughout Southeast Asia, and is a commonly used product in vegan and vegetarian diets.

It is prepared using yellow soybeans, leaving them to ferment after cooking; salt water is normally used for its preservation. Compared to seitan and tofu, it has a much more intense and characteristic taste and a grainy texture. The finished product can also be eaten plain, but it has a rather bitter aftertaste, so it is advisable to opt for a cooking time of at least fifteen minutes. You can stew it, steam it or fry it, of course using seasonings and sauces to your liking, but some flavors may marry more than others with its particular flavor.

Tempeh is rich in phytosterols, a characteristic that also makes it attractive to those who need to control their cholesterol. In any case, in a balanced diet it should not be consumed more than two or three times a week.

Spices and flavorings to pair with tempeh:

The taste of tempeh goes quite well with all herbs such as sage, rosemary, thyme and oregano; you could use them to prepare a tasty marinade.
Spices, on the other hand, include chili peppers, ginger, paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic powder or turmeric. Also experiment with curry or garam masala, or in a grilled version flavored with bbq mix.
There are so many alternatives; to find some useful ideas, we point you to a collection of 26 recipes published on Vegolosi.it. It might help you to experiment with the taste of this food, in exotic, crispy, spicy versions, with oil seeds or dried fruits and more.