Tasty Tempeh

If tempeh isn't a regular part of your diet, you are missing out!  Tempeh is made from cooked and slightly fermented soybeans that are formed into a firm patty, sometimes with additional whole grains and spices added in.  I prefer tempeh over tofu because it has lots more protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it is ready to go right out of the package.  You don't have to deal with the annoying process of pressing and draining the excess water like you do with tofu.  The flavor is slightly nutty and very mild, so it can be doctored up in all sorts of fun ways.

One of my favorite ways to prepare tempeh as of late is to cut it into thin strips and let it sit in a spicy maple marinade.  Then, I brown it in a bit of olive oil and eat up!  The result tastes a little like bacon, only BETTER (in my opinion)!

I could definitely eat this stuff straight out of the pan, but it also makes an awesome addition to a sandwich, salad, or "big bowl."  

Last night, we enjoyed it with baby kale, black beans, hummus, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, multigrain chips, and drizzled with organic ranch.  I can't even tell you how AMAZING it was!  Meat and cheese were definitely not missed in the least.  

Here's how you can fry up your very own tempeh "bacon:"

Cut a package of tempeh into thin strips - as thin as you can without it falling apart.  Lay the pieces in a single layer on plate or dish.

Wisk together equal parts maple syrup, liquid aminos or soy sauce, and olive oil (just enough to coat the tempeh).  Season with cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to your liking.  You can also add in a squeeze of liquid smoke and/or hot sauce (I use Sriracha...it really gives it a kick!). Pour the marinade over the tempeh. 

Allow the tempeh to marinate for as long as you can...anywhere from 15 minutes to a day or more (in the fridge).  The longer it sits, the more flavor it will absorb.  I've never planned ahead enough to let it sit much more than 30 minutes or so, but it is still delicious nonetheless.  I can only imagine how flavorful it would be after marinating for hours!

Heat some olive oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Lay the tempeh in the skillet in a single layer.  Allow it to cook for 2 minutes or so...until brown but not burned.  Flip and cook for a couple more minutes on the other side.  

Remove from heat and enjoy!!