10 Amazing Soy-Based Tempeh Recipes That Reduces Cholesterol And Packs More Protein Than Tofu

If you’re looking for an incredible substitute for meat, but are getting a little tired of tofu, tempeh is the product that you have to try. This soy-based product originates from Indonesia, and acts as a substitute to meat that has just as much protein as meat does. Tempeh is higher in fiber and protein then tofu, and the fermentation process that it undergoes aids digestion through the breakdown of the soybean.

Health Benefits of Tempeh

Reduces cholesterol

Provides fast muscle recovery
Increases bone density
Reduces menopausal symptoms

Has same protein quality as meat
High in fiber and vitamins (riboflavin, vitamin B6, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid)

Tempeh is made even better for you because of the additional health benefits that accompany it, as a result of the fermentation process that is used to make it. Fermenting the soybeans allows them to retain most of their protein and nutrients, and the fermentation process helps to aid its digestive properties. Nutritional experts have recently been saying that tempeh is even better for you then tofu.

To incorporate this amazing health food into your diet, try out a few of these easy –to-make recipes that have been inspired from cultures all over the world.

10 Incredibly Easy (Incredibly Delicious) Tempeh Recipes

Curried Tempeh Grilled Cheese with Mango Chutney

One of the most unique tempeh recipes you’ll come across, this one may just be one of the best. Impress your friends and family with this exotic take on a classic grilled cheese, by preparing a marinated tempeh in soy sauce and curry powder, and then adding it to a grilled cheese sandwich with provolone or fresh mozzarella. If that weren’t enough, prepare a mango chutney with fresh arugula to add on the side.

Recipe

http://www.veggiebelly.com/2012/06/curried-tempeh-grilled-cheese-sandwich-with-mango-chutney.html

Tempeh Chimichurri

This tempeh recipe has a homemade chimichurri marinade that gives the dish a classic South American flavor. This is an easy way to make a dinner that’s packed with flavor and fresh veggies that the whole family will love.

Recipe:

http://food52.com/recipes/25765-tempeh-chimichurri

Barbequed Tempeh

With this amazing homemade barbeque sauce recipe, your friends and family will have a hard time believing that this dish is vegan. With a barbeque sauce that’s packed with onion, ginger, clove, Dijon mustard, soy sauce and cayenne, this tempeh recipe is perfect for summer meals that are served with fresh picked corn and ice-cold lemonade.

Recipe:

http://www.food.com/recipe/barbecued-tempeh-233749

Tempeh Ratatouille

Soy-based recipes typically put the tempeh or tofu in place of a meat product, in order to make a vegan recipe. However, this recipe swaps out some veggies to make a dish with a higher protein content. This ratatouille recipe replaces the eggplant with tempeh, and then combines it with zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms and peppers for an amazing French-inspired dish.

Recipe:

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/tempeh-ratatouille

Tempeh Coconut Curry

This amazing curry recipe pairs well with basmati rice, and combines with ginger, cinnamon, sweet potato, coriander, etc. for a dish that’s packed with irresistible flavors.

Recipe:

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/tempeh-coconut-curry

Hoisin-Braised Tempeh and Chinese Vegetables

If you’re looking for an authentic Chinese taste to pair with your tempeh, this recipe has it all. The tempeh is lightly pan fried with olive oil, garlic and ginger, and then cooked with hoison sauce, bok choy, water chestnuts and a variety of other fresh veggies that are served on a bed of rice.

Recipe:

http://www.food.com/recipe/hoisin-braised-tempeh-and-chinese-vegetables-192303

Basic Oven Baked Marinated Tempeh

Since tempeh is a meat substitute, marinating it is an amazing way to pack the soy-alternative with incredible flavor. The marinating process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 days, depending on your tastes and how much time you have, so this marinated tempeh recipe is extremely versatile. Once you’ve prepared the meat, it only takes 15 minutes to pop it in the oven, and then you can use in in any kind of food you’d like! We recommend adding it to stir-fries, sandwiches, or even fresh spring rolls.

Recipe:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/basic-oven-baked-marinated-tempeh-231049

Sweet and Sour Tempeh

This dish delivers the amazing taste of sweet and sour Asian-style chicken, but without the meat. Combining tempeh with vegetables and pineapple is as good a combination as it sounds, and it goes great with rice or quinoa.

Recipe:

http://www.vegancoach.com/vegan-entree.html#anchor-sweet-sour-tempeh

Tempeh Gryos and Tzatziki

If you have a little extra time to plan out a meal, marinate tempeh in a homemade tzatziki sauce overnight for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’ll taste just like you’re sitting in a Greek restaurant.

Recipe:

http://www.food.com/recipe/tempeh-gyros-and-tzatziki-148197

Tempeh with Coconut Milk and Lemongrass

Whenever you’re in the mood for a Thai inspired tempeh recipe, this is one that you have to try. Make an incredible stir-fry with tempeh, bell peppers, scallions and snow peas that are tossed in a fresh sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce, lemon grass, and coconut milk. It’s a recipe that no one will be able to resist.