Though tempeh isn’t quite as popular as tofu, it is a mainstay of many vegetarian and vegan diets (and is particularly popular in Southeast Asia). Like tofu, tempeh is a soy-based product. It’s made by fermenting cooked soybeans and then forming the mixture into a firm, dense cake. Most versions also contain beans, grains, and flavorings. (There do exist soy-free versions of tempeh that contain only grains or other beans such as black beans, chickpeas, or lentils.)

Tempeh has a strong, nutty flavor. It also tends to absorb the flavors of any food or sauce to which it is added, making it a versatile choice for many sorts of dishes, from chilis and stews to sandwiches and tacos.

Because it’s better than tofu at holding its shape when cooked, tempeh is a great meat substitute and a versatile choice for vegans and nonvegans alike. It has a strong, nutty taste, but it also absorbs other flavors easily. Cutting tempeh into slabs allows you to make delicious steaks. You can also cut tempeh into cubes and sear them to top breakfast dishes. This vegan meat substitute can be used in a variety of recipes. Some examples include:

• Pan Seared Tempeh Steaks with Chimichurri Sauce
• Korean Barbecue Tempeh Wraps
• Stir Fried Tempeh with Orange Sauce
• Curried Tempeh with Cauliflower and Peas

Tempeh pan-sears best when cut into steak-like slabs. Using a kitchen knife, cut each piece of tempeh crosswise into two 3½-inch-long pieces (below, left). Next, cut each piece horizontally into ⅜-inch-thick slabs, being careful to cut pieces of even thickness (below, right). Slabs of this length and thickness will develop a crispy edge when cooked.

Definitely! Tempeh, like tofu, is also a healthful choice. It’s high in protein, cholesterol-free, and low in fat—it also contains many essential vitamins and minerals.

You can find tempeh in most supermarkets. It’s often located in the produce section near the tofu, and it usually comes in a variety of grain and flavor combinations.

Have you cooked with, or eaten, tempeh? What do you like most about it? Let us know in the comments!