18 Japanese Tempeh Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
In recent years, the popularity of plant-based diets has been on the rise, leading to a surge in demand for alternative sources of protein. One such source is tempeh, a traditional Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans. However, did you know that tempeh has also been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries? In this article, we will explore the history of tempeh in Japan and share a simple yet delicious Japanese tempeh recipe for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Maple Syrup, Rice Vinegar, Garlic, Tempeh
Looking for a delicious and healthy meal option? Look no further than this Brown Rice Bowl with Maple-Glazed Tempeh and fresh vegetables. This recipe is not only packed with flavor but also full of nutrients to fuel your body.
Start by cooking your brown rice according to package instructions. While that's cooking, you can prepare your tempeh by slicing it into thin strips and marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, maple syrup, and garlic powder. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Once your tempeh is done marinating, you can pan-fry it in a bit of olive oil until it's crispy and golden brown. In a separate pan, sauté some bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots until they're tender but still have a bit of crunch.
Finally, assemble your bowl with a base of brown rice, topped with the sautéed vegetables and the delicious maple-glazed tempeh. You can also add some avocado slices and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for some extra healthy fats and crunch. Enjoy this nutritious and tasty meal in no time!
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Udon Noodle Soup with Chinese Broccoli & Seared Tempeh
Main Ingredients: Tempeh, Chinese Broccoli, Garlic, Ginger, Cilantro
If you're in the mood for something warm and comforting, this Udon Noodle Soup with Chinese Broccoli & Seared Tempeh is the perfect choice. It's packed with flavor and so easy to make that it'll become a staple in your dinner rotation.
To start, cook your udon noodles according to package instructions. While they're cooking, you can make the broth by sautéing some garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a pot with a bit of sesame oil. Once they're fragrant, add in vegetable broth, soy sauce, and a pinch of brown sugar. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors develop.
While the broth is simmering, you can prepare your tempeh by searing it in a hot pan with a bit of vegetable oil. You want to get a nice golden brown color on each side.
Once everything is ready, you can assemble your soup by adding the cooked udon noodles, the broth, and the seared tempeh to a bowl. Top it off with some blanched Chinese broccoli and a sprinkle of green onions. This soup is perfect for cold days or when you're feeling under the weather.
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Tempeh Orzilla
Main Ingredients: Orzo, Tempeh, Olive Oil, Coriander, Anise Seed, Soy
If you're looking for a creative and delicious way to use tempeh, give this Tempeh Orzilla recipe a try. It's a twist on the classic Italian dish, made with orzo pasta and seasoned tempeh for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
Start by cooking your orzo according to package instructions. While that's cooking, you can prepare your tempeh by crumbling it and seasoning it with Italian herbs, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Sauté it in a bit of olive oil until it's crispy and golden brown.
In a separate pan, sauté some cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and spinach until they're tender. Once the orzo is cooked, add it to the pan with the vegetables, along with a bit of vegetable broth and tomato sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors combine.
Finally, add in the seasoned tempeh and give everything a good mix. Serve it up and top it with some fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Japanese Vegetables and Tempeh with Ponzu Sauce
Main Ingredients: Tempeh, Arame, Water, Low Sodium Tamari, Rice Vinegar
If you're craving some Japanese flavors, this dish is for you. This Japanese Vegetables and Tempeh with Ponzu Sauce is a light and refreshing meal that's perfect for warmer days.
To start, prepare your ponzu sauce by whisking together soy sauce, lemon juice, mirin, and rice vinegar. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Next, you'll want to cook your tempeh by slicing it into thin strips and marinating it in some of the ponzu sauce. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then pan-fry it in a bit of sesame oil until it's crispy and golden brown.
In a separate pan, sauté some bok choy, carrots, and snow peas until they're tender. Once they're cooked, add in the remaining ponzu sauce and let it cook for a minute or two to thicken.
Finally, assemble your dish by adding the cooked vegetables and tempeh to a bowl, and topping it with some sesame seeds and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This dish is bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
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Teriyaki Tempeh Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Tempeh, Panko Breadcrumbs, Chopped
Get ready for some flavor explosion with these Teriyaki Tempeh Meatballs. They're easy to make and perfect for meal prep for a quick and delicious dinner option.
Start by crumbling your tempeh and mixing it with some breadcrumbs, green onions, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Roll the mixture into small balls and bake them in the oven until they're crispy and golden brown.
While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce by mixing together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and ginger. Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the sauce and let them soak up all the delicious flavors.
These teriyaki tempeh meatballs are perfect served over rice or with some vegetables for a complete meal. You can also make a big batch and freeze them for a quick and easy dinner option on busy nights.
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Vegan Gyoza (Japanese Potstickers)
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Fine Grain Sea Salt, Tempeh, Crimini
Who doesn't love some delicious gyoza? These Vegan Gyoza (Japanese Potstickers) are filled with flavorful tempeh and pan-fried to crispy perfection. They're great as an appetizer or as a main dish.
To make the filling, crumble some tempeh and mix it with some green onions, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Spoon a small amount onto a gyoza wrapper and fold it up, sealing the edges with a bit of water.
Next, heat up a bit of vegetable oil in a pan and add in the gyoza. Let them cook for a few minutes until the bottom is crispy and golden brown. Then, add in a bit of water and cover the pan to steam the gyoza for a few more minutes.
Once they're done, serve them with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sweet chili sauce. These gyoza are bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
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Forbidden Miso Ramen with Sriracha Baked Tempeh
Main Ingredients: Tempeh, Soy Sauce, Sriracha, Maple Syrup, Worchestire
If you're a fan of ramen, you have to try this Forbidden Miso Ramen with Sriracha Baked Tempeh. It's loaded with flavor and packed with protein for a satisfying meal that will leave you feeling energized and nourished.
To start, cook your ramen noodles according to package instructions. While they're cooking, you can prepare your tempeh by slicing it into thin strips and marinating it in a mixture of miso paste, soy sauce, and sriracha. Bake it in the oven until it's crispy and golden brown.
In a separate pot, make the broth by sautéing some garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a bit of sesame oil. Then, add in vegetable broth, miso paste, soy sauce, and a pinch of brown sugar. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Finally, assemble your ramen bowl by adding the cooked noodles, the broth, and the baked tempeh. You can also add some green onions, corn, and seaweed for some extra flavor and texture. This ramen is perfect for a cozy night in or when you're craving some comfort food.
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Sesame Tempeh Bowls
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Water, Sesame Oil, Brown Sugar, Rice
These Sesame Tempeh Bowls are a perfect balance of protein and veggies, making it a well-rounded meal that's both delicious and nutritious. Plus, they're super easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
To make the tempeh, slice it into thin strips and marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then pan-fry it until it's crispy and golden brown.
Next, sauté some bok choy, carrots, and bell peppers until they're tender. You can also add in some edamame for an extra boost of protein. Serve the sautéed vegetables and tempeh over a bed of quinoa or brown rice.
Top it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha for some extra flavor and heat. These sesame tempeh bowls are great for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option.
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BBQ Tempeh
Main Ingredients: Tempeh, Bbq Sauce, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Who says BBQ has to be all about meat? This BBQ Tempeh recipe is proof that plant-based options can be just as delicious. It's perfect for summer cookouts or anytime you're craving some smoky and tangy flavors.
To make the BBQ sauce, mix together tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Let it simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors develop.
Next, slice your tempeh into thin strips and coat them in the BBQ sauce. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, then grill them until they're hot and crispy. You can also bake them in the oven if you don't have a grill.
Serve the BBQ tempeh on a bun with some coleslaw and pickles for a classic BBQ sandwich, or add it to a salad for a lighter option. No matter how you serve it, this BBQ tempeh is sure to be a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike.
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Tempeh Vegan Ribs
Main Ingredients: Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Maple Syrup, Crushed Red Pepper
If you're a fan of ribs, you have to try these Tempeh Vegan Ribs. They're meaty and flavorful without any actual meat involved. Plus, they're easy to make and perfect for grilling on a warm summer day.
To make the ribs, you'll need to press your tempeh for at least 30 minutes to get rid of any excess moisture. Then, slice it into strips and coat them in a mixture of barbecue sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Next, grill the tempeh ribs until they're nice and crispy. You can also bake them in the oven if you don't have a grill. Serve them up with some extra barbecue sauce for dipping and some grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
These tempeh vegan ribs are perfect for a summertime barbecue or anytime you're craving some meaty flavors without the actual meat.
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Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Tempeh, Ginger Paste, Garlic Paste, Sesame Oil, Rice
If you're in need of a quick and easy weeknight meal, this Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry is the way to go. It's loaded with veggies and protein, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
The History of Tempeh in Japan
Tempeh originated in Indonesia, where it has been a dietary staple for centuries. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that tempeh made its way to Japan. During World War II, Japan faced a shortage of food resources, leading the government to promote tempeh as an affordable and nutritious source of protein. Since then, tempeh has become a beloved ingredient in Japanese cuisine, with its popularity continuing to grow globally.
The Health Benefits of Tempeh
Tempeh is a vegan and gluten-free food that is packed with nutrients. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the human body needs. Additionally, tempeh is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a highly nutritious addition to any diet. Its fermentation process also increases its digestibility and enhances its bioavailability, making it easier for the body to absorb its nutrients.
The Japanese Tempeh Recipe
Now that we know about the history and health benefits of tempeh let's dive into a simple yet delicious Japanese tempeh recipe. This recipe combines the savory flavors of soy sauce and mirin with the umami-rich taste of miso, creating a burst of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients:
1 block of tempeh, cubed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons mirin
2 tablespoons white miso paste
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, mirin, miso paste, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
Marinate the tempeh cubes in the mixture for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor.
In a pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the marinated tempeh cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot with your choice of rice or noodles.
In conclusion, tempeh has a rich history in Japan and is a versatile and nutritious ingredient in Japanese cuisine. This simple Japanese tempeh recipe is a great way to incorporate this healthy food into your diet and experience its delicious flavors. So go ahead and give it a try, and you might just discover a new favorite dish!
Udon Noodle Soup with Chinese Broccoli & Seared Tempeh
