As the week unfolds and time becomes a scarce resource, finding meals that are both easy to prepare and satisfying can be a challenge. Luckily, the rich and hearty flavors of tempah can turn a simple weeknight dinner into something extraordinary. Whether you're new to this versatile soy product or a seasoned pro, these five tempah recipes are designed to bring flavor, nutrition, and convenience to your table. Let’s dive into these delightful dishes, each promising a delicious escape from the mundane.
1. Tempah Stir-Fry Delight
When you're pressed for time, a stir-fry is your best friend. Here’s how to whip up a tempah stir-fry that will have everyone asking for seconds:
- Ingredients: 200g tempah (crumbled or cubed), 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, mixed vegetables, 1 garlic clove (minced), 1 tsp grated ginger, and a dash of chili flakes.
- Steps:
- Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large frying pan.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
- Toss in the tempah and cook until golden brown.
- Add mixed vegetables, continue to stir-fry for 5 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce and chili flakes, cook for another minute or so.
🌟 Note: You can use any mix of vegetables you have on hand; broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work wonderfully!
2. Tempah Tacos
Transform Taco Tuesday with tempah! These tacos are not only quick to prepare but are also a crowd-pleaser:
- Ingredients: Tempah (150g, crumbled or shredded), 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 tbsp olive oil, taco shells, avocado, salsa, and optional toppings like cheese or lettuce.
- Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a pan, add tempah, and cook until slightly browned.
- Sprinkle with taco seasoning and stir until well coated.
- Assemble tacos with tempah, avocado, salsa, and toppings of your choice.
🌮 Note: To enhance the taco experience, add a splash of lime juice to the tempah for an extra zing!
3. Creamy Tempah and Spinach Curry
For those evenings when comfort food is on your mind, this curry fits the bill perfectly:
- Ingredients: 200g tempah (cubed), 1 can coconut milk, 2 cups spinach, 1 onion (chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tbsp curry powder, and salt to taste.
- Steps:
- Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add tempah, cook until edges are crispy.
- Stir in curry powder, followed by coconut milk, and let it simmer.
- Fold in the spinach and cook until it wilts. Season with salt.
🍲 Note: This dish is even better the next day, allowing the flavors to develop further!
4. Tempah Fried Rice
Got leftover rice? Here's a tasty way to repurpose it into an exciting meal:
- Ingredients: 150g tempah (crumbled), 2 cups cooked rice, 1 carrot (julienned), 1 onion (diced), 2 eggs (optional), 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 green onions (sliced).
- Steps:
- In a large pan or wok, stir-fry onions, carrots, and tempah until carrots soften.
- Add rice, breaking up any clumps.
- If using eggs, make a well in the center of the pan, crack the eggs, and scramble until just cooked, then mix with the rice.
- Stir in soy sauce and green onions, cook for a couple of minutes.
🍚 Note: Day-old or chilled rice works best for fried rice to get that perfect texture!
5. Tempah Skewers with Satay Sauce
These tempah skewers are perfect for when you want something light yet flavorful:
- Ingredients: 200g tempah (cut into large chunks), skewers, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 garlic clove (minced), and satay sauce (peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar).
- Steps:
- Marinate tempah chunks in a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, turmeric, and garlic for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread onto skewers and grill or bake until browned and slightly charred.
- Meanwhile, prepare satay sauce by mixing peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar, heating gently until smooth.
- Serve tempah skewers with the satay sauce for dipping.
🔥 Note: Pre-soak bamboo skewers to prevent them from burning during cooking!
These tempah recipes provide a quick, nutritious, and delectable way to upgrade your weeknight dinner game. Tempah's versatility allows for endless possibilities, making it an ideal protein source for those looking to diversify their meals without sacrificing time or flavor. With these recipes, you'll find that each dinner can be a delightful adventure, proving that healthy eating doesn't have to be bland or boring.
What is tempah?
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Tempah, also known as tempeh, is a traditional Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans. It’s formed into a cake-like block, offering a firmer texture than tofu and a rich, nutty flavor.
Can tempah replace meat in meals?
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Yes, tempah is an excellent substitute for meat due to its high protein content, firm texture, and ability to absorb flavors. It’s particularly popular in vegetarian and vegan diets but is also appreciated by meat-eaters for its unique taste.
How do I store tempah?
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Unopened tempah should be stored in the refrigerator. Once opened, keep it wrapped in the refrigerator or freeze it for longer storage. Thaw tempah in the refrigerator before cooking.
Is tempah hard to cook?
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Not at all! Tempah is versatile and can be cooked in many ways: fried, baked, grilled, or steamed. With the right seasoning or marinade, it’s easy to infuse with flavors and incorporate into various dishes.
Where can I find tempah?
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Tempah can be found in health food stores, many supermarkets, and grocery stores with international food sections. Online retailers and Asian markets are also great places to look for both traditional and flavored options.
