Check out my progress on Quick-Fix Tempeh
Tempeh. What is it? This soy product has been a favorite vegetarian staple for decades, yet its precise composition largely remains a mystery to the general population. After a little Google session,I have surmised that perhaps the tempeh producers of the world have kept its origins a secret for a reason. Tempeh is a fermented soybean product that is formed with the aid of mold–appetizing, no? Actually, yes. The intermingling of mold and soy does in fact yield a tasty, protein-packed cake with a nutty flavor and meat-like texture.
While plain tempeh can form the foundation of a delicious meal, it often requires time-consuming preparation methods, including marination, in order to deliver that delectability. Fortunately for us time-strapped tempeh fans, the creative folks over at Turtle Island Foods (makers of Tofurky) have recently introduced a new line of pre-marinated tempeh strips.
The tempeh strips are currently available in three varieties: Lemon Pepper, Coconut Curry, and Sesame Garlic. All three varieties boast impressive nutrition, with 90-140 Calories per serving, 12 grams of protein, 3-4 grams of fat, and 5 grams of fiber. The sodium content is reasonable as well, ranging from 280-370 mg (12-15% RDA). With stats like that, herbivores and omnivores alike can enjoy this meal-time shortcut without any guilt. Each package contains roughly 2.5 servings, but hangry girls like me might prefer to eat upwards of half a package at a time.
Sesame Garlic
While all the flavors are equally healthful, not all the flavors are equal in terms of taste. By far, the sesame garlic outshone the rest; its distinctive Asian flavor was perfect for stir fry as well as Thai summer rolls. Despite its steep price tag, ($4.29, applies to all flavors) I can easily see myself purchasing this variety again and again.
Sesame Garlic Tempeh Stir-Fry with whole wheat noodles
Sesame Garlic Tempeh Summer Rolls with cashew-ginger dipping sauce
Lemon Pepper
The lemon pepper flavor was also enjoyable, but its only decent taste does not merit its slightly higher Calorie content. The lemon pepper added pleasant summer taste to a variety of dishes. I much prefer Turtle Island’s version of lemon tempeh to Lightlife‘s, which I had the misfortune of tasting here.
Lemon Pepper Tempeh Pasta Salad
Lemon Pepper Tempeh Wrap with avocado
Coconut Curry
Finally, the coconut curry flavor was the least favorite among the three. There were prominent notes of both coconut and curry to the extent that the flavors were a bit extreme and overwhelming for my taste buds. While I enjoy both coconut and curry as much as anyone, I would suggest that Turtle Island make either flavor a tad more subtle. My vote is for toning down the curry–I love me some coconut.
Coconut Curry Tempeh Salad with Cumin Yogurt Dressing
Apple-Coconut Tempeh Curry with yogurt & cilantro
Thanks to Turtle Island Foods for providing coupons to sample these products!
Have you ever tried tempeh? How do you like to prepare it?
Filed under: Feature Post, Product Review
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
great info about tempeh, i’ve never tried it before but after reading this post, I might give it a try!
i love tempeh
i make brown sauce tempeh.. and put it over collard greens.
delish.
I have only had tempeh at a chinese restaurant and thought it was a bit…boring. BUT: after reading this post, I think tempeh will have a second change in my own kitchen!
Have a great week!
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
i have only eaten tempeh once at a vegan diner, as a fake “philly cheesesteak” sandwich. i loved it!
Looks intriguing! I’ve never tried tempeh but Trader Joe’s makes a pretty cheap one that I’ve been thinking about, I just wouldn’t know what to do with it.
The only tempeh I can find around here are “tempeh burgers,” pre-seasoned, pre-formed patties. They’re really good, but those strips sound better!
I’ve been wanting to try tempeh for a looooong time now. I pick up the package probably every time I go grocery shopping
Maybe next time I’ll actually get it.
Have you tried Tempehtations? They are pre-marinated too and very tasty! I haven’t tried the Turtle Island brand yet, i will keep my eye out after reading your delicious looking post! Hope your having a great weekend!
I have a ton of tempeh in the fridge that I need to use up. Thanks for the fabulous ideas
Your food looks really good! I am soy intolerant, even to fermented soy like tempeh, which if you do soy is reportedly the only way “to do” it. But it makes me break out in rashes, hives, and live in the bathroom. Fun times. So I have to avoid
I almost lost my tempeh when I thought I saw a frozen burger in the freezer only to discover that it was your Tempeh!!!
I have been avoiding tempeh because I thought that it might be one of those soy products that were bad for you. But, since the Healthy Living Summit, I realized after listening to the Nutritionist talk that tempeh is really a “pure” form of soy. I love the tempeh bacon but I think I will need to try this Coconut Curry flavor asap because I am a HUGE Curry fan!
Har-har.
I finally just tried the Sesame Garlic tempeh after eyeing it in the store for a good year or so… and I’m definitely not trying that variety again! Just as in you found the Coconut Curry one too overpowering for your taste buds, I found this one to have an explosion of ‘fake garlic’ taste that instantly turned my stomach. I had to throw out the bits I cooked, and am giving the rest away to a friend. So disappointed!
BroccoliHut Reply:
August 14th, 2011 at 8:23 pm
What a bummer! So sorry to hear that you didn’t like the sesame garlic flavor. Perhaps they’ve changed their recipe? To be honest, I haven’t had the tempeh strips in well over a year.