When dining at a restaurant that serves vegetarian and vegan food, you might notice tempeh on the menu. This soy product is a meat substitute that chefs may prepare using a variety of seasonings and ingredients, making for a delicious and satisfying meal. Review this brief guide to learn more about this plant-based food and its benefits. 

What Is Tempeh?

Tempeh is a soy food that has origins in ancient Indonesia but has become popular in vegan and vegetarian cooking in the U.S. since the 1970s. It consists of pressed cakes or patties made from cooked and fermented soybeans.

Tempeh may also include whole grains such as brown rice, flax seeds, and quinoa, which can make it heartier, along with spices for extra flavor. This plant-based food is dense and firm with a chewy texture and a slightly nutty, earthy flavor. It differs from tofu, which is made from coagulated soy milk and has a more neutral taste and silkier texture. 

Health Perks

Tempeh is a rich source of protein, containing about 17 grams of this nutrient per three-ounce serving. In addition to helping the body build and repair tissues, protein can assist with weight control while reducing the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Additionally, this plant-based food is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as riboflavin, phosphorus, and manganese. Riboflavin supports metabolism, cell function, and energy production; phosphorus helps the body form healthy bones and teeth; and manganese assists with normal brain and nerve function. Tempeh is also gluten-free, making it a healthy choice for people with celiac disease.

How Is It Usually Served? 

Tempeh provides an excellent base for vegetarian and vegan food dishes, as it readily absorbs the flavors of marinades, sauces, and seasonings. It can make for a convincing meat replacement that resembles both the flavor and texture of burgers, sausages, and bacon.

Healthy restaurants may prepare it similarly to chorizo, which is a type of Spanish sausage, by sauteing or grilling it with warm spices such as chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Chefs may serve chorizo-style tempeh on tacos topped with roasted tomatillos, caramelized onions, and avocado salsa, which can provide a spicy and hearty meal. 

When you're in the mood for delicious and nutritious tempeh, head to Jungle Cafe in New York City. This healthy restaurant and bakery serves vegetarian and vegan food, including chorizo-style tempeh, to hungry patrons throughout North Brooklyn. Call (347) 987-4981 to place an order for lunch or dinner, or visit the website to learn more about their healthy, plant-based foods.