Barbecued Tempeh

Introduction

History

Tempeh originates from Indonesia, with a history that spans several centuries. It's a fermented soy product known for its high protein content and health benefits. The practice of barbecuing tempeh is a more modern culinary innovation, combining traditional Indonesian food with Western barbecue techniques. This fusion creates a unique dish that celebrates the versatility of tempeh while offering a familiar smoky barbecue flavor.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your barbecued tempeh turns out perfectly, consider these tips:

- Steaming the tempeh before marinating helps it absorb flavors more effectively.

- Allow the tempeh to marinate for at least an hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

- Keep the grill or oven temperature moderate to prevent the sauce from burning.

- Baste the tempeh with extra barbecue sauce while cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your barbecued tempeh with a side of coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It also pairs wonderfully with corn on the cob or baked beans for a classic barbecue feel.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the tempeh provides a smoky flavor that's hard to beat, but if you don't have access to a grill, baking in the oven is a great alternative. For an extra crispy exterior, consider pan-frying the marinated tempeh before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're avoiding soy, you can substitute tempeh with seitan or thick slices of portobello mushrooms. For a gluten-free version, ensure your barbecue sauce is gluten-free and consider tamari as a soy sauce alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

The tempeh can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen. You can also pre-cook the tempeh and reheat it on the grill or in the oven when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve your barbecued tempeh on a platter garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. A drizzle of barbecue sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds can add a visually appealing finish.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp beer or a glass of chilled white wine pairs beautifully with the smoky flavors of barbecued tempeh. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a lemonade or iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover barbecued tempeh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the grill, in the oven, or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this barbecued tempeh recipe contains approximately 435 calories. This makes it a hearty meal option, especially when served with sides like vegetables or grains.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of barbecued tempeh contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates. These come from the tempeh itself and the barbecue sauce. Carbohydrates are essential for energy, so this dish can be a good source of fuel for your day.

Fats

This recipe contains about 13 grams of fat per serving, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. The fats in tempeh are mostly healthful, coming from soybeans, which are rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

Proteins

Barbecued tempeh is an excellent source of plant-based protein, offering around 20 grams per serving. This makes it a fantastic option for vegetarians and vegans looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

Tempeh is a nutritious food, rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals. It contains B vitamins, especially B12 (in fortified versions), which is crucial for vegetarians and vegans. It's also a good source of minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and iron.

Alergens

The primary allergen in this recipe is soy, as tempeh is made from fermented soybeans. Those with soy allergies should avoid this dish. Additionally, some barbecue sauces may contain gluten or other allergens, so always check labels if you have specific dietary restrictions.

Summary

Overall, barbecued tempeh is a nutritious dish, offering a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a calorie-dense meal that can fit well into a balanced diet.

Summary

Barbecued Tempeh is a versatile and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a long-time vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of tempeh. With its rich nutritional profile and satisfying taste, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Barbecued Tempeh. It was a warm summer day and I had been invited to a potluck barbecue with some friends. As usual, I was in charge of bringing a dish and I wanted to try something new and exciting.

I had heard of tempeh before, but I had never actually cooked with it myself. Tempeh is a fermented soybean product that is commonly used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan cooking. It has a firm texture and a nutty flavor that I found intriguing.

I decided to do some research on tempeh and came across a recipe for Barbecued Tempeh that sounded delicious. The marinade was a combination of soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and spices that promised to add a rich and savory flavor to the tempeh. I was excited to give it a try.

I went to the store and picked up all the ingredients I needed. Back at home, I sliced the tempeh into strips and marinated them in the sauce for a few hours. The smell of the marinade was mouth-watering and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When it was time to cook the tempeh, I fired up the grill and placed the strips on the hot grates. The tempeh sizzled and caramelized as it cooked, creating a beautiful golden crust. The aroma of the barbecue sauce filled the air and I knew I was onto something special.

As I flipped the tempeh and basted it with more sauce, I couldn't help but think back to all the different recipes I had learned over the years. My love of cooking had been passed down to me from my own grandmother, who was always experimenting in the kitchen and creating new dishes for her family to enjoy.

I remembered the first time I had learned to make her famous apple pie, with its flaky crust and sweet filling. I had watched her carefully as she rolled out the dough and peeled the apples, taking in every step of the process. It was a memory that had stayed with me all these years.

Now, as I stood at the grill watching the tempeh cook, I felt a sense of pride in my own cooking abilities. I had come a long way from those early days of learning in my grandmother's kitchen. I had honed my skills and developed my own style, creating dishes that were uniquely my own.

When the Barbecued Tempeh was finally done, I plated it up and brought it to the potluck barbecue. My friends gathered around the table, eager to try my creation. They took their first bites and their eyes lit up with delight.

"This is amazing!" one of them exclaimed. "I never knew tempeh could taste this good!"

I smiled with satisfaction, knowing that I had succeeded in creating a dish that was both delicious and memorable. The recipe for Barbecued Tempeh had become a new favorite in my repertoire, thanks to my willingness to try something new and my love of cooking.

As the sun began to set on that summer evening, I sat with my friends enjoying good food and good company. I couldn't help but feel grateful for all the recipes I had learned over the years, and for the joy that cooking had brought into my life. And I knew that there were many more delicious dishes waiting to be discovered and shared in the years to come.

Categories

| Bread Recipes | Japanese Appetizers | Japanese Recipes | Soy Recipes | Tempeh Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients