How To Make Sautéed Tempeh

Sautéed tempeh is a fun cooking technique and can lead to many, many dishes which you can create in just minutes.

But first, remember to steam your tempeh. While you do not have to steam your tempeh before sautéing it, I highly recommend you do this for 10-15 minutes anyway. Not only will this process remove some bitter overtones, but the tempeh will swell a bit which helps it to accept more flavors.

After your tempeh is steamed, you can feel free to use it in any way you'd like, such as when making sautéed tempeh...

The basic sautéeing method is to heat a little extra-virgin olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sauté your tempeh until browned.

Here are some fun ideas to play around with:

• Slice the tempeh into thin slabs before sautéeing to add to sandwiches;
• Crumble or grate your tempeh before sautéeing, then add your favorite flavors from the Tempeh "Vegan Flavor Matches" to make a delicious chili, special sauce, or soup;
• Steam your tempeh in a small pot with a little veggie broth (1/2 cup), then grate and add a little sage, thyme, marjoram, Bragg's (or Tamari), rolled oats and water to form little "sausage patties", then refrigerate on a plate for 1/2 hour. Sauté in a little oil until browned;
• Cut your tempeh into cubes, and brown in a little oil and Bragg's Liquid Aminos or tamari to add a delectable flavor before pouring a yummy sauce over the top.

Here are some ideas for sauces you can pour over your sautéed tempeh:

• Make an easy gravy: Brown 1/3 cup flour in a dry pan until you can faintly smell it (5-10 minutes -- watch carefully!). Stir in 1/3 cup nutritional yeast. Slowly add 1/4 cup oil and 2 cups warm water. Cook until thick and bubbly, adding Bragg's Liquid Aminos or Tamari (or salt) to taste;
• Make an easy peanut sauce: In a blender place 1/4 cup Bragg's Liquid Aminos (or soy sauce), 1/8 cup brown rice vinegar, 1/3 cup water, 1 Tablespoon maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, ground ginger (to taste), 2/3 cup chunky peanut butter, 2 Tablespoons toasted sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon paprika and hot pepper flakes (to taste), and blend until smooth;
• Make a simple sesame sauce: In a blender place 1/2 cup sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ground ginger (to taste), 5 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 6 Tablespoons Bragg's Liquid Aminos or Tamari, 1/2 cup veggie broth, and blend until smooth.

These are just ideas to get your creative wheels moving. Always experiment and always stretch that creativity muscle. There's never a right way or a wrong way to do things, there's just your way. ;O)

Remember to let the Tempeh "Vegan Flavor Matches" guide you in your quest for the perfect tempeh recipe.

Do you have a question about sautéeing tempeh?
Click here to ask on the vegan Tempeh main page.

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