Tempeh (pronounced as tah-peh) is a high-quality and nutty fermented soybean protein. It has a firm texture and a nutty flavor. This fantastic ingredient is one of the most famous plant-based proteins for those looking for a protein source.

Basically, this is of Indonesian origin. It is made when soybeans are fermented. They are cooked, fermented, and ground into a thick cake-like consistency. The fermentation process involves the growth of a fungus called Rhizopus oligosporus. This fungus bonds the soybeans together and gives Tempeh its unique texture and flavor.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about what is Tempeh? How to use, benefits, and nutrition facts.

How Is Tempeh Made?

This plant-based protein is made from fermented soybeans. The fermentation process bonds the soybeans together into a "cake" or "patty." You can easily find them in most grocery stores. The health benefits of this amazing food have drawn the attention of the people. Nutrition facts of Tempeh will surely leave you in awe.

The process of making it is similar to some cheese-making recipes. It has the following steps:

• At first, Whole soybeans are cooked briefly to sterilize them and remove unwanted microorganisms. They are then left to cool.
• After they are cooled down, Fungal cultures are added to the soybeans, and the process of fermentation begins. Fungi eat the soybeans, breaking them down, and fermentation binds everything together.
• After completion of the process, the result is a fuzzy, thick brick (or cake!) of highly nourishing cultured soybean!
• It is a bit tough and hard, so you need to cook it for atleast ten minutes before you make any dish with it or eat it.

Nutrition Facts of Tempeh

This amazing ingredient is rich in protein and some other nutritional content. It contains protein, fats, carbohydrates, and all the necessary nutrients the body needs. It also contains a significant amount of vitamins like vitamin B12 riboflavin, B1 Thiamine, B3 Niacin, B6, and B9 Folate.

Major minerals like Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, Sodium, Potassium, and calcium. After knowing about all these nutrients, you must conder trying it out in your meals and recipes. The nutritional facts for Tempeh are discussed below:

Benefits of Tempeh

This amazing food is rich in all the good nutrients and has fantastic benefits for your body. After you get to know how useful it is, you will make it a part of your diet without any delay. Let's have a look at some of the perks of this magical ingredient.

Nutrients

It is a nutrient-rich food and contains many good nutritional elements. These elements are necessary for the proper growth and functioning of the body. It contains most of the major and minor elements, so it is an all-in-one thing.

Protein Rich Food

Tempeh contains 15 grams of protein per 100 grams. It is an excellent source of protein for vegetarians. Protein is important for muscle repair and immune function. It gives you an instant source of energy and does not feel heavy. Also, it does not have a high-fat content, so that is a plus point.

Probiotics

Just like all fermented foods such as yoghurt and cheese, tempeh also contains probiotics, which help support gut health by promoting digestion and absorption of nutrients. Probiotics also give a boost to your immune system.

Cholesterol Reduction

Tempeh is made from soybeans, which are very good for reducing body cholesterol levels. The isoflavones in soybeans play a major role in this reduction. So, if you have high cholesterol issues, this could be really helpful for you. You should give it a try.

How to Use it?

Tempeh is a versatile food item and can be used in a lot of ways. You can either just cook it and eat it like that or amke different dishes using it. Some people marinate it with some spices before eating. It is done to increase the flavour. After this, you can either bake it or saute it. It is totally your choice. Let's have a look at how you can use it in your meals!

• In salads: You can make salads using tempeh and other veggies like spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, and all of your favourite ingredients. It is the healthiest option to incorporate it into your diet. You will not feel heavy after eating a tempeh salad and will get all the nutrition as well.
• In sandwiches: If you are hungry and want something instantly, just take two slices of bread, apply some sauce of your choice, add veggies, and add some sliced tempeh. Grill it or eat it as it is.
• Burritos: Everyone loves burritos, especially kids. So, to make your burritos more nutritious, try using tempeh instead of meat or beef. Just finely ground tempeh and add it to your meals.
• Tempeh Burgers: if you love burgers but are afraid of all those calories. Then, keep your worries aside. You can make tempeh burgers, which do not contain unhealthy fats and are rich in healthy minerals and vitamins.

Final Words

In this article, we discussed what is Tempeh? How to use, benefits, and nutrition facts. After reading about all the amazing nutrition levels and benefits of this magical food item, you must be tempted to try it. If you are a fitness freak, you should give it a try.

Vegetarians really enjoy eating it with their regular meals. You can make different food dishes using it. So, no worries about what to make. There are alot of options available. So give it a try, and thank us later!