As a lot as I enjoy tofu, I have to admit that tempeh may possibly be the genuine champion of soy-primarily based meat substitutes. It is bigger in protein than tofu, and while it is a minimal considerably less adaptable, its rubbly texture and funky, nutty taste are each scrumptious and exclusive. There’s only no substitute.

With that said, tempeh is even much more divisive than its smoother, un-fermented soy curd counterpart—which is saying something, supplied how aggressively anti-tofu people today can be. Choices are choices, but I feel most of this ambivalence can be blamed on lousy preparation when tempeh isn’t cooked ideal, its deliciously funky, nutty taste has a bitter edge that a lot of people (understandably) discover off-placing. Its texture can also close up a very little on the dry, crumbly facet of issues. But neither of these qualities are inherent to the incredibly character of tempeh—in simple fact, you can take care of both difficulties with a brief steam bath.

Steaming tends to make tempeh so substantially a lot more delectable and enjoyable to get the job done with that I’m shocked it’s not somehow necessary to point out it on the packaging someplace. (I have 4 bricks of tempeh from two distinct brand names in my fridge correct now and none of them instruct you to steam it initially.) It is a speedy, effortless little bit of prep that removes any lingering bitterness and softens the texture drastically, whilst trying to keep the floor dry more than enough to crisp up in scorching oil. Very seriously, if you imagine you loathe tempeh, you owe it to by yourself to consider the steaming trick. Here’s how.

To start with, minimize your tempeh into what ever form you like, then add it to a steamer basket established in a saucepan or Immediate Pot with about 50 percent an inch to an inch of h2o. Address and steam over large warmth on the stove for 15-20 minutes, or use the Fast Pot’s “steam” operate to steam on substantial tension for 4-5 minutes. (You can use a natural or instant release below whichever operates finest for your plan.) You now have completely gentle, tender tempeh that’s prepared to soak up whatever delightful seasonings you have in retail store.