Tempeh is pressed soybeans that comes in the form of rectangular slab. It has a firm and slightly chewy bite to it and because the soybean is fermented, it has a robust bean and nutty flavor.
People compare it to tofu but tempeh is much more dense than tofu.
I think liking tempeh is an acquired taste because when I first tried tempeh in the U.S. I disliked it. Then a friend, Enik Susilowati, introduced me to Indonesian tempeh which she had prepared and fried. It was delicious.
Trader Joe’s Organic 3 Grain Tempeh is quite good. It has soybeans, rice, barley and millet.
I usually cut it in ¼ inch slices and fry it before adding it to fried vegetables. But you can bake or grill it as well.
