Tempeh

Soybeans, water, & brown rice.

"Original" Tempeh is a very simple product with simple ingredients: soybeans, water, and brown rice. I use it quite often. Since we've always loved bacon for breakfast, and Reubens for dinner, I had to find a flavorful substitution for bacon and pastrami that still had a great bite. Tempeh does not replace bacon and/or pastrami on all levels however. It breaks apart quite easily when bitten into so there isn't any "pull" to it. Also, there isn't any fat edging the sides like bacon, so that could be a major disappointment for some. The tempeh version of these meats adds complex flavor and a good bite for scrambled eggs, avocado toast, Reubens, BLT's, etc. But, don't expect bacon or pastrami - you won't get it from this but you will get something tasty.

I create a marinade from tamari (gluten free soy sauce) as the base ingredient and build from there. Then, I slice the tempeh to the desired thickness, place it in the bowl to marinate for an hour or so, then pan fry it.

Basic Bacon recipe:

1/3 cup Tamari

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Maple Syrup

2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

1 tsp Garlic Powder

Whisk to combine.

Basic Pastrami recipe:

1/3 cup Tamari

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

3 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar

1 Tbsp minced Ginger

1 Tbsp minced Garlic

Whisk to combine.