Don’t get us wrong, we LOVE tofu, it is versatile and is all kinds of yummy. But we do feel our dear pal Tempeh is a little underappreciated and misunderstood.
Sowhat istempeh and how is it different to tofu?
Both tofu and tempeh are made from the humblesoy bean. The amazing little bean does great things. AtTheTofooCo allofoursoy beans are 100% organic and GM free and will ALWAYS be sourced sustainably. This is for both our tofu and tempeh products.
What is Tempeh?
Tempehis liketofu that’s been hitting the gym – hard.Like tofu,tempeh is still made from soy but the whole bean is used in a fermentation process.Using the whole bean givestempeh it’s chunkier texture which holds its shape better, making it ideal for crispy cubes or ‘bacon’ rashers.The fermentation process gives ita slight nutty, earthy taste compared to the more neutral tasting, softer tofuand makes it great for gut health!
The whole method of making tempeh is much slower than tofu- as after the initial bean soak the actual fermentation can take up to a couple of days.Tofu’s much speedier to make,it’s madefrom coagulated soy milk and then pressed into blocks. Once the initial bean soak is completedtofu can be readyto rumblein a matter of hours.
Both tempeh and tofu are highly nutritious and an AMAZING addition to any meal. Tempeh has a higher protein contentthan tofu(over 40g of protein per pack!)and is higherinfibre (since the whole bean is used). Whereas tofu is slightly lower in calories and fat.
Can you cook tempeh the same way as tofu?
Tofuandtempehare bothsuper versatile ingredientsand will work very similar way(justexpecttempeh to havethat firmer bite!).Tempehcan be fried, baked, sliced added tocurries,stirfry’sand more.There’s no limit to the amount of flavour that can be packed in through processes such as marinating.
Tofu is softer so can be blended and scrambled as an alternative to egg, for example. Whereas Tempeh crumbled would be more of an alternative to mince. As the firmer consistency means it is morelikely toretain itsshape andtexture in stews and sauces. Think tempeh tacos, tempeh chilli. Tempeh also can be made into some top-notch tempeh bacon.*drooling*
While we don’t like to compare ourselves to meat, tempeh has been described as a closer alternative than tofu because of its taste and texture. So is a great starting point ifyou’redipping your toes into meat-free.
Here are 3 of our favourite quick and easy meals using tempeh that are the perfect way to kick start your tempeh journey if you are anovice, orinspire new creations if you are a seasoned tempeh user.
FAQs
Tempeh has a higher protein content than tofu (over 40g of protein per pack!) and is higher in fibre (since the whole bean is used). Whereas Tofu is slightly lower in calories and fat.
Is tempeh better for you than tofu? ›
Tempeh contains the most fiber and more protein than tofu because it contains the whole bean. The soy protein in tempeh is more digestable because of the fermentation process.
Is Tofoo the same as tofu? ›
But Tofoo definitely isn't. It's spelt differently because it's not like other tofu. Handmade in Yorkshire with natural ingredients to a traditional Japanese recipe, it's pre-pressed and ready for anything. Anyone can join the tofu revolution.
Which is healthier, tofu or seitan? ›
Both seitan and tofu are plant-based proteins. However, while seitan is an excellent plant-based protein alternative, tofu is a complete protein (seitan lacks the amino acid lysine). Unseasoned tofu is typically lower in sodium than store-bought seitan, which can be processed with salt, sugar or other flavors added.
Which is healthier, tempeh or seitan? ›
Nutrition and Protein
Seitan is highest in calories and protein, as its main ingredient is vital wheat gluten, which has a similar nutritional profile to protein powder. Tempeh is high in protein, vitamins and minerals, but also low in sodium and carbs.
Is there a downside to tempeh? ›
You should avoid tempeh if you have a soy allergy. There is some concern that soy may affect how your thyroid works or how you absorb thyroid medication.
Is tempeh an anti inflammatory? ›
While people with inflammation should generally avoid dairy, soy protein products like tofu and tempeh have been found to reduce pain in joints according to a study from Oklahoma State University. An easy way to add soy to your diet is using soy protein powder.
Can you eat Tofoo tempeh raw? ›
You can freeze Tempeh in a meal after cooking but we do not advise you freeze it prior to cooking. This is because the taste and texture of the Tempeh can change. Can you eat Tempeh cold? No, our Tempeh cannot be eaten cold straight from the pack, it must be cooked thoroughly first.
Is Tofoo healthy? ›
Tofu also contains all the essential amino acids your body needs and is rich in minerals and vitamins, including calcium, manganese, iron and vitamin A. Tofu and other soy foods also are primary source of isoflavones. Those are flavonoids – plant-created chemicals that are associated with a variety of health benefits.
Do you cook tempeh like tofu? ›
Tempeh and tofu can be cooked in similar ways, and both are best when marinated, seasoned, and added to dishes like curries, stir-fries, pastas, salads, sandwiches, and so much more.
While seitan is a versatile plant-based protein, people with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or gluten allergy should avoid it.
Is it OK to eat tofu everyday? ›
Eating tofu and other soy foods every day is generally considered safe. That said, you may want to moderate your intake if you have: Breast tumors: Because of tofu's weak hormonal effects, some doctors suggest that people with estrogen-sensitive breast tumors limit their soy intake.
What is the healthiest form of tofu? ›
Silken tofu contains only about half the calories and fat, while firm tofu contains over twice the protein. The reason for this is water content.
What tastes better tofu or tempeh? ›
Tempeh has a firmer texture than tofu and whilst it's super versatile, it's better suited to savoury dishes. Tempeh is especially great for salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, pasta sauces, nourishing bowls, curries and more. Compared to tofu, tempeh has a stronger flavour, often described as nutty.
Is Trader Joe's tempeh fermented? ›
Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is a great source of protein, fiber, and probiotics. Trader Joe's tempeh is made with non-GMO soybeans and is free from preservatives and artificial flavors.
Can I eat tempeh everyday? ›
Fact: soy doesn't cause breast enlargement in men. Fact: soy doesn't raise your breast cancer risk. It's actually linked to a lower risk of breast cancer. “It's completely safe and healthy to eat up to two to three servings of soy products, such as tempeh, daily,” says Palmer.
Is it OK to eat tempeh everyday? ›
Fact: soy doesn't cause breast enlargement in men. Fact: soy doesn't raise your breast cancer risk. It's actually linked to a lower risk of breast cancer. “It's completely safe and healthy to eat up to two to three servings of soy products, such as tempeh, daily,” says Palmer.
Does tempeh count as one of your five a day? ›
In addition to protein, tempeh is a great source of fibre, Omega-3 and Phosphorus, and it counts as one of your five a day. Tempeh and tofu can be cooked in many ways and you can use them in lots of different dishes.
Does tempeh have less estrogen than tofu? ›
This shows that actually, the phytoestrogens content is much higher in tempeh (0.63 mg/grams tempeh) than tofu (0.19 mg/grams tofu). Tofu may be preferred because of its softer texture. Besides that, the processing of beans into tofu also affects the phytoestrogen content.
Is tempeh considered a processed food? ›
Technically, tempeh is considered a processed form of soy because it's made by fermenting cooked soybeans and then molding them into a dense block with some grains (typically rice).
