Tempeh is a delicious plant-based protein powerhouse that marries well with any recipe. It’s meaty, firm, and almost nutty in flavour. It is versatile and lends itself well to any marinade. We’ve given it a bit of a “bacon” overtone by adding a little smoke flavour to our recipe.
No chili miso?
Chili miso can be found in most popular grocery stores or fine food shops. If your search is unsuccessful, substitute with a little miso and chili garlic oil.
Make-ahead cheats
Smoky tempeh can be made ahead. Since it’s so delicious, you might want to double up the recipe and freeze. To serve, simply remove a few cubes from the freezer and reheat in oven. Serve on tacos, veggie chili, tossed on salads, or tucked in a pita.
Ingredients
Smoky tempeh
8 oz (225 g) pkg plain tempeh, cut into 1 in (2.5 cm) cubes
1 Tbsp (15 mL) low-sodium tamari
1 Tbsp (15 mL) maple syrup
1 cup (250 mL) low-sodium vegetable stock
1/2 tsp (2 mL) liquid smoke
1/2 tsp (2 mL) smoked paprika
1/4 tsp (1 mL) freshly ground black pepper
Confetti millet
1 cup (250 mL) dry millet
2 cups (500 mL) boiling water
2 tsp (10 mL) chili miso (see tip)
1 small carrot, peeled and grated
1/2 unpeeled English cucumber very finely diced
1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh mint
Directions
In saucepan, bring 1-in (2.5 cm) water to a boil. Place cubed tempeh in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and reduce to simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In bowl, combine tamari, maple syrup, stock, liquid smoke, and seasonings. Stir to blend. Add steamed tofu cubes and stir in to evenly coat with marinade. Set aside and marinate for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In dry saucepan, toast millet over medium heat just until grains are pale golden and they begin to pop and smell aromatic, about 3 or 4 minutes. Stir in boiling water and return to a boil. Be careful as water will sputter when it hits the pan. Stir in Chili Miso. Cover reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat; keep covered; and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
While millet cooks, place marinated tempeh cubes in an even layer on prepared baking sheet reserving excess marinade. Bake tempeh in centre of oven for 10 minutes. Brush with remaining marinade and continue baking for 10 more minutes until cubes are slightly charred on the edges.
When millet has rested, stir in remaining “confetti” ingredients. Season to taste. Serve confetti millet with smoky tempeh cubes scattered over top. Excellent served with Detox Salad.
Each serving contains: 336 calories; 18 g protein; 9 g total fat (2 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 50 g total carbohydrates (5 g sugars, 6 g fibre); 428 mg sodium
