Not So Tempting Tempeh

Another week, another Meatless Monday upon us. As I was grabbing random recipes to prepare, this one caught my eye because it involves tempeh, which is something that I've never heard of or cooked with before.

For those in the dark like me, tempeh is a firm soy product that packs in a major protein punch. It has a slightly nutty texture and flavor, which was kind of fun to try and pass off as chicken to the kid. I would have tried the same bit with the hubs, but he unpacked the groceries and knew what was headed his way.

Tempeh and Broccolini Stir-Fry
Source: Cooking Light, March 2012

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lbs broccolini
• 6 tbsp chopped green onions
• 4.5 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• 5 tsp canola oil
• 1 (8-oz) package organic tempeh, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 c. diagonally cut snow peas
• 2-2/3 c. hot white rice (used brown)
• 3 tsp chopped peanuts

Directions:

• Cook broccolini in boiling water for 2 mins or until crisp tender. Drain and plunge into ice water, drain. Squeeze dry. Cut into 1-inch pieces. 
• Combine 3 tbsp green onions and the next 5 ingredients (through red pepper) in a bowl. 
• Heat a large, heavy skillet or wok over med-high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil to pan, swirl to coat. Add tempeh; stir-fry for 5 mins or until golden brown on all sides. Remove tempeh from pan, keep warm. 
• Add remaining 2 tsp oil to pan, swirl to coat. Add broccolini and snow peas; stir-fry 2 mins, stirring occasionally. Add tempeh and vinegar mixture to pan; bring to a boil. 
• Divide rice evenly among 4 bowls, top with tempeh mixture. Sprinkle with remaining green onions and peanuts. 

Yield: 4 servings (2/3 c. rice, 1-1/4 c. tempeh mix; 2 tsp peanuts)

Per serving: 410 cals; 16g fat (2.3 sat, 7.3g mono, 5.1g poly); 18.6g protein; 50.6g carb; 0mg chol; 558mg sodium

Reviews:

The kid thought the chicken had a "funny" texture because it squished apart in his mouth. The hubs declared that the combo of tofu and broccolini would never be a win-win situation for him. Neither finished their portion. I, on the other hand, liked the tempeh. While it does have an interesting flavor and texture, I thought it was overall a good meal. Will I cook this again anytime soon? Probably not. But don't count out the temptation of tempeh (ha ha). 

Ranking:

One Fork (only because the boys didn't like it  - I thought it was good)

Fancy pants pic taken with my new iPhone!