Tempeh is one of those popular meat substitutes, that is commonly used in vegan sandwiches, burgers, soups, and stir fries. It is a soy product that is Indonesian in origin. It is made by natural culturing and controlled fermentation of soaked, dehulled, and partly cooked soybeans. In case of tempeh, the beans are used in whole and so, this soy food is said to have high levels of protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins. Apart from that, tempeh has a firm texture and a rich, nutty and meaty flavor. Nowadays, it is widely used in vegetarian dishes, and is also popular as a substitute for meat. It can be cut into thin slices or small pieces for stir fries. It can also be broiled, grilled, or baked. You can also marinate tempeh, which gels well with dressings too. Recipe I Ingredients

• Tempeh - 8 ounces
• Sunflower oil - 2 tbsp.
• Brewer's yeast - 2 tbsp.
• Oregano (dried) - 1 tbsp.
• Coriander powder - 2 tsp.
• Chives (dried) - 1tbsp.
• Fresh marjoram (chopped) - 2 tsp.
• Salt - 1 tsp.

How to Prepare Cut tempeh into half-inch square pieces. Take a bowl and add the tempeh pieces along with other ingredients. Toss the ingredients, so that they get evenly coated on the pieces. Take a lightly oiled cookie sheet, and spread a single layer of tempeh pieces on it. Bake them in an oven, preheated to 350° F. It will take around 25 to 30 minutes for the tempeh to bake properly. Once done, remove them from the oven, and allow to cool for two to three minutes. Serve the tempeh pieces, when they are still warm. Recipe II Ingredients

• Tempeh - 5 ounces
• Soy sauce - 1 tsp.
• Agave syrup (or maple syrup) - 2 tbsp.
• Olive oil - 1 tbsp. + 1 tsp.
• Liquid smoke (can be replaced with BBQ spices) - 1 tsp.
• Cumin - ½ tsp.
• Ground black pepper - ½ tsp.
• Cayenne pepper - a pinch

How to Prepare Cut the tempeh pieces to thin slices, and combine them with other ingredients (except 1 tsp. olive oil) in a shallow dish. You have to toss the ingredients gently, so that the slices do not fall apart. You may also combine all the ingredients except the tempeh slices in a shallow dish, and dip the slices one by one, so that they get evenly coated with the mixture. Allow the slices to soak in the marinade for three to five minutes. Meanwhile, place a saute pan on the stove, and add the remaining one teaspoon olive oil. Lay the tempeh slices one by one on the pan. Make sure the slices do not overlap. You can pour the excess marinade into the pan. If you want crispy tempeh bacon, then avoid use of extra marinade. Cook for a minute, and then flip the pieces, so that both the sides cook well. Wait till the tempeh slices turn crisp and brownish. Remove the slices from the pan, and lay them on a parchment paper. They can be used in salads, soups, and sandwiches. Now you know how to cook tempeh bacon and use it in various food recipes. So get some tempeh, and try these recipes. However, make sure to buy good quality tempeh without any color change and foul smell.