What is tempeh? Tempeh (pronounced “tem-pay”) is cultured soybeans, water, and brown rice. It is an ancient food from Indonesia that is “savory and versatile.” It is high in protein (22g in 4 ounces) and fiber (12 g in 4 ounces) and a good source of calcium and iron.
Where can I buy tempeh? If you live near a Whole Foods, that is a great place to buy tempeh. It is also starting to show up in grocery stores! I shop at Kroger, and I can get it there in the Nature’s Market section. You can also check your local health food store.
Tempeh Reuben Recipe
Ingredients
Reuben Sandwiches:
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 small onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf (or thyme)
- 8 oz tempeh, sliced
- 6 slices rye bread, toasted
- 3 slices vegan cheese (e.g., Teese or Daiya) optional
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut
Thousand Island Dressing:
- 1/4 cup Vegenaise (vegan mayonnaise)
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 3 Tbsp sweet relish
Directions
- Combine first 4 ingredients in frying pan over medium heat, then add tempeh and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Toast bread.
- Remove from heat and drain tempeh.
- Put tempeh slices on 3 slices of bread. Top with cheese. Leave open-faced.
- Broil or toast 3-5 minutes.
- Top with 1/4-1/2 cup sauerkraut on each sandwich.
- Put dressing on top of sauerkraut and place other slice of rye bread on top.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Makes 3 sandwiches.
tempeh cooking
eating our delicious, messy sandwiches!
tempeh rueben with maple cayenne brussels sprouts and a pickle. Didn’t get a picture in time to see the plate before it was all messy!
What great recipes have you tried with tempeh?
I like blackened tempeh tacos with lots of (also-almost-blackened) peppers and onions. This sandwich looks great!
Sounds yummy! I’ll have to try those soon! Thanks for the recipe!
Uh, so sad we do not have a Whole Foods, I’ll have to look for tempeh, this looks amazing!
Darn! I’m sure there’s another store near you that sells it…Good luck!
ooh this looks delicious! As soon as I can get off the Body Ecology Diet and start eating tempeh again, this is going to be a “go-to” recipe for sure! It sounds amazing! Thanks for the recipe!
You’re welcome! It’s so yummy! Thanks for the comment!
also, I’m not sure exactly what the body ecology diet is, but I make this recipe with a gluten-free wrap for me (because my body doesn’t love gluten). Just FYI!
looks yummy
Thanks! It is!!!
Thanks, I’ve been contemplating taking the tempeh plunge ever since I learned the health benefits of this and other unfermented soy products. Question: what is the texture of tempeh? Is it soft and mushy in this ruben sandwich above? Just curious! It sounds great.
No, it is not soft or mushy. It’s a little harder and heartier tasting. It’s great, you should definitely give it a try!!
Tempeh is bloody hard to come by in London but this recipe has tickled my tastebuds – I need to find an Indonesian food market!
Sorry, I can’t help you on suggestions of where to find it in London – though, I have visited once and loved it there
Good luck!
This looks amazing! Can’t wait to try! Reminds me off the old tempeh Reuben at Bell’s brewery in Kalamazoo!
I’ve never had that! I’ll have to try it next time I’m in Kzoo!
Pingback: 7 Day Vegan Meal Plan | heallovebe
Pingback: Plant-Based Sources of Protein and Iron | HealLoveBe
Need to find vegan cheese. Soy cheese takes yucky! At least the brand that Trader Joe’s has. Whole Foods it is
Check out my post on How I cured my sinus headaches for vegan cheese recommendations