Simple Tempeh Fried Rice

Simple and incredibly good. This is a great way to introduce yourself (or others) to tempeh. You must make this fried rice!

Tempeh Fried Rice

4 - 5 cups cooked brown rice

1/2 package tempeh, any type

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 tsp liquid smoke flavoring

1/4 cup white wine, water or apple juice

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
2 tsp. peanut oil

1/2 cup coarsely shredded carrots

1 cup frozen peas (or peas and carrots)

1/4 cup chopped green onion

1 Tbsp. brown sugar

1/2 cup pineapple tidbits, VERY well drained (optional)

1 - 2 Tbsp. soy sauce

2 Tbsp. toasted almonds or sesame seeds

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Slice the tempeh thin and then cut into squares or strips. Mix maple syrup, wine (or water), liquid smoke and cider vinegar together in non-stick or lightly oiled skillet.

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Put tempeh into liquid and simmer, uncovered, turning gently from time to time, until liquid evaporates to a thick, sticky sauce - 10 - min. or so, depending on climates/temperatures/pans, etc...

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Heat peanut and sesame oil in large skillet or wok. Put rice in wok and stir to heat and seperate grains, and coat lightly with flavored oils.

Add carrots, or if using frozen, rinse frozen peas and carrots under hot water until thawed and add to hot rice.

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Add onions, pineapple (optional), brown sugar and continue to stir and heat, scraping pan gently until rice starts to "stick" a bit and get browned bits, add tempeh (and some of the reduced sauce - just not so much that it makes the rice "juicy") and heat until everything is hot...

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Season to taste with soy sauce, sprinkle with toasted almonds or sesame seeds and serve.