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This tempeh recipe is a riff on a dish that we love at our favourite Chinese restaurant here in Toronto. The beans in that case are mixed with a bit of ground pork, but here I replaced it with some tempeh.
Originating in Hong Kong, XO Sauce is a Chinese sauce made from dried seafood, including shrimp, scallops, and fish. The seafood is mixed with chili and garlic to create a somewhat chunky paste packed in oil. The ‘XO’ part of the name stands for ‘Extra Old,’ similar to labels for XO cognac. While there is no alcohol in XO sauce, it is marketed the same way as the French liquor. I find it has a rather plain flavour when used by itself and not at all spicy, but just a dash of salty soy sauce brings everything together in delicious, umami harmony.
Look for XO sauce (there are various brands) in Chinese grocery stores. As it is a purely Chinese ingredient, don’t expect to find it in Korean or Japanese supermarkets. Luckily for us, there are several Chinatowns in Toronto, and this was easily found next to all the other common sauces.
- ½ lb green beans
- 1 250g block tempeh
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp XO sauce
- 1 Tbsp sweet soy sauce
- Top and tail the green beans. Cut into 1-inch (2-cm) pieces. Set aside.
- Cut the tempeh into ½-inch (1-cm) cubes. Fry in a wok without oil for 10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Add the green beans and stir fry for 1-2 minutes. Add ¼ cup water to the wok. Stir fry for 2-3 more minutes until tender crisp and the water has evaporated. Add the tempeh, then add the XO sauce and sweet soy sauce. Toss together until everything is coated.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
I’ve never had tempeh but your recipe makes me definitely want to try it. Thank so much for sharing at Project Inspire{d} ~ pinning!
Yummy! We love tempeh at our house!
Mmm I love tempeh! I have some in the fridge, I’m thinking this will be nice for lunch later this week 🙂
Let us know how you like it!
Yum. This looks right up my alley. I found your recipe over at the Two Cup Tuesday link party. I host Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday and would love it if you would come over and share this recipe. I’m sure our party goers would love it! Here is the link http://bit.ly/1EylfPQ. Have a wonderful day!
This looks simple, quick and delicious – perfect! Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.
Great post thanks for sharing on Monday Madness link party 🙂 I love reading your posts every week 🙂
This recipe looks absolutely delicious. Can’t wait to try it and see if it is a hit with my boys. Stopping by from the Monday Madness Link Party!
Amanda
http://www.queenofthelandoftwigsnberries.com
This looks amazing! You are so talented. Pinned and tweeted. Thanks for being a part of our party. I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm. Happy Easter! Lou Lou Girls
I love XO sauce and tempeh, this sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing at What’d You Do This Weekend? I hope you will join us again this Monday!