Crispy Coconut Tempeh

Step 1

In a medium bowl, stir together the shredded coconut and the panko. Season with salt. In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons salt and the lime zest. Rub the mixture together with your fingers until you smell lime.

Step 2

In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, add the coconut milk, sambal oelek and honey, and stir with a fork to combine. Season to taste with salt. Transfer 1/2 cup of the coconut milk mixture (about a third) to a medium bowl. Add the cornstarch and stir with a fork to combine. To the remaining coconut milk in the small bowl, add the lime juice. This is your dipping sauce; set aside until ready to serve.

Step 3

Heat ¼ inch oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium. Working in batches, coat the tempeh in the cornstarch-coconut milk mixture, then coat all sides in the coconut-panko mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Drop a pinch of coconut-panko in the skillet; if it sizzles and browns, the oil’s ready. Add the tempeh and cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and immediately sprinkle with the lime salt. Repeat with the remaining tempeh.

Step 4

Eat right away with the coconut milk-lime dipping sauce.