Food trends are always in flux. One moment people gravitate toward global flavors only to run back to grandma’s traditional casserole. While the pendulum swings back and forth, one constant remains in the food world. Nourishing, flavorful and convenient are characteristics that are always a priority. My Nguyen, of My Healthy Dish, partnered with Tempo to showcase those sentiments in a new way.
For those people unfamiliar with Tempo, it is a meal service that offers dietitian approved meals that easily and quickly heat up in a microwave. By partnering with real chefs, customers confidently know that these portioned meals not only fit into their lifestyle choices but also deliver outstanding flavor. When good for you combines with good tasting, it is a win for everyone.
Recently, Tempo partnered with My Nguyen. The chef, author, and creator of My Healthy Dish, Nguyen understands that culinary creativity needs to be both exciting and approachable. It is one of the reasons why her recipes have earned high praise from her many fans.
Through her partnership with Tempo, My Nguyen graciously answered some questions. While her Tempo meals are flavorful and convenient, the recipes will inspire people to explore new recipes. From better understanding ingredients to appreciating the importance of texture, these meals will inspire people to embark on food journey.
My Nguyen Comments on Her Tempo Meal Partnership
Cristine Struble: What inspired you to partner with Tempo and why is this partnership a good fit for you?
My Nguyen: I truly believe that eating well doesn’t have to be difficult or boring, and I love focusing on fresh ingredients, just like Tempo does, so there were definitely some real synergies there. I love that Tempo is all about convenient, balanced meals that are fiber-rich, protein-packed, and designed to keep up with busy, real-life schedules. As a mom, balancing work and family time is a commodity. The meals I prepare for myself have to be quick, fueling and nourishing, which is why this partnership felt like such a natural fit. My hope is that this partnership shows people that nutritious, flavorful meals can also be incredibly simple and accessible.
CS: Why are the Tempo meals a preferable alternative than ordering takeout?
MN: As life gets busier, I love that a service like Tempo can help others enjoy premium, balanced meals without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a nice alternative to ordering takeout because you’re getting chef-crafted meals that cook in just two minutes, cutting down on wait time and ensuring you’re not only getting a quality meal that tastes good, but one that has nutritious benefits as well.
My Nguyen On Her Cooking Style
CS: Which meal best represents your style of cooking and why?
When developing these recipes, I leaned into the flavors that inspire me most. Growing up, Asian ingredients and traditions were central to so many of my meals and memories, so it was really meaningful to bring those influences to life in a ready-to-heat format that’s incredibly easy to enjoy at home. I feel like every recipe in this collection represents a different side of my cooking style, but if I had to choose one to best represent my style of cooking it would be the sesame ginger salmon with bok choy, carrots and garlic rice. It’s a meal I make on rotation for my family, so I love that now I can have it ready in just two minutes.
CS: How do these convenient meals inspire people to expand their palates? Is there a good “introductory” meal that can get people to step a little out of their comfort zone?
MN: One of the best things about Tempo meals is that they’re so convenient and easy to make, you just pop them in the microwave and they’re ready to go in minutes. This cuts down on all of the prep and dishes that go into creating new recipes at home, especially when people are looking to try different flavors and foods they may have never experienced before. We have a really great mix of flavors in this collection that I think would be perfect for anyone looking to step outside of their food comfort zone, especially the orange sweet and sour meatballs with garlic green beans and roasted carrots. Meatballs are something we are all familiar with, but the sweet and sour sauce gives it an Asian flare. It would be the perfect introductory meal.
What Are Some Easy Ways to Elevate These Meals?
CS: Are there some simple, tasty ways to add a little extra (seasonings, garnishes, etc) to make these heat and eat meals feel more elevated?
MN: Honestly, the dishes we put together for this partnership truly feel elevated and premium as is—just pop them on a nice plate for dinner and they have the feel of a quality, home-cooked meal. There is so much variety in each tray. For example, the Orange Sweet and Sour Meatballs come with a delicious homemade sauce and are complemented by ginger-garlic green beans and roasted bell pepper and carrots. Everything is provided in each tray, even fresh scallions for topping. If you’re looking to add a little something extra, I recommend maybe a little chili oil for some heat.
CS: What are some pantry staples that you always have on hand?
My pantry staples are five spice, garlic powder, tamarind powder, star anise, oyster sauce, fish sauce, hoisin, soy sauce, sriracha and chili oil.
CS: What do you think are some essential ingredients and/or flavors in Asian cuisine?
MN: It depends on each household, but for me I love five spice. It’s such a fragrant seasoning and adds so much flavor to dishes. In fact you can try the Five Spice Chicken Thighs we have available with Tempo.
The Tempo and My Nguyen meals are available now through Friday, March 20. New customers can receive 60% off their first Tempo box with code MYTEMPO. A complete list of meals can be found one the brand’s website.
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