21 Delicious Vegan Tempeh Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Why does my tempeh taste bad? ›

But where does the bitter taste that can ruin tempeh recipes come from? According to Home Kitchen Talk, bitterness may build up in tempeh because of too much fermentation or how vinegar was used during tempeh production.

Doesn't cooking tempeh kill the good bacteria? Just on the outside. As long as the internal temperature doesn't get too hot the probiotic stimulators will remain alive. That's why we recommend you don't cook in the microwave.

Simmer the tempeh to soften the flavor.

Before using tempeh in any recipe, you can soften its bitter flavor by simmering the cubes for a couple minutes in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove. An alternative to simmering: set a steamer basket in a pot and steam the cubes for 10 to 15 minutes.

Steaming the tempeh will remove some of the bitterness before cooking it further. This step isn't always necessary, especially if you're pairing the tempeh with a boldly-flavored sauce. You can steam tempeh using a steamer basket in a saucepan or a microwave-safe dish covered with water or vegetable broth.

Perhaps the only downside to tempeh is its calorie count is higher than tofu's, but the nutrients it packs more than make up for this. But tofu is not without its advantages. Because tempeh is often made with additional ingredients, it may not be gluten-free, so keep that in mind if you have dietary restrictions.

Who Shouldn't Eat It? You should avoid tempeh if you have a soy allergy. There is some concern that soy may affect how your thyroid works or how you absorb thyroid medication. To be safe, you should talk to your doctor about eating tempeh or other soy products if you have a thyroid disorder.

Adding vinegar lowers the pH and prevents the growth of unwanted bacteria. Add the tempeh starter: Sprinkle the tempeh starter over the beans and mix for about a minute to distribute evenly.

“It's completely safe and healthy to eat up to two to three servings of soy products, such as tempeh, daily,” says Palmer. Of course, if you're allergic or sensitive to soy, you'll want to avoid it.

Unlike other fermented foods, tempeh cannot be eaten raw. It must be cooked, which deactivates the culture, meaning it is not, technically, probiotic. However, it does contain plenty of prebiotics, like fiber, which promote gut health by feeding the good bacteria in your system.

What is the brown stuff on tempeh? ›

This does not mean your tempeh is '”off” or “moldy” in the bad sense of the word. These spots are where the Rhizopus has formed spores - a sign of the beginning of overripe tempeh. But don't worry, this is safe to eat. Some people even prefer the taste of mature tempeh.

Yes, Trader Joe's tempeh should be cooked before consuming. It is not recommended to eat it raw due to its fermented nature.

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can fill a saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling place the tempeh in the saucepan, cover and reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.

Kindly note microwaving is NOT a sufficient method to thoroughly cook our tempeh. Please cook to an internal temperature of 165° F (75° C).

However, the rest of the nutritional benefits of tempeh like its protein and fibre content, the remnants of microorganisms, its micronutrients like iron and calcium and so on, are all maintained after cooking. Cooked or pasteurised tempeh is more reliably safe to eat too, so on balance we think it's the better choice.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY TEMPEH HAS GONE BAD? Good tempeh is firm with a thick, white mycelium and it has a mushroom-like aroma. Signs of spoilage are a slimy, sticky or mushy texture. Dark brown beans without mycelium, bad odors, and pink or green discolouration indicate that tempeh has gone bad.

Tempeh is an awesome plant-based protein — but it can be a bit of an acquired taste. It has a nutty, almost mushroomy flavor that can be overpowering or even bitter if it's not prepared well. Done right, though?

Discard any tempeh that has gone past the expiration date, has mold growth other than Rhizopus culture, or has a foul odor or slimy texture. It is important to note that tempeh can also be frozen to extend its shelf life. When frozen, tempeh can last up to six months.