What Is Tempeh and How Can I Use It?

Tempeh rewards a little know-how: how to choose it, cook it, store it, and substitute in a pinch. Browse 36 recipes to cook with it.

What is tempeh?

Tempeh(/?t?m.pe?/), or tempe in Indonesian, is made by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that bindssoybeans into a cake form. Tempeh is unique among major traditional soy-foods in that it is the only one that did not originate inChina or Japan.

It originated in today's Indonesia, and is especially popular on the island of Java, where it is a staple source of protein. Like tofu, tempeh is made from soybeans, but tempeh is a whole soybean product with different nutritional characteristics and textural qualities.

Tempeh's fermentation process and its retention of the whole bean give it a higher content of protein, dietary fiber, andvitamins. It has a firm texture and strong flavor.

Because of its nutritional value, tempeh is used worldwide in vegetarian cuisine; some consider it to be a meat analogue.

Nutrition

Where found

Tempeh is usually found in the other section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group

Tempeh is a member of the Legumes and Legume Products US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

How much does tempeh weigh?

Related

Legumes and Legume Products

Recipes using tempeh

There are 36 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Meatless Monday Chili

Vegan chili made hearty with marinated tempeh, kidney beans, mushrooms, and a long simmer in tomato and vegetable stock. Deep, savory, slow-cooked Meatless Monday meal.

Tempeh & Bulgur Salad

Protein-packed tempeh and nutty bulgur wheat tossed with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a honey-dill dressing. A hearty vegetarian salad that's satisfying enough for a main course lunch.

Rice & Peas with Tempeh

Caribbean-style rice and peas gets a vegan upgrade with cubed tempeh, coconut-toasted brown rice, black-eyed peas, and cinnamon. A hearty plant-based main with island flavor.

Tempeh Teriyaki (Vegan)

Vegan tempeh teriyaki stir-fried with shiitake mushrooms, snow peas, and onions in teriyaki sauce with toasted sesame oil. Served over brown rice for a hearty plant-based dinner.

Tempeh& Mushroom Stew on a Mashed Potato Base

Vegan tempeh and mushroom stew simmered with soy sauce and tomato, piled over creamy mashed potatoes. A hearty plant-based comfort dinner with rich umami depth.

Sausage Patties

Vegan tempeh sausage patties seasoned two ways: classic breakfast sage-thyme-marjoram or Italian-style garlic-oregano-red pepper. Plant-based protein for breakfast or pizza toppings.

Seasoned Tempeh in a Cold Vegetarian Gelatin.

Seasoned tempeh aspic: grated tempeh browned with tamari and paprika, set in an agar-based vegetarian aspic with dill pickle and bell peppers. A meat-free spin on old-world cold cuts, served with rye and mustard.

Seasoned Tempeh Filling in a Steamed Wonton Skin.

Vegetarian steamed wontons filled with seasoned tempeh, mushrooms, scallions, and ginger in a tamari-honey glaze. Serve with sweet and sour sauce for a plant-based dim sum appetizer.

Tempeh Party Spread (Temspr)

Creamy vegan tempeh party spread with tahini, black olives, cumin, and turmeric, shaped into a ball and served with crackers or veggies. A high-protein, make-ahead appetizer that's a plant-based spin on a cheese ball.

Tempeh & Vegetable Chili

Chunky vegan tempeh chili loaded with kidney beans, corn, bell peppers, and tomatoes, spiced with cumin and oregano. A protein-packed, plant-based chili that simmers for an hour and hits every smoky, spicy note.

Sauteed Tempeh with Lemon-Mustard Sauce

Sautéed tempeh with lemon-mustard sauce: tempeh strips steamed in tamari-spiked vegetable broth, dusted in flour, pan-crisped with oyster mushrooms, and finished with bright grain-mustard pan sauce.

Barbecued Tempeh

Barbecued tempeh baked in a homemade molasses-mustard sauce with cumin, coriander, and cayenne. A hearty vegetarian main served over rice or stuffed in pita.

Tempeh & Mushroom Stew on a Mashed Potato Base

Vegan tempeh and mushroom stew served over mashed potatoes made with soy milk. Simmered tempeh, sauteed mushrooms, tomato, and soy sauce piled on a creamy potato base.

Vegetable Paella

Vegetarian saffron paella with arborio rice, tempeh, green olives, capers, peas, and pimentos baked low and slow in the oven. A vegan-friendly Spanish-inspired feast.

Tempeh Stuffed Peppers

Vegetarian tempeh-stuffed peppers simmered in a tangy tomato-sauerkraut sauce, packed with miso, beans, and herbs. Hearty plant-based main with Eastern European roots.

White Chili with Tempeh

Vegan white chili with cubed tempeh, sliced mushrooms, navy beans, and bell peppers in a ginger-cumin broth. Plant-powered, protein-packed, and ready in 45 minutes.

Thai-Style Tempe with Carrots & Basil

Golden pan-fried tempeh stir-fried with carrots, garlic, chilies, and oyster sauce, finished with fresh basil. A quick, protein-packed Thai vegetarian dinner ready in 25 minutes.

Tempeh Chips with Dipping Sauce

Crispy fried tempeh chips marinated in tamari, garlic, and coriander, served with a spicy chili-lemon dipping sauce. This crunchy vegan appetizer is addictively snackable and ready in 35 minutes.

Oniony Tempeh

Indonesian-style crispy fried tempeh tossed with caramelized onions, garlic, chili pepper, sweet soy sauce, and brown sugar. Crunchy, sweet, spicy, and ready in 25 minutes.

Maple Pecan Mincemeat Pie

Vegan mincemeat pie uses steamed tempeh as the meat-free base alongside apples, raisins, currants, dates, pecans, and maple syrup. Whole wheat pastry crust keeps the holiday classic plant-based.

TTT Chili Recipe

A triple-protein vegetarian chili loaded with TVP, tempeh, and tofu plus three kinds of beans, mushrooms, and warm spices like cinnamon and allspice. Hearty enough to convert any meat-lover.

Hawaiian Yam Bake

Hawaiian yam bake loaded with sweet potatoes, pineapple, tempeh, and lentils in a honey-mustard sauce. A hearty vegetarian main dish baked low and slow until tender.

Tempeh & Mushroom Stew

Savory vegan tempeh and mushroom stew served over creamy mashed potatoes. Simmered with soy sauce, tomatoes, and bay leaf, this hearty plant-based main dish is filling, protein-rich, and ready in about an hour.

Tempeh Chili

Marinated grated tempeh simmered with kidney beans, tomatoes, green pepper, and warming spices for a thick, meaty vegetarian chili. Topped with cheddar cheese, this plant-based bowl is packed with smoky cumin and chili flavor.

Super Sweet & Sour Tempeh

Sweet and sour tempeh deep-fried in cornstarch coating and tossed in a honey-soy-tahini sauce with ginger. A crispy, tangy vegetarian main served over rice or pasta.

All 36 recipes