21 Delicious Vegan Tempeh Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook tempeh without killing probiotics? ›

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.

Anything tart, slightly sweet, and salty is perfect, as those flavors balance bitterness. I like to toss my pan-fried tempeh crumbles with soy sauce (salty, savory) and lime juice (tart) in my Tempeh Tacos recipe and pair those with pickled shallots (tart, sweet).

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

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.

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.

If you find tempeh to be too bitter straight out of the package, steaming it can help. Place sliced tempeh in a saucepan and cover with water or vegetable broth. Bring liquid to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.

As they point out, if tempeh ferments for even just a little too long the bitter flavours of lactic acid bacteria and acetobacter (a microbial companion to vinegar) overwhelm the mushroomy flavour of the rhizopus oligosporus used to make tempeh.

When cooked, tempeh should have a chewy, meat-like texture. If it's rubbery, that means it's probably overcooked. It's a delicious and healthy way to replace meat in stir-fries, salads, wraps, sandwiches, and Bolognese dishes, but it may take time and practice to get it right.

Tempeh, along with other fermented soy products, is generally considered safe for most people. However, some individuals may want to consider limiting their intake of tempeh. Those with a soy allergy should avoid tempeh altogether. Eating tempeh may trigger an allergic response for these people.

Shake on some chili powder, paprika, or any other spices you enjoy. Then heat a pan over medium-high heat, add some cooking oil, and sauté your tempeh without crowding the pan until it's golden brown, about 4 minutes. Alternately, cook your tempeh in the air fryer for crispier edges.

When has tempeh gone bad? ›

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.

Why is there white and black stuff on my tempeh? They are both moulds that are edible and safe to eat! The black spots are the spores formed by the Rhizopus culture that we use, so it is fine to eat after cooking.

What is the White Stuff on Tempeh? The soft white mass is the mycelium of the Rhizophus mould.

If stored properly, your tempeh should last 2-3 weeks in your refrigerator. If you won't use your tempeh for several days, or you're unsure yet, we recommend putting your tempeh in the freezer. Once stored in the freezer the tempeh can safely last for at least a month, often longer.

Tempeh is made by fermentation using beneficial microorganisms such as mold and lactic acid bacteria (LAB). LAB has potential as a probiotic. However, generally, people consume cooked tempeh. Thus, the microorganisms are inactivated and become paraprobiotics.

Avoid high heat when cooking with it, as it will kill off the good bacteria. When making miso soup, turn off the heat and dissolve (using a muddler like this will help avoid clumps). Rather than making a big batch of miso soup and repeatedly reheating the pot, prepare it for each meal.

Neither of these microbes are harmful to humans. But both of them can create bitter tastes in fermented foods. Luckily, throwing tempeh into a steam bath before cooking with it helps to purge the flavours these food-fermenting organisms can leave behind.

Pasteurized, Not Probiotic

Because of this potential, to ensure food safety, all tempeh should be pasteurized or cooked before it's eaten (FYI, pasteurization and thorough cooking are pretty much the same thing). This is why tempeh, though fermented, should not be considered a probiotic food. But don't worry!