How to Cook Tempeh (A Beginner's Guide)

If you're new to tempeh, this guide covers everything you need to know to cook it with confidence. We'll go over what tempeh tastes like, whether you need to steam it, how to season and cook it, and a few simple ways to make it taste better.

Tempeh has a firm, chewy texture and a naturally nutty, earthy flavor, and it works especially well with marinades, sauces, and bold seasonings.

What Does Tempeh Taste Like?

Tempeh has a nutty, earthy flavor and a firm, chewy texture. Some tempeh can also have a slightly bitter taste, which is one reason some people find the flavor a little strong at first.

The good news is that the way you prepare and season tempeh makes a big difference. Steaming can help mellow its flavor, while marinades, sauces, and seasonings make it much more flavorful.

What Is Tempeh?

Tempeh is a fermented food traditionally from Indonesia that's commonly made from whole soybeans. The soybeans are cooked, fermented with a starter culture, and bound together into a firm block.

During fermentation, a white mold called Rhizopus grows around the soybeans and helps bind them together into a firm block. This white coating is a normal part of tempeh fermentation.

What Are the Black Spots on Tempeh?

Black or gray spots on tempeh can develop as the Rhizopus culture used to ferment the soybeans matures and produces spores. These spots are a normal part of the fermentation process and are safe to eat after cooking.

As tempeh continues to age, its flavor and aroma can also become stronger. If you're unsure whether your tempeh is still good, check the storage instructions and expiration date on the package.

Where to Buy Tempeh

Tempeh is available at many grocery stores, usually in the refrigerated section near tofu and other plant-based proteins. I typically recommend plain, original tempeh for cooking because you can season or marinate it however you'd like.

You may also find flavored varieties or tempeh made with additional grains, so check the package depending on what you're making.

How to Cut Tempeh

Tempeh can be cut into cubes, strips, triangles, or thin slices depending on how you plan to use it. You can also crumble it for a ground-meat-like texture.

Cubes or triangles work well for bowls and stir-fries, thin strips or slices are great for sandwiches and salads, and crumbled tempeh works well in tacos, pasta sauces, and other dishes where you'd typically use ground meat.

Does Tempeh Need to Be Steamed?

No, tempeh doesn't need to be steamed before cooking. I don't always steam it, but steaming can help mellow its naturally earthy or slightly bitter flavor and soften the texture.

If you've tried tempeh before and found the flavor too strong or the texture too firm, try steaming it before seasoning or marinating it and see which method you prefer.

How to Steam Tempeh

Add the tempeh to a steamer basket over simmering water, cover, and steam for about 10 minutes.

You can steam the block whole or cut it into pieces first, depending on how you plan to cook it afterward.

How to Steam Tempeh in the Microwave

Place the tempeh in a microwave-safe bowl and add enough water to cover it.

Microwave for about 5 minutes, then carefully drain the water before seasoning or marinating the tempeh.

How to Make Tempeh Taste Good

Tempeh has more flavor on its own than tofu, so the goal isn't necessarily to cover up its nutty, earthy taste. Instead, use seasonings, marinades, sauces, and browning to complement it.

Marinate it. Tempeh works well with bold marinades made with ingredients like soy sauce or tamari, vinegar or citrus juice, maple syrup, garlic, and spices. Cut the tempeh before marinating so all of the pieces get evenly coated.

For example, my tempeh bacon uses a sweet and smoky marinade before the tempeh is baked until browned.

Season it well. Don't be afraid of bold seasonings. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and spice blends all work well with tempeh's naturally savory, nutty flavor.

Brown the edges. Whether you're baking, air frying, or pan-frying, letting the tempeh become golden around the edges adds flavor and gives it a better texture.

Add a flavorful sauce. Cook the tempeh until golden, then toss it with a sauce or drizzle one over the finished dish. Try my vegan peanut sauce or this sticky orange teriyaki sauce.

How to Cook Tempeh

There are several ways to cook tempeh depending on the texture you're looking for and how you plan to use it.

You can cook tempeh straight from the package or steam it first to mellow the flavor before seasoning and cooking.

Pan-Fry It: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced, cubed, or crumbled tempeh and cook until golden brown, turning as needed so the edges brown evenly.

Bake It: Baking is an easy, hands-off way to cook tempeh and works especially well when you want browned, slightly crisp edges. Season or marinate the tempeh first, then spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Air-Fry It: Air frying is another quick way to cook tempeh when you want browned, crisp edges. Arrange the pieces in a single layer so the hot air can circulate around them, shaking or flipping partway through cooking.

For exact ingredients, temperature, and cooking time, see my crispy air fryer tempeh recipe.

Crumble It: Crumbling tempeh creates a ground-meat-like texture that works well in tacos, pasta sauces, grain bowls, and other dishes where you want a hearty, savory filling.