How to Select and Store Tempeh

Tempeh is a fermented soybean cake. Originally discovered in Indonesia, it is now used widely in many cuisines for its nutty flavor and solid texture. It's great as a meat substitute for vegetarians and it has healthful properties, including being a high source of protein; for a number of nutritionists, tempeh is considered to be much better for you than non-fermented soy products.

Steps

1
Find tempeh in the refrigerated section of a health food store or a store that stocks vegetarian or soy products.
- Check the expiration date. Tempeh lasts a long time (several months), so there should be plenty of time on the expiration date.
2
Store tempeh in the refrigerator. It should be used before the expiration date. It can also be frozen for up to three months. If frozen, it can be thawed as follows:
- Microwave on high for 45-60 seconds sitting on a paper towel.
- Defrost at room temperature. Place the sealed frozen tempeh into a bowl of hot water to speed it up.
- Defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
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3
If you use part of the tempeh, wrap the remaining portion of the tempeh cake in wax paper or food grade plastic. Refrigerate it for up to another 5 days.
- If the tempeh has gray or black spots on it, this simply alerts you to the mold being alive. It can still be eaten.
- If the tempeh is slimy or smells like ammonia, dispose of it.
4
Use the tempeh. Tempeh has many uses. It can be fried as slices, eaten as cubes in stews and stir-fries, crumbled into many different dishes from lasagna to casseroles, etc. Excellent for pureeing, crumbling, dicing, and slicing, strips of it can also be toasted or fried and placed into salads. The only thing to be careful about is the ease with which it absorbs oil, so simply brush it with oil rather than frying it in a depth of oil.

Community Q&A

Question

After I have fried it, does it have to be refrigerated?

Community Answer

Yes. You can keep it in the fridge for up to five days.
Question

Does tempeh need to be refrigerated?

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Community Answer

You do not have to as it will dehydrate the tempeh. You can keep it at room temperature.
Question

Will tempeh still have active cultures once I cook it?

Community Answer

No, it will not.