Tempeh is a compressed cake of fermented, whole soybeans, which sometimes includes brown rice, chickpeas, or [legumes](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-guide-to-legumes), like [lentils](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-perfect-lentils-easy-lentil-soup-recipe). Tempeh is a nutritious, cholesterol-free plant protein, rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The meat alternative is usually gluten-free, but some blends can also include grains like [barley](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-barley-at-home).

Tempeh’s roots are in Indonesia, where this Javanese staple can be found wrapped in fresh banana leaves. You can find tempeh in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores and health food stores, alongside other soy products like [tofu](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-tofu).
Tempeh has a neutral, nutty flavor that can be made to taste spicy, sweet, or savory, depending on the ingredients or marinades with which it’s paired. Tempeh’s firm texture allows it to add structure to dishes without becoming too soft. 

Unlike the mild flavor of tofu, which is made from coagulated soy milk, tempeh maintains the earthy flavor of unprocessed soybeans.
Tempeh production involves soaking whole yellow soybeans then partially cooking them before they are inoculated with a fungus (either *Rhizopus oligosporus* or *Rhizopus oryzae*) to begin fermentation. As they ferment over two days, a material called mycelium binds the beans together, and the tempeh is ready for consumption.
There are many different tempeh recipes, whether you’re looking to use it as a meat substitute or highlight its inherent flavors. Here are a few easy ways to cook tempeh:

1. __Make a veggie BLT__. To make tempeh “bacon,” slice it into strips and sear it in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of neutral oil until golden brown and crispy. Drizzle a ½ teaspoon of [soy sauce](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soy-sauce-explained) into the pan and toss to coat.
2. __Make Indonesian tempeh *manis*__. Fry tempeh in thick slices and toss it in a sweet soy sauce, known as *kecap*, or *ketjap*. Combine a ¼ cup of soy sauce and a ¼ cup of brown or palm sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, and reduce until it thickens. 
3. __Make tempeh tacos__. Tempeh is an excellent meat substitute, especially for proteins with a similar crumbled texture, like ground beef. Toss chopped or crumbled tempeh with a ¼ teaspoon each of ground [cumin](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-cumin-learn-benefits-and-culinary-uses-of-cumin-spice), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and dried [oregano](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-oregano-benefits-and-11-uses-for-oregano); season with salt and pepper, and sear in a few tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of tomato paste, and a splash of [stock](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cooking-101-stocks-vs-broths-and-how-to-make-5-different-stocks), and cook to your desired consistency. Season to taste.  
4. __Make a tempeh scramble__. Add tempeh to a classic morning scramble, either alongside eggs for a high-protein power breakfast or, to make it vegan, in their place. Simply crumble the tempeh into bite-sized pieces, and sauté in a skillet before adding any additional ingredients, like chopped bell pepper and onions.  
5. __Garnish with tempeh__. Seasoned and seared pieces of tempeh, glazed in the pan with a thick, flavorful marinade, make a great addition to just about any dish in your repertoire: Think Asian-style noodles or [curries](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/japanese-curry-recipe), chopped salads, or [rice bowls](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/donburi-rice-bowls-guide). Start with [coconut oil](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-coconut-oil-plus-10-recipe-ideas-using-coconut-oil) for a soft sweetness, or stick to a neutral oil like vegetable oil or [grapeseed oil](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-grapeseed-oil-learn-how-to-cook-with-oil-made-from-grape-seeds) to let the sauce shine—just get the oil nice and hot before adding the tempeh for extra crispy edges, and add the marinade after searing.
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In the realm of meat alternatives, tempeh is the old guard—this versatile, protein-packed staple has seen more than a few stir-fries and scrambles in its day.

In the realm of meat alternatives, tempeh is the old guard—this versatile, protein-packed staple has seen more than a few stir-fries and scrambles in its day.

Guide to Tempeh: 5 Ways to Cook Tempeh

Tempeh is a compressed cake of fermented, whole soybeans, which sometimes includes brown rice, chickpeas, or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-guide-to-legumes' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-guide-to-legumes","linkCopy":"legumes","category":null}'>legumes</a>, like <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-perfect-lentils-easy-lentil-soup-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-perfect-lentils-easy-lentil-soup-recipe","linkCopy":"lentils","category":null}'>lentils</a>. Tempeh is a nutritious, cholesterol-free plant protein, rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The meat alternative is usually gluten-free, but some blends can also include grains like <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-barley-at-home' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-barley-at-home","linkCopy":"barley","category":null}'>barley</a>.Tempeh’s roots are in Indonesia, where this Javanese staple can be found wrapped in fresh banana leaves. You can find tempeh in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores and health food stores, alongside other soy products like <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-tofu' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-tofu","linkCopy":"tofu","category":null}'>tofu</a>.

What Is Tempeh?

Tempeh has a neutral, nutty flavor that can be made to taste spicy, sweet, or savory, depending on the ingredients or marinades with which it’s paired. Tempeh’s firm texture allows it to add structure to dishes without becoming too soft. Unlike the mild flavor of tofu, which is made from coagulated soy milk, tempeh maintains the earthy flavor of unprocessed soybeans.

What Does Tempeh Taste Like?

Tempeh production involves soaking whole yellow soybeans then partially cooking them before they are inoculated with a fungus (either Rhizopus oligosporus or Rhizopus oryzae) to begin fermentation. As they ferment over two days, a material called mycelium binds the beans together, and the tempeh is ready for consumption.

How Tempeh Is Made

There are many different tempeh recipes, whether you’re looking to use it as a meat substitute or highlight its inherent flavors. Here are a few easy ways to cook tempeh:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Make a veggie BLT. To make tempeh “bacon,” slice it into strips and sear it in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of neutral oil until golden brown and crispy. Drizzle a ½ teaspoon of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soy-sauce-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soy-sauce-explained","linkCopy":"soy sauce","category":null}'>soy sauce</a> into the pan and toss to coat. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Make Indonesian tempeh manis. Fry tempeh in thick slices and toss it in a sweet soy sauce, known as kecap, or ketjap. Combine a ¼ cup of soy sauce and a ¼ cup of brown or palm sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, and reduce until it thickens. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Make tempeh tacos. Tempeh is an excellent meat substitute, especially for proteins with a similar crumbled texture, like ground beef. Toss chopped or crumbled tempeh with a ¼ teaspoon each of ground <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-cumin-learn-benefits-and-culinary-uses-of-cumin-spice' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-cumin-learn-benefits-and-culinary-uses-of-cumin-spice","linkCopy":"cumin","category":null}'>cumin</a>, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and dried <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-oregano-benefits-and-11-uses-for-oregano' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-oregano-benefits-and-11-uses-for-oregano","linkCopy":"oregano","category":null}'>oregano</a>; season with salt and pepper, and sear in a few tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of tomato paste, and a splash of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cooking-101-stocks-vs-broths-and-how-to-make-5-different-stocks' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cooking-101-stocks-vs-broths-and-how-to-make-5-different-stocks","linkCopy":"stock","category":null}'>stock</a>, and cook to your desired consistency. Season to taste. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Make a tempeh scramble. Add tempeh to a classic morning scramble, either alongside eggs for a high-protein power breakfast or, to make it vegan, in their place. Simply crumble the tempeh into bite-sized pieces, and sauté in a skillet before adding any additional ingredients, like chopped bell pepper and onions. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Garnish with tempeh. Seasoned and seared pieces of tempeh, glazed in the pan with a thick, flavorful marinade, make a great addition to just about any dish in your repertoire: Think Asian-style noodles or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/japanese-curry-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/japanese-curry-recipe","linkCopy":"curries","category":null}'>curries</a>, chopped salads, or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/donburi-rice-bowls-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/donburi-rice-bowls-guide","linkCopy":"rice bowls","category":null}'>rice bowls</a>. Start with <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-coconut-oil-plus-10-recipe-ideas-using-coconut-oil' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-coconut-oil-plus-10-recipe-ideas-using-coconut-oil","linkCopy":"coconut oil","category":null}'>coconut oil</a> for a soft sweetness, or stick to a neutral oil like vegetable oil or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-grapeseed-oil-learn-how-to-cook-with-oil-made-from-grape-seeds' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-grapeseed-oil-learn-how-to-cook-with-oil-made-from-grape-seeds","linkCopy":"grapeseed oil","category":null}'>grapeseed oil</a> to let the sauce shine—just get the oil nice and hot before adding the tempeh for extra crispy edges, and add the marinade after searing. </li></ol>

5 Ways to Cook Tempeh

Become a better chef with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Niki Nakayama, Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Yotam Ottolenghi, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more.

Want to Learn More About Cooking?

In the realm of meat alternatives, tempeh is the old guard—this versatile, protein-packed staple has seen more than a few stir-fries and scrambles in its day.

In the realm of meat alternatives, tempeh is the old guard—this versatile, protein-packed staple has seen more than a few stir-fries and scrambles in its day.
