This Is Exactly How to Cook Tempeh So It Tastes Unforgettably Delicious

Published on 5/1/2019 at 7:11 AM

POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Uncooked tempeh admittedly doesn't look that appealing straight out of the package. And if you cut it up and eat it plain, you may not love the strong, bitter taste — the flavor is way different from tofu. But with a few cooking hacks, you can magically transform its flavor and become a tempeh master! Try these cooking techniques, and we think you'll become obsessed with eating protein-packed tempeh!

Go Small and Crumble

Tempeh definitely has a stronger flavor than tofu, so if you're not a fan of its bitter, nutty taste, how you cut your flat block of tempeh matters. You want to either cut it into small cubes, or crumble it. This will allow the tempeh to soak up more of the seasonings and sauces you're adding to the dish.

When you crumble tempeh, it can taste and look a lot like ground beef — it may even fool your meat-loving friends! You can use it in red sauce over pasta, add it to chili, or use it as filling for tacos.

Marinate For More Flavor

Just like meat, marinating your tempeh will help infuse it with flavor. This one-pan tempeh and sweet potato recipe involves marinating the tempeh cubes in tamari, maple syrup, ground ginger, and cumin. If you're a fan of spice, don't feel shy about adding a little kick! Marinate your tempeh for at least 20 minutes before cooking, but you can even leave it in the fridge overnight for a stronger flavor.

Pair Tempeh With Fresh Ingredients

As mentioned before, tempeh has a strong flavor. Pair it with other delicious, fresh ingredients that complement its bold flavor and might actually temper it a bit. This plant-based protein tastes delicious with sauteed veggies, in a salad, or mixed with whole grains.

Try These Tempeh Recipes

If you're new to cooking with tempeh, try these simple, satisfying recipes: