Protein

Tempeh

Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food. A chunky, tender cake of whole soybeans is mixed with a grain, such as rice or millet, and is left to ferment. This vegetarian source of protein has a rich flavor, sometimes described as smoky or nutty, and has also been compared to that of mushrooms. It is a fiber-rich food and a generous source of many nutrients such as B-vitamins and iron.

Buying and Storing

Tempeh is typically sold in natural food stores in the frozen food case. Frozen, it keeps for several months. It can be kept in the refrigerator for about 10 days. As with other aged or fermented products,a little mold on the surface is harmless.

Tempeh Cooking Suggestions

  • Marinate and grill
  • Crumble and sauté like ground beef in spaghetti sauce, sloppy joe and chili mix, casseroles
  • Cut into cubes and sauté with vegetables in a stir-fry

Learn more about Brigham and Women's Hospital


For over a century, a leader in patient care, medical education and research, with expertise in virtually every specialty of medicine and surgery.

About BWH