If you’ve cooked with tempeh before, you’ve likely seen recipes that call for steaming or boiling it first. That advice exists for a reason — but it doesn’t apply to all tempeh. At Tempeh Goodness, we make fresh, unpasteurized tempeh that’s ready to cook straight from the package. Here’s why.
1. Steaming is a fix — not a requirement
Most store-bought tempeh is pasteurized to extend shelf life. Pasteurization dulls flavour and firms up the texture, which is why steaming is recommended: it helps rehydrate the tempeh and remove bitterness caused by oxidation and long storage.
Our tempeh is fresh and unpasteurized. It hasn’t gone through a heat process that compromises flavour or texture — so there’s nothing to “fix” with steaming.
2. Fresh tempeh absorbs flavour better
Because our tempeh is alive with intact mycelium, it’s naturally porous and tender. That means it absorbs marinades, sauces, and seasonings as-is — no pre-steaming needed. When you slice and cook it directly, you get deeper flavour penetration and a more satisfying bite.
Steaming first can actually do the opposite for fresh tempeh, sealing the surface and making it less receptive to seasoning.
3. Texture you can control from the pan
Skipping the steam gives you more control. Want crispy edges? Go straight to a hot pan or oven. Prefer something softer? Simmer it briefly in sauce. Fresh tempeh responds quickly and predictably to whatever method you choose.
Steaming adds an extra step—and an extra variable — you simply don’t need.
4. It’s how tempeh is traditionally cooked
In Indonesia, where tempeh originates, it’s commonly sliced and cooked directly—fried, sautéed, grilled, or braised. Steaming is largely a Western workaround for shelf-stable products, not a traditional necessity.
By keeping our tempeh fresh, we stay closer to those original methods — and flavours.
The bottom line
You do you — we won’t judge — but you don’t need to steam our tempeh because:
• It’s fresh and unpasteurized
• It’s naturally mild and nutty, not bitter
• It absorbs flavour immediately
• It cooks beautifully straight from the package
Slice it. Season it. Cook it your way.
That’s tempeh, as it was meant to be.