Can You Freeze Tempeh? Learn How to Do This
Updated on March 2, 2023
If you’ve already switched to a plant-based diet or you’re inching towards that decision, tempeh is a good option. It’s not only delicious, but it can definitely offer you a great alternative when you’re craving the meaty texture.
But what happens when you have too much of it? Can you freeze tempeh?
Can You Freeze Tempeh?
Freezing tempeh can help you save some money and time in the long run, but how well would that work? One of our readers sent us a message regarding this particular issue, so let’s see what they had to say:
I am trying to replace a few of my weeknight meat dishes with some vegetarian deals instead, and have recently discovered tempeh. Tempeh is a fermented soy-based food that is easy to digest and is a great substitute for the meaty texture that is often missing from vegetarian dishes. I really enjoy it.
Unfortunately, the rest of my family disagrees and won’t touch it. That means that I’m often left with a large amount of tempeh leftover after using it in a recipe. While I can use up some of it before it turns, I can’t use all of it and end up throwing some away almost every week. I would like to stop doing that, so I need your help. Can you freeze tempeh?
First, congratulations on trying to eat healthier! To answer your question, yes you can freeze tempeh. Tempeh stands up well to freezing, both before being cooked and after, so you have a few choices on how you prefer to freeze it.
How to Freeze Tempeh?
When you’re ready to freeze your tempeh, you have a few options to make this work.
To freeze before cooking
- If you want to freeze tempeh before you cook it, you can simply store it in its original packaging until you need it.
- If the tempeh has already been opened, then you can freeze it by wrapping it tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap, ensuring that no parts are exposed to the air.
- Then, place the package in a freezer bag that you then seal, label, and date.
- You could also portion your tempeh out as soon as you purchase it, freezing it in individual serving sizes using the method described above.
- Then, you only need to remove the serving size you need.
To freeze cooked tempeh
You could also choose to cook up all your tempeh in one go, and then freeze the cooked dish for later consumption.
- To freeze a cooked tempeh dish, allow the dish to cool completely first.
- Then, freeze it in individual serving sizes by placing it in appropriate-sized freezer-safe containers.
- Seal the containers completely, then label and date them.
Cooked or uncooked frozen tempeh will keep approximately 3 months in the freezer.
What Is Tempeh?
Tempeh is a great source of protein and it goes great in anything from sandwiches to stir-fries to acting like a steak. It has a meaty and firm texture and it also comes with a nutty flavor. It’s delicious!
Tempeh originates in Indonesia and it is made from fermented soybeans formed into a block.The store-bought tempeh, however, also features other grains, so you should check the labels so you know exactly what’s in it.
How to Thaw Tempeh?
When it’s time to eat the tempeh, you simply have to go through a few steps.
- Frozen before cooking
- To use frozen tempeh, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the fridge.
- Then, unwrap it and use it in your favorite recipe.
- Frozen cooked tempeh
- To use frozen cooked tempeh, remove the dish from the freezer and defrost in the fridge or the microwave.
- Reheat using your preferred method, and enjoy.
- Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 48 hours.
- It is not recommended to refreeze previously frozen tempeh.