As vegans, we love our tempeh. Protein-packed and dense, it’s the perfect vehicle for sauces and marinades. As a fermented product, however, the best ways to handle and store it can be confusing.
So, can you freeze tempeh? I’ll explain the best methods and outline the food safety tips you should keep in mind!
What is tempeh?
Originating in Indonesia, tempeh is a firm block of fermented and pressed soybeans. Once sliced, chopped, or crumbled, it serves as a valuable source of plant-based protein that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Can you freeze tempeh?
Yes! Tempeh can be frozen before or after cooking. Since tempeh is so dense, freezing doesn’t affect the texture as much as high-moisture foods like tofu and certain vegetables.
Benefits of freezing tempeh
Freezing tempeh isn’t just safe and easy to do; in some cases, it also makes the most sense.
1. Extends shelf life
A pasteurized, unopened package of tempeh will stay good for 2 to 3 weeks past the “Sell By” date when kept in the refrigerator, but it will eventually go bad as bacteria continue to grow. The same is true for cooked tempeh, except that it will only a week or less in the fridge.
Fortunately, freezing tempeh prevents it from going bad as quickly. This means you can take advantage of sales and buy in bulk without worrying about having to use it up all at once.
RELATED: Does Tempeh Go Bad?
2. Preserves nutrient quality
As food sits, its nutrient quality starts to degrade bit by bit. The degree to which this occurs over the course of a week in the fridge isn’t significant enough for us to avoid eating leftovers by any means; however, freezing will preserve the nutrients in tempeh for longer periods of time.
3. Reduces waste
One great thing about frozen tempeh, especially when frozen in individual portions or amounts typically needed when cooking, is that you can easily thaw the perfect amount for your needs that day.
It’s also a great way to preserve cooked tempeh if you don’t plan to finish the leftovers right away. It’s easy to forget those leftovers in the freezer, though, so make yourself a note to use them up on a certain day.
How to freeze tempeh
Freezing tempeh is quick and easy, although there are a few tips you’ll want to follow to get the most out of your efforts.
There are a few different ways you can freeze tempeh:
- Freezing unopened tempeh in its package: This is the simplest method, and is the best for preventing the introduction of outside bacteria to your tempeh. Simply pop that package right in the freezer! It can be kept frozen for up to a year.
- Freeze opened, uncooked tempeh: You can also open the package of tempeh before freezing. Store it in an airtight container and write the date on a piece of tape so you don’t forget how long it’s been in the freezer. Pro tip: steam your tempeh whole before freezing it! Steaming neutralizes the bitter flavors in tempeh. This will save time when following recipes that require steaming, as in my Sticky Sesame Tempeh.
- Freezing cooked tempeh: When freezing tempeh that you’ve already cooked or marinated in a hot marinade, allow it to cool to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking before you place it in the freezer. Store in an airtight container or food storage bags for 2-3 months. Don’t forget to mark the date!
How to thaw frozen tempeh
As a dietitian and food safety advocate, I always like to share proper methods for thawing food.
The best way to thaw any food is overnight in the refrigerator. This will ensure that your tempeh stays at a safe temperature1 that minimizes the growth of harmful bacteria and other pathogens. We want to keep it out of the danger zone of 40-140℉ while it thaws.
This means we want to avoid thawing frozen tempeh on the kitchen counter or in the sink, both of which would be within the danger zone. You can thaw tempeh in the microwave, but you’ll need to cook the tempeh immediately afterward.
Summary
Freezing tempeh is a safe, effective way to reduce food waste, preserve nutrient quality, and extend the shelf life of this nutritious food. It can be frozen for 2-3 months if the package is opened or up to a year if left in the package.
Interested in more food safety tips? Check out Can You Reheat Tofu?
FAQ
Can you freeze tempeh in a package?
Yes, you can freeze tempeh in its package for up to 1 year.
Does freezing tempeh change the texture?
Freezing tempeh doesn’t significantly change its texture since it’s a dense food with a relatively low moisture content. Any ice crystals that form will form tiny pockets since water expands as it freezes, but this is much less noticeable in tempeh than in tofu.
Can I cook tempeh from frozen?
It’s fine to cook tempeh from frozen from a food safety perspective, but it may not brown as well when being sautéed or baked. If you didn’t steam it before freezing, steaming it first will allow it to thaw before you proceed with the rest of your recipe.
Can you refreeze tempeh after thawing?
You can refreeze tempeh after thawing as long as it was thawed in the refrigerator out of the danger zone of 40-140℉. The texture might not be quite as nice, but you’ll be fine from a food safety perspective.
Thawing on the kitchen counter or in the sink encourages greater bacterial growth, which means there will be more bacteria in your tempeh when you refreeze it. This method should be avoided.
The scientific information in this article was accurate at the time of publishing but may change over time as new research becomes available.
References
- United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service. How temperatures affect food. USDA website. Accessed 11/21/24.
