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If you’re exploring plant-based eating this year, you have to add tempeh to your shopping list. It might look unfamiliar on Woolworths shelves but this ingredient is about to become a favourite. Originating in Indonesia, tempeh is a traditional fermented soybean product with a nutty taste and a meaty texture that holds up in cooking. It’s a blank canvas for marinades and sauces, and once you've gotten our full breakdown, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

1. What is tempeh?

Tempeh is made by fermenting cooked soybeans (and sometimes other legumes, like chickpeas) with a natural culture. The fermentation binds the beans together into a compact, sliceable block. You’ll notice a white coating on the surface – this is a harmless mould that forms naturally during the process and keeps the tempeh firm. Tempeh is dense and chewy, with the beans still slightly visible.

2. What does tempeh taste like?

Tempeh has a nutty, earthy flavour with a subtle tang from fermentation. Its taste is mild enough to take on marinades and sauces beautifully, so it easily adapts to any cuisine. The texture is firm, holding its shape whether sliced, cubed, or crumbled. When cooked, it develops a lightly toasted aroma

3. Types of tempeh

At Woolworths, you'll find soy tempeh and chickpea tempeh. Soy tempeh is classic – slightly firmer and richer in flavour. Chickpea tempeh tends to be a bit softer, with a lighter colour and milder taste. Both are versatile and can be used interchangeably in recipes, so you can experiment to see which you prefer.

4. How to cook tempeh

Tempeh is forgiving and versatile once you know a few tricks:

Pan-fry or grill: Slice into cubes, strips, or triangles, toss with a little oil, and sear until golden.
Bake: Lay pieces on a tray, coat in a sauce or spice rub, and bake until firm and lightly caramelised.
Crumble: Break tempeh into small bits for stir-fries, salads, or taco fillings.

Pro tip: marinate tempeh first to let it soak up flavour – it’s like a sponge for your favourite seasonings.

5. What can I make with tempeh?

Start with these recipes:

Chickpea tempeh skewers with pineapple salsa

These skewers are sweet, smoky, and lightly spicy, with the tropical sweetness of caramelised pineapple balancing the chipotle sauce. Perfect for a summer braai or casual weeknight dinner.

chickpea tempeh skewers recipe

Sticky ginger tempeh

Soy tempeh coated in a sticky, ginger sauce meets crisp, tangy pickled cucumber. The result is a bold, flavour-packed dish with a pleasing contrast of textures – the tempeh is rich and chewy, the pickles refresh and brighten every bite.

sticky ginger tempeh recipe

Photography and Videography: Sadiqah Assur-Ismail
Production: Marcelle van Rooyen
Food assistant: Bianca Jones

more plant-based recipes

The Woolworths PlantLove™ range offers a variety of tempeh options. From chickpea to soybean, there are versatile plant-based alternatives that are easy to cook, packed with flavour, and perfect for anyone looking to explore more plant-based meals.

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