Use tempeh in place of tofu for stir fries and casseroles. Crumble it and add mayonnaise, celery, onion, and sweet pickle relish. Top a pizza with tempeh crumbles. Issue Steaming was crucial for tempeh years ago when the conditions for cooking were not as sanitary. However, all the tempeh products I have ever purchased say nothing about steaming it, so I placed a call to several popular tempeh manufacturers.
Most manufacturers steam the tempeh as part of their initial cooking process.
Steaming stops the growth of the culture which holds the soybeans together in a cake. One manufacturer suggested steaming first if you want the flavor to be slightly milder, or not as tangy. If you are in doubt about steaming first, call the number listed on your package. If you are searching for a good bacon alternative, look for tempeh that has been made into strips that resemble bacon. It is available refrigerated or frozen.