Step 1

Wash the black beans under cold water and drain. Place them in the Instant Pot liner and cover with the 3 cups water. Cover with the lid, set the valve to the SEAL position and pressure cook on manual for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and drain the beans.

Step 3

Soak the black beans in cold water overnight, or for at least 8 hours.

Step 4

The next day, drain the beans and place them in a large saucepan. Cover with about 5 cups water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 5

Let it boil for about 10 minutes, then lower the heat, cover and let simmer for about 50 minutes. Test the beans from time to time to make sure they are not under or overcooked.

Step 6

Drain the beans.

Step 7

Place a clean kitchen towel on a large baking sheet. Transfer the drained beans to the kitchen towel and spread into an even layer. Let the beans drain and dry for 20-25 minutes.

Step 8

Place the black beans in a large bowl, add the white rice vinegar and stir until all the beans are “coated” with the vinegar. Sprinkle the tempeh starter and mix until well dissolved.

Step 9

Use a thin chopstick or skewer to prick small holes in a small freezer bag (I used a 7×8-inch bag) at about 1-inch intervals.

Step 10

Transfer the beans to the bag and fold the rest of the bag over the beans to keep it tight. It’s important that the beans are tightly packed.

Step 11

If you haven’t already, wash the liner of your Instant Pot. Place 1 cup of water in the bottom and top with the steam rack. Place the bag on the rack. Cover with the lid.

Step 12

Press the Yogurt button 3 times to set it on “Less” mode. Set the timer for 24 hours.

Step 13

After 24 hours, touch the bag of beans, it should now produce its own heat. If it’s cold, set the Instant Pot on yogurt mode for another 10 hours. Let incubate for at least another 24 hours with the lid on.

Step 14

After 48 hours, your tempeh should be ready! The beans should be bound together into a firm loaf.

Step 15

You can now transfer to the refrigerator, it will keep for up to 7 days. Use like soybean tempeh: marinade, fry, bake, sautée, etc!