Make your own tempeh bacon in just 20 minutes! It has a crispy texture and savory flavor, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a tasty snack.
It's a flavorful addition to any dish, providing a real kick to your cooking. Plus, its versatility makes it a go-to ingredient for busy weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend breakfasts.
Seriously, making this plant-based bacon is a game-changer. It's so easy, just mix, cook, and enjoy. Once you've tried it, you'll want to put it on everything. Trust me, it's a winner!
Looking for more breakfast ideas? Try my tofu scramble, vegan bacon, vegan breakfast sausage, vegan French toast, and vegan oatmeal recipes. They're just what you need to kickstart your day with flavor and energy!
Ingredients for tempeh bacon
- Oil: Any oil works fine. I used extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor, but you can also use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
- Tempeh: Whether homemade or store-bought, both options work perfectly. Homemade tempeh allows for full customization of flavor and texture, while store-bought tempeh offers convenience and consistency. Whichever you choose, make sure it's fresh and firm for the best results in your bacon.
- Soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Maple syrup: Agave nectar or date syrup are great alternatives for a similar sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: Sweet paprika can be used if smoked is unavailable.
- Liquid smoke: If you don’t have liquid smoke, try powdered smoke or extra smoked paprika, or simply omit it.
Find the full recipe with exact measurements in the recipe card below.
How to make vegan tempeh bacon
Step 1: In a shallow dish, mix 1 tablespoon of oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, paprika, liquid smoke, and cumin. Set aside.
Step 2: Slice the tempeh into ¼-inch (0.6 cm) strips, making sure they don't fall apart.
Step 3: Coat the tempeh in the marinade and let it sit for 15-20 minutes for the best flavor.
Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over high heat. Cook the tempeh for 3-4 minutes per side, until crispy and golden. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Frequently asked questions
It can last in the fridge for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. Let it cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Yes, you can freeze it for 2-3 months. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a skillet over medium heat. Freezing may slightly affect the texture, but it will still be safe to eat.
Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the tempeh bacon for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the tempeh bacon on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes until heated and crispy.
Microwave: Place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Note that this method may not keep it crispy.
Yes, you can make it soy-free! Use coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative. For the tempeh, choose varieties made from ingredients like chickpeas, which are soy-free.
You can use tempeh bacon in many ways! It’s perfect as a topping for salads, sandwiches, burgers, or wraps. Crumble it over vegan pizza, pasta, or baked potatoes for extra flavor and texture. You can also serve it alongside breakfast favorites like tofu scramble or vegan pancakes, or use it as a filling for breakfast burritos or vegan quesadillas.
More alternatives to meat
Tempeh Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided, I used extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 8-ounce package store-bought or homemade tempeh
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine 1 tablespoon of oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, paprika, liquid smoke, and cumin in a shallow dish, mixing well. Set aside.
- Slice the tempeh into thin strips, about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick, ensuring they stay together and don't fall apart.
- Add the tempeh to the mixture and gently toss until each strip is evenly coated. For the best flavor, marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over high heat. Add the marinated tempeh strips and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Video
Notes
- It can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag.
- For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- To reheat, cook in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, warm in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Nutritional info has been calculated using ¹/₈ teaspoon of salt and ¹/₈ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Erin says
My boyfriend and I make this recipe at least twice a month. He LOVES this bacon.
Iosune says
Hi Erin! I'm so glad to hear that 🙂
Ann says
I just found your recipes and they look delicious. I have been vegan for 6 years, and was vegetarian for many years before that. Do you steam the tempeh before slicing and marinating for this recipe? Otherwise, it seems the tempeh is difficult to work with.
Iosune Robles says
Hi Ann! Thanks for your kind comment 🙂 We don't steam the tempeh but feel free to do so!
NIRAJ RISHI KUMAR says
NICE RECIPE, DO SEND ME SUBSITUTES FOR EGGS IN BAKING AND CURRY DISHES
Iosune Robles says
Hi! You can find curry recipes in our blog 🙂 There are so many egg substitutes like mashed banana, applesauce, flax egg, or chia seeds.
Jaz says
A bakery said there are two substitutes for eggs: a) apple sauce
or b) crushed flaxseeds mixed with a little warm water (it turns into a gel like eggs)
Iosune says
Hi Jaz! Thanks a lot for your comment 🙂
Eva says
Very quick and easy to make. Unfortunately I didn't have liquid smoke or smoke powder, but was still delicious. Will absolutely make it again!!!!
Iosune Robles says
Hi Eva! So glad you liked it 🙂