Smoky Tempeh Bacon

Name: Smoky Tempeh Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
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 tempeh; Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)

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Make your own Smoky Tempeh Bacon in just 20 minutes! With its crispy texture, it's perfect for adding a special touch to your favorite dishes. Try it on sandwiches, salads, or as a tasty snack!

White plate with slices of tempeh bacon.

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 protein options for breakfast? Try my Tofu Scramble, Vegan Bacon, and Vegan Breakfast Sausage recipes. They are just what you need to kickstart your day with flavor and energy.

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🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
🧾 Ingredient notes
📋 Variations
🔪 Instructions
💭 Expert tips
❓Recipe FAQs
🌱 More alternatives to meat
Smoky Tempeh Bacon

🌟 Why you'll love this recipe

Crunchy Goodness: Get ready for a satisfying crunch with every bite! This plant-based bacon adds that perfect crispy texture to any meal.
Healthy Choice: Say goodbye to greasy, unhealthy options! This alternative is packed with plant-based protein and is completely cholesterol-free.
Flavor Booster: Elevate your dishes with this tasty addition. Whether it's in sandwiches, salads, or pasta, it's sure to bring extra flavor to the table.
Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up a delicious meal in no time! My recipe is super simple and perfect for busy days when you need something tasty and quick.
Kid-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters will love it! This vegan bacon is a tasty way to introduce healthy eating habits to children.

🧾 Ingredient notes

Ingredients needed to make smoky tempeh bacon.

Oil: Any oil works fine. I used extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor, but you can use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil as well.

Soy sauce: You can use tamari for a gluten-free version or coconut aminos for a soy-free option.

Keep in mind that traditional tempeh contains soy, but you can also opt for alternative tempeh varieties such as chickpea tempeh.

Maple syrup: Consider using agave nectar, known for its similar sweetness, or date syrup, which adds a rich and caramel-like flavor, as alternatives to maple syrup.

Smoked paprika: While it's the best option for achieving a smoky flavor in your bacon, if unavailable, you can use sweet paprika instead.

Liquid smoke: It's a key ingredient for achieving a smoky flavor, but if unavailable, use powdered smoke flavoring, increase the amount of smoked paprika, or as a last resort, omit it.

Tempeh: Whether you make it yourself or purchase it from the store, both options work perfectly for this recipe.

Homemade Tempeh allows for full customization of flavors and texture, while store-bought tempeh offers convenience and consistency.

Whichever you choose, ensure it's fresh and firm for the best results in your bacon.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

📋 Variations

Spicy Tempeh Bacon: Incorporate chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
Maple Glazed Tempeh Bacon Delight: Drizzle extra maple syrup over your strips before cooking for a sweet and savory taste.
Garlic and Herb Infused Tempeh Bacon: Add garlic powder, dried herbs, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
Barbecue Flavored Tempeh Bacon: Brush with barbecue sauce before cooking for a tangy, smoky flavor.
Soy-Ginger Tempeh Bacon Fusion: Add grated ginger and rice vinegar to the marinade for an Asian-inspired twist.

🔪 Instructions

Step 1. Combine 1 tablespoon of oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, paprika, liquid smoke, and cumin in a shallow dish, ensuring they are well mixed. Set the mixture aside.

Step 2. Slice the tempeh into thin strips, about ¼ inch or 0.6 cm thick, making sure they stay together and don't fall apart.

Step 3. Add the tempeh to the mixture and gently toss until each strip is evenly coated. For the best flavor, allow the tempeh to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.

Step 4. 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 they turn golden brown and become crispy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

💭 Expert tips

Thin Slices: Slice the tempeh thinly for optimal crispiness and even cooking.
Generous Marination: Allow the tempeh to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb maximum flavor.
Brush with Marinade: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the tempeh with marinade for enhanced flavor.
Preheat the Pan: Ensure your pan is preheated before adding the tempeh bacon to achieve a crispy exterior.
Watch Carefully: Keep a close eye on the tempeh while cooking to prevent over-browning or burning.

❓Recipe FAQs

How long can tempeh bacon last in the fridge?

It can typically last in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days when stored properly in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag.

It's important to allow it to cool completely before storing it and to refrigerate it promptly after cooking to maintain its freshness.

Additionally, if you notice any signs of spoilage such as a strange odor or mold growth, it's best to discard it to avoid any food safety issues.

Can I freeze tempeh bacon?

Yes, you can freeze it for longer-term storage. Allow it to cool completely after cooking, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag to prevent freezer burn. It can typically be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

When you're ready to use the frozen bacon, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it.

You can then reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use it in your desired recipe.

Keep in mind that freezing and thawing may slightly change the texture of the bacon, but it should still be safe to eat and enjoyable.

Can I make it soy-free?

Yes, you can make it soy-free! Instead of soy sauce, you can use coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative.

Additionally, you can opt for tempeh made from other sources such as chickpeas, which is free from soy.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free! Just ensure that you use tamari instead of soy sauce, as tamari is a gluten-free alternative.

Additionally, double-check all other ingredients used in the recipe to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

How can I use it?

You can use tempeh bacon in various ways! It can be enjoyed as a tasty topping for salads, sandwiches, burgers, or wraps.

You can also crumble it over Vegan Pizza, pasta, or baked potatoes for added flavor and texture.

Additionally, it can be served alongside breakfast favorites like Scrambled Tofu or Vegan Pancakes, or used as a filling for breakfast burritos or Vegan Quesadillas.

🌱 More alternatives to meat

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