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!
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
- 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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
⭐️ Did you like this recipe? Please consider giving it a 5-star rating and comment below!
📖 Recipe
Smoky 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 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, ensuring they are well mixed. Set the mixture aside.
- Slice the tempeh into thin strips, about ¼ inch or 0.6 cm thick, making sure 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, allow the tempeh to 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 they turn golden brown and become crispy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Video
Notes
- 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.
Janet says
Thanks so much for this easy bacon sub recipe!
I have yet to make it, but when I do I will replace the hot sauce and smoke products with organic smoked paprika. I just have to pick up some organic tempeh.
Iosune says
Hi Janet! You're so welcome 🙂 Hope you enjoy it!
Lorianne says
This tasted so good and was very easy to make.
Iosune says
Hi Lorianne! I'm so glad you liked it 🙂 Have a nice day!
Kathy says
If I make this the night before, what’s the best way to keep it crisp for the next morning?
Iosune says
Hi Kathy! It's best when fresh, but I keep it in a sealed container in the fridge and then reheat it in a pan with a little bit of oil. Hope it helps!
Ramona says
Thanks for the recipe. As I began my vegetarian lifestyle journey this assisted my bacon craving. I made some fried potatoes with yellow peppers, variety of spices and drizzled this marinate. Deliciousness to the max.
Iosune says
Hi Ramona! You're so welcome 🙂 So glad you enjoyed it!
erinna says
made it ..its fab thanks
Iosune says
Hi Erinna! Thanks a lot 🙂 So glad you liked it!
Kristin Quilici says
Nailed the flavors, ya'll!!! I fried it a tad of coconut oil, which enhanced the sweetness. Thanks so much for your secret! I have some extra from our 'blt's' tonight and will take a fancy picture tomorrow on my foodie IG @alkalinewellness. Cheers 🙂
Iosune says
Hi Kristin! I'm so happy to hear that and so glad you liked it 🙂
Julie says
I was sceptical, but this was delicious! I’m able to buy pre-sliced tempeh at my local grocery store and I followed the recipe exactly. Filled a craving! I’m the sole vegetarian in my house and sometimes the smell of bacon has me drooling. This might be even better! Thanks for sharing.
Iosune says
Hi Julie! Thanks a lot 🙂 So glad you liked it so much!
Sheila Johnson says
Great recipe. The only change I made was instead of liquid smoke, I used a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Great flavor!
Iosune says
Hi Sheila! I prefer to use paprika on a daily basis 🙂 So glad you liked it!
Will says
I use rice bran oil, as it has a very high smoking point, Canola is an oil that should never be used do some research on it and you will see how unhealthy it is
Iosune says
Hi Will! Thanks a lot for your comment 🙂
Carolyn says
Extra Virgin Olive oil has a low smoking point which means it will burn. Use regular olive oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil etc. Extra virgin olive oil is for salads and noncooked foods. Please look this up; I did and learned a lot. It makes me question your recipe when you don't know this.
Iosune says
Hi Carolyn! That's not true, you can use extra virgin olive oil for cooking if you don't heat it at a really high temperature. We use it in Mediterrean countries and we're so healthy 🙂
Karlyn says
Even tho this didn't taste like bacon, it was really good and have made it several times for a BLT sandwich. Thanks for the recipe.
Iosune says
Hi Karlyn! You're so welcome 🙂
Nicole says
HI Iosune!
Thank you so much for posting this!! The bacon turned out great! I used Avocado oil since I am Keto Vegan and maple syrup. THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!!!!
Iosune says
Hi Nicole! You're so welcome 🙂 So glad you liked it!
Chelsea says
I made this exactly as instructed except I baked instead and it wasn’t soooo good! I used maple syrup and smoked hot paprika but kept all the measurements the same. I put it on a vegan BLT sandwich! I will definitely make this again! Thanks for sharing!
Iosune says
Hi Chelsea! So glad you liked it 🙂
Elena says
Delicious. Simple and to the point. I am definitely making again
Iosune says
Hi Elena! So glad you liked it 😀
Diana says
Awesome!
Iosune says
Thanks a lot Diana 😀
Anthea says
C'mon guys, lets have a little more positivity here! Any recipe is given as a guide, and most cooks will adjust amounts/ingredients to suit their own taste. It is down to personal choice. When someone is kind enough to share a brilliant idea, have the common decency to treat them with respect. If you have nothing nice to say, keep quiet!! Tempeh is difficult to get in my area of the UK so I have made the recipe with tofu and loved it. I am in the process of making my own tempeh and looking forward to trying out the recipe as it is written. At that point I will modify it to my own taste WITHOUT posting criticism or negativity. Thank you Iosune and please keep your recipes coming.
Iosune says
Hi Anthea! You're so welcome and thank you SO much for your nice words 🙂
Mel says
This is BULLSHIT GOOD and so quick to make! I am obsessed, I've been treating myself to this every Sunday for the last month. Thank you for a great recipe, even my omni family loves it. I added some bbq to the marinade because I love it but the recipe is perfect as it is.
Iosune says
Hi Mel! So glad you liked it 😀 Have a nice day!