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.
Yusnidar says
Thank you for sharing your awesome recipe. It is easy to make.
Iosune says
Hi Yisnidar! You're so welcome 🙂
Tracy says
Was looking for something fun to eat with my homemade vegan slaw and found this recipe. I have made many tempeh bacon recipes but not one with cumin, which was a nice addition. Very tasty, especially with a tangy slaw.
Iosune says
Hi Tracy! I' so glad you liked it 🙂
Rachel Moore says
LOVE this recipe. I've made it multiple times. I would love to try it with smoked paprika as others have suggested when I run out of liquid smoke.
Iosune says
Hi Rachel! Thanks a lot 🙂 So glad you enjoyed it!
Kathy says
Delicious and easy. Would make again.
Iosune says
Hi Kathy! Thanks a lot 🙂
Donna says
I am wondering why you are saying that tempeh is not the healthiest thing in the world ? When I ate a macrobiotic diet years ago - tempeh was considered a very healthy staple to the diet. Thx
Iosune says
Hi Donna! No, tempeh is super healthy, what it's not that healthy is the tempeh bacon if you fry it 🙂
Deborah Kenty Perry says
Why do you say this is not so healthy- tempeh is an excellent food source and this is delicious!
Iosune says
Hi Deborah! I wasn't talking about tempeh, I was talking about liquid smoke 🙂
Matthew Harris says
use smoked paprika instead...that's what i use ...
Iosune says
Hi Matthew! Yes, it also works great 🙂
PatB says
Can I freeze it after marinating then thaw and fry as needed? We have been making Fakin Bacon BLTs and I keep the LightLife product in the freezer. The Fakin Bacon is expensive so would like to make my own.
Iosune says
Hi Patb! I've never frozen it myself, so I'm not sure, but I think it could work...
AllieKat says
That's all good "name here". My comment is to "can't you be nice". Say it in a nice way....hey...we are all learning and you are not better than anyone else...negative thoughts cause ill....think about it....and be kind...............
Name Here says
Professionals are held to different standards than the public. If you're claiming to give out information that directly affects people's health and wellbeing, it better be accurate and not adverse to their health. Smoke point is a given when advising people on oil choice.
Cheetah says
Not sure what you mean by "professional". A food blogger is in no way a health professional on their own unless the author has other credentials making them so.
She isn't claiming that this is healthy. Pretty sure this recipe won't give anyone cancer, but feel free to just not make it if you feel it doesn't fit in with your lifestyle.
Iosune says
Hi Cheetah! Thank you so much for your comment 🙂
Name Here says
Yeah I'm considering people's health and well being and NOT giving them cancerous foods. If you work in the industry and are advising people on this, it is imperative that you give them accurate and healthful advice.
Shaun says
"Name here" you are a miserable twunt, go and spread your misery elsewhere, Iosune, great recipe, better than any of the Fake-on I've eaten over the decades. Thanks
Kathy says
Delicious! I steamed first to lessen tempeh bitterness and fried. A real treat. Any hints as to how to slice it thinner?
Iosune says
Hi Kathy! Thanks a lot 🙂 Use a mandoline, it's awesome.
Priscilla says
What thickness do you suggest with the mandolin?
Annie says
I use smoked paprika instead of liquid smoke in my recipes and it tastes even better.
Iosune says
Hi Annie! Yes, it also works great 🙂
Deborah Vail says
The flavor was spot on , wish it was crispier, going to put in dehydrator to try and crisp up, looking forward to a blt sandwich, mmm
Iosune says
Hi Deborah! Have you fried it? Try to slice it even thinner 🙂
Danielle says
Tasty, but next time I'll omit the cumin. It overpowered the other flavors and didn't taste authentic to me.
Iosune says
Hi Danielle! I think bacon is usually made with cumin, but it's up to you 🙂
Emilie says
Wow, I just made this and it's so good. Love that marinade! Gonna go make a BLT now!
Iosune says
Hi Emilie! I'm so glad you liked it 🙂 Hope you enjoy your BLT!
Alancia says
This recipe was a hit with the kiddos!! They barely noticed that it wasn't bacon and they asked for me to make this recipe again. We put the Tempeh on sandwiches.
Iosune says
Hi Alancia! So glad they enjoyed it 🙂
Yvie says
Delicious! I made this tonight and loved it! Does it taste like animal bacon? No. Does it satisfy that craving without harming animals? YEP!
This was so quick and easy to make - it’s definitely a recipe that’ll be made over and over again! <3
Iosune says
Hi Yvie! Thanks a lot 🙂 So glad you enjoyed it!
Rachel says
Just exactly what I was looking for, making a plant based Reuben casserole for dinner. This fakin’ bacon added the perfect umami. We don’t use oil and I didn’t miss it in this recipe at all. Thanks Iosune for sharing.
Iosune says
Hi Rachel! You're so welcome 🙂 Sounds great!