Think vegans can’t enjoy the taste of bacon? Think again! This high-protein Crispy and smoky, Vegan tempeh bacon will satisfy all your cravings. It makes the perfect addition to any breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

There are a million responses I get when I tell people I’m vegan, but the most annoying one is when people say “But what about bacon?” Honestly, it’s incredibly rude to just discredit someone’s beliefs with a joke. Most ethical vegans care very deeply about animals and don’t feel that this topic is a laughing matter.

The vast majority of us also grew up eating bacon, and we didn’t stop because we didn’t like the taste. We stopped because we value the lives of sentient beings over our taste buds.

Thankfully, in this day and age, there are vegan alternatives to just about every food imaginable. Burgers? We got that covered with the Beyond Burger and the Impossible Burger. Ice cream? Try Nada Moo, it’s my favorite! While I was in LA this past week, I even got the chance to try vegan fried chicken and fried mozzarella sticks! Both of them tasted incredible.

As shocking as it may sound, there are even vegan versions of bacon. They do not have the same texture as you’re used to, but they’ve got the taste down pat. The Benevolent Bacon from the brand Sweet Earth Enlightened Foods is a great option from the grocery store, but there are also a million ways to make vegan bacon at home! You can make coconut bacon, eggplant bacon, tofu bacon, or my personal favorite: tempeh bacon.

I like tempeh bacon because it is quick to make, crispy, and high in protein. Plus, it’s great as an addition to salads, sandwiches, and even pasta dishes. Try crumbling it up and adding it to this vegan mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort meal. Or, serve it with these vegan pancakes for the perfect weekend breakfast!

How To Make Vegan Tempeh Bacon

Ingredients

• 1/2 package tempeh sliced thinly
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp liquid smoke
• 1 1/2 tsp maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, liquid smoke, maple syrup, cumin, and salt to form a marinade.
2. Pour the marinade into a pan with a large surface area. Lay all the tempeh slices flat in the pan and allow them to soak for 2 1/2 minutes.
3. Flip the slices and allow them to soak for another 1 1/2 minutes.
4. Place the pan over medium-high heat and cook the tempeh until crisp and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Flip the slices and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

• Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free

Tips to make your Vegan Tempeh Bacon even better

• Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If you want an extra taste, let the tempeh soak in the marinade for a longer time. You can prepare the marinade in advance and leave the tempeh in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
• Change the Sweetness with Maple Syrup: Make the tempeh bacon sweeter or milder by adjusting the amount of maple syrup. Add more for sweetness or a bit less for a gentler taste.
• Try Different Liquid Smoke Types: Test out various liquid smoke flavors like hickory, mesquite, or applewood for different smoky tastes. It’s an easy way to add diverse flavors to your tempeh bacon.
• Slice Tempeh Thin and Even: To make sure your tempeh bacon cooks evenly and gets crispy all over, slice it thinly and uniformly. This gives you consistently delicious bacon.
• Grill for Extra Outdoor Flavor: If you like that smoky, outdoor taste, try cooking your marinated tempeh slices on a grill. Grilling adds a special touch, making it taste like it was cooked outside.

FAQ

Can I make Vegan Tempeh Bacon ahead of time?

• Absolutely! Prepare the tempeh bacon in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when needed. This is convenient for quick meals and snacks.

How long should I marinate the tempeh for optimal flavor?

• For the best flavor, marinate the tempeh slices for at least 2 1/2 minutes on each side. If you prefer a more intense taste, consider marinating for a longer period or even overnight.

Can I adjust the sweetness of Vegan Tempeh Bacon?

• Yes, you can customize the sweetness by altering the amount of maple syrup in the marinade. Increase it for a sweeter taste or reduce it for a milder flavor.

What’s the best way to achieve a crispy texture?

• To achieve a crispy texture, cook the marinated tempeh slices on medium-high heat for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. This ensures a satisfying crunch.

Is tempeh bacon suitable for a gluten-free diet?

• Yes, Vegan Tempeh Bacon can be made gluten-free by substituting tamari for soy sauce in the marinade. This adjustment ensures the recipe aligns with gluten-free dietary preferences.

Vegan Tempeh Bacon

Recipe by Food by AyakaCourse: Breakfast, SidesCuisine: VeganDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

239

kcal

High-protein tempeh bacon is crispy, smoky, and salty. It’s the perfect addition to any vegan breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Ingredients

• 1/2 package tempeh sliced thinly

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp liquid smoke

• 1 1/2 tsp maple syrup

• 1/4 tsp cumin

• Pinch of salt

Directions

• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, liquid smoke, maple syrup, cumin, and salt to form a marinade.
• Pour the marinade into a pan with a large surface area. Lay all the tempeh slices flat in the pan and allow them to soak for 2 1/2 minutes.
• Flip the slices and allow them to soak for another 1 1/2 minutes.
• Place the pan over medium-high heat and cook the tempeh until crisp and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
• Flip the slices and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free