Tempeh Bacon: Smoky, Savory, and Irresistibly Crispy!

Calling all bacon lovers! If you’re craving that smoky, salty, and slightly sweet flavor of bacon but want a plant-based alternative, this Tempeh Bacon is about to become your new obsession. Made with thinly sliced tempeh marinated in a smoky, savory sauce and pan-fried to crispy perfection, this vegan bacon is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, salads, or even as a snack. Plus, it’s packed with protein and flavor, making it a win-win for your taste buds and your health. Let’s get sizzling!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Smoky & Savory: The marinade, with its blend of soy sauce, liquid smoke, and a touch of maple syrup, delivers that classic bacon flavor.
Crispy & Addictive: Thinly sliced tempeh fries up beautifully, giving you that satisfying crunch.
Versatile: Use it in BLTs, breakfast burritos, salads, or even as a topping for avocado toast.
Easy to Make: Just marinate, fry, and enjoy!

Tempeh Bacon Recipe

Ingredients

For the smoky marinade:

2 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp maple syrup or agave syrup (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
1 tsp liquid smoke (this is the magic ingredient!)
½ tsp sriracha sauce (optional, for a little kick)
½ tsp garlic powder

For the tempeh and cooking:

8 oz (225g) tempeh
2 tbsp sesame seed oil (or any neutral oil)

Instructions

Make the smoky marinade:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, liquid smoke, sriracha sauce, and garlic powder. This marinade is the key to that irresistible smoky bacon flavor!
Slice the tempeh:
- Remove the tempeh from its packaging and slice it very thinly along the short side of the block. The thinner the slices, the crispier your tempeh bacon will be! Aim for about 36 thin strips.
Marinate the tempeh:
- Place the tempeh slices in the dish with the marinade, making sure they’re evenly coated. Cover the dish with a tight-fitting lid and gently turn it over to distribute the marinade. Place the dish right side up in the refrigerator to marinate for 1-2 hours.
- Halfway through the marinating time, gently turn the dish over again to ensure all the tempeh slices soak up that smoky goodness.
Cook the tempeh bacon:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the tempeh slices from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later) and add them to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil to the skillet, flip the tempeh slices, and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side until golden brown and crispy. If needed, you can brush the tempeh with the reserved marinade while cooking for extra flavor.
Serve immediately:
- Remove the tempeh bacon from the skillet and serve it hot. It’s perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a crunchy topping for salads and bowls.

Tips for Success

Slice It Thin: The thinner the tempeh slices, the crispier they’ll get. Use a sharp knife and take your time.
Don’t Skip the Liquid Smoke: This is what gives the tempeh that classic smoky bacon flavor. If you don’t have it, smoked paprika can work in a pinch.
Make It Ahead: You can marinate the tempeh overnight for even more flavor. Just give it a quick fry when you’re ready to eat!

Serving Suggestions

Classic BLT: Layer your tempeh bacon with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo on toasted bread.
Breakfast Bonanza: Serve it alongside tofu scramble, avocado toast, or pancakes.
Salad Topper: Crumble it over a fresh green salad or a bowl of roasted veggies.
Snack Attack: Enjoy it straight out of the skillet as a protein-packed snack.

Storage Tips

Store leftover tempeh bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to restore its crispiness.

This Tempeh Bacon is proof that plant-based eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. It’s smoky, crispy, and downright delicious—perfect for anyone looking to add a little vegan magic to their meals. Give it a try and let me know how you use it in the comments below! 🌱✨

Order Tempeh blocks at www.artisantempeh.ca