Easy Tempeh Bacon
User Reviews
4.6
Easy Tempeh Bacon
Description
This Tempeh Bacon recipe starts by slicing the fresh tempeh into thin strips for maximum surface area to soak up the marinade. The marinade combines neutral oil, tamari, maple syrup, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and salt to create layered flavors with salty, sweet, smoky, and mildly spicy notes. The balanced marinade counters tempeh’s natural bitterness.
After marinating briefly for flavor absorption, the tempeh strips bake at 400°F until they develop a slightly caramelized exterior while maintaining a tender but firm interior. This method produces a smoky, flavorful bacon substitute suitable for sandwiches, salads, or breakfast plates.
For a balanced taste, adjusting the marinade seasoning or removing cayenne for less heat can tailor the profile to preference. This tempeh holds well as a savory topping or addition to various dishes requiring a smoky, meat-like element.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces tempeh (ensure gluten-free as needed)
- 1 Tbsp neutral cooking oil avocado oil // if oil-free, omit or add slightly more tamari and maple syrup, generic cooking oil
- 3 Tbsp tamari (or coconut aminos if soy-free, just use a bit more as it’s not as salty as tamari)
- 2 ½ Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 healthy pinch salt sea salt
- 1 ½ tsp liquid smoke
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper plus more for coating, ground
- 1 dash cayenne pepper optional // omit for less heat
Instructions
- Slice the tempeh in half widthwise (so you have 2 even squares), then thinly slice each square in thirds so you have six very thin squares (it’s easiest to do this by placing the tempeh flat on your cutting board and holding the knife horizontally for an even cut). Then slice each square into three rectangular strips. You should have ~18 pieces of tempeh (as the original recipe is written).
- In a shallow bowl, rimmed plate, or baking dish, whisk together the oil, tamari, maple syrup, salt, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne (optional). Taste and adjust flavor as needed. It should be quite salty, smoky, a little spicy, and plenty sweet (even a little too sweet, as it needs to balance the bitterness of the tempeh).
- Add the tempeh and toss to coat (using a pastry brush is helpful for fully coating). Marinate for 10-15 minutes, flipping once for even flavor dispersion.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Transfer tempeh (reserving excess marinade for brushing) to the parchment-lined baking sheet and arrange in a single layer.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven, flip, and brush generously with reserved marinade. Bake for 8-10 minutes more, or until browned and slightly crispy.
- Enjoy immediately or store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (176°C) oven or on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.
Notes
- Marinate the tempeh for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure full absorption of smoky and sweet flavors.
- Use a pastry brush to evenly coat tempeh pieces, making sure each piece is well covered.
- Opt for tamari or coconut aminos depending on soy sensitivity; adjust for saltiness as coconut aminos is less salty.
- Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for easy cleanup and even cooking.
- Nutritional estimates are based on using avocado oil and no optional ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6(3-slice servings)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 112 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1three-slice serving | |
| Calories | 112 | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 8.2g | 16% |
| Fat | 4.3g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7g | 4% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.2g | 7% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2.1g | 11% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 520mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 165mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3.3g | 13% |
| Sugar | 5.1g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 201IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 28.1mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1.1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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