Make your own tempeh bacon in just 20 minutes! It has a crispy texture and savory flavor, perfect for 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 breakfast ideas? Try my tofu scramble, vegan bacon, vegan breakfast sausage, vegan French toast, and vegan oatmeal recipes. They're just what you need to kickstart your day with flavor and energy!
Ingredients for tempeh bacon
- Oil: Any oil works fine. I used extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor, but you can also use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
- Tempeh: Whether homemade or store-bought, both options work perfectly. Homemade tempeh allows for full customization of flavor and texture, while store-bought tempeh offers convenience and consistency. Whichever you choose, make sure it's fresh and firm for the best results in your bacon.
- Soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Maple syrup: Agave nectar or date syrup are great alternatives for a similar sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: Sweet paprika can be used if smoked is unavailable.
- Liquid smoke: If you don’t have liquid smoke, try powdered smoke or extra smoked paprika, or simply omit it.
Find the full recipe with exact measurements in the recipe card below.
How to make vegan tempeh bacon
Step 1: In a shallow dish, mix 1 tablespoon of oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, paprika, liquid smoke, and cumin. Set aside.
Step 2: Slice the tempeh into ¼-inch (0.6 cm) strips, making sure they don't fall apart.
Step 3: Coat the tempeh in the marinade and let it sit for 15-20 minutes for the best flavor.
Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over high heat. Cook the tempeh for 3-4 minutes per side, until crispy and golden. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Frequently asked questions
It can last in the fridge for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. Let it cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Yes, you can freeze it for 2-3 months. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a skillet over medium heat. Freezing may slightly affect the texture, but it will still be safe to eat.
Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the tempeh bacon for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the tempeh bacon on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes until heated and crispy.
Microwave: Place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Note that this method may not keep it crispy.
Yes, you can make it soy-free! Use coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative. For the tempeh, choose varieties made from ingredients like chickpeas, which are soy-free.
You can use tempeh bacon in many ways! It’s perfect as a topping for salads, sandwiches, burgers, or wraps. Crumble it over vegan pizza, pasta, or baked potatoes for extra flavor and texture. You can also serve it alongside breakfast favorites like tofu scramble or vegan pancakes, or use it as a filling for breakfast burritos or vegan quesadillas.
More alternatives to meat
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 store-bought or homemade 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, mixing well. Set aside.
- Slice the tempeh into thin strips, about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick, ensuring 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, 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 golden brown and crispy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Video
Notes
- It can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag.
- For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- To reheat, cook in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, warm in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Nutritional info has been calculated using ¹/₈ teaspoon of salt and ¹/₈ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
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 🙂