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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Vegan Tempeh Bacon

    Published: Apr 12, 2021 by Cassidy Reeser · This post may contain affiliate links.

    690 shares
    jump to recipe

    This sweet and smoky tempeh bacon can be made in the oven or on the stove in just over 30 minutes. It's perfect in sandwiches, crumbled into soups or enjoyed with breakfast!

    Overhead view of sliced tempeh in a cast iron skillet
    Table of Contents hide
    1 Recipe features
    2 Ingredients
    3 Marinade
    4 Pan-fry method
    5 Oven method
    6 Recipe FAQ and expert tips
    7 Looking for similar recipes?
    8 Vegan Tempeh Bacon

    Recipe features

    • diet-friendly: vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, gluten-free optional
    • filled with sweet, salty and smoky flavor just like bacon
    • can be made crisp and pan-fried in 30 minutes or baked in the oven
    • perfect as a vegan protein in sandwiches or with breakfast

    Ingredients

    Labeled ingredients used to make tempeh bacon
    • Tempeh: One package usually has 8 ounces of tempeh. You can find tempeh in the refrigerated "plant-based" section at most grocery stores.
    • Maple syrup adds that classic sweeteness. If you prefer a less sweet bacon, this ingredient can be decreased or omitted.
    • Soy sauce adds a rich, deep flavor and saltiness. Replace with tamari to make gluten-free. Coconut aminos also work but have a slightly sweeter flavor.
    • Apple cider vinegar adds acidity. Regular vinegar can be used in a pinch.
    • Smoked paprika contributes to the smokiness, as the name implies! Chipotle chili powder is probably the most similar seasoning to use if you can't find smoked paprika.

    Marinade

    Slice tempeh width-wise into 20-22 pieces about ½ cm each. Thinner tempeh = crispier tempeh!

    Optional: Steam sliced tempeh in a steamer basket for 10 minutes (see tips below if you don't have a steamer basket).

    Why steam? Steaming tempeh removes the bitter flavor that it can sometimes have. It also helps the tempeh better absorb the marinade.

    Tempeh marinade in glass measuring cup and white baking dish with slices of tempeh covered in marinade

    Step one: Whisk together the marinade in a small bowl.

    Step two: Line the tempeh up in a 2-3 quart baking dish. Pour the marinade over the tempeh. Marinate for at least 15 minutes and up to 24 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

    Pan-fry method

    You can either pan-fry or bake the tempeh. I personally prefer the pan-fried tempeh over baked because it gets a little crispier and is quicker.

    Steps 1 through 4 to pan fry tempeh bacon
    1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, with enough oil to coat (you can use canola or olive oil). Once hot, add the marinated tempeh. Reserve the marinade for later.
    2. Sauté until lightly browned on one side. Flip the tempeh.
    3. Pour in the reserved marinade. It will look like a lot of liquid, but should cook off completely within 3-5 minutes. This will get the bacon extra crispy and adds a lot of extra flavor.
    4. Continue sautéing until the liquid is evaporated and bacon reaches your desired crispiness, flipping again as needed. Turn the heat up to medium-high if the liquid isn't evaporating.

    Oven method

    Left image shows uncooked tempeh on parchment paper. Right image shows baked tempeh.
    1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line tempeh up on a parchment-paper lined baking sheet (full or half sized will work), careful to not overlap.
    2. Bake for 10 minutes. Baste the bacon with leftover marinade. Return to the oven and bake another 10 minutes, until golden and almost crisp.

    Note: This is an oil free option. If you prefer a crispier result, simply toss the marinated bacon in a bit of olive oil before baking.

    Close up of sliced tempeh in a black cast iron skillet

    Recipe FAQ and expert tips

    • DIY steamer: You can use an all-metal colander or metal sieve in place of a steamer basket. Simply fill a similarly sized sauce pan with 1 inch simmering water. Place the colander on top the of the pan. Cover with that pan's lid to steam. 
    • Marinating: Marinating the tempeh isn't required but it makes the end result so much more delicious. You can marinate the tempeh for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
    • Smoke flavor: Don't have smoked paprika? Liquid smoke can be used to add smokiness to the bacon. Start with ¼ teaspoon -- this stuff is strong!
    • Sweetness: Decrease maple syrup for a less-sweet bacon.
    • Shapes: For longer pieces of bacon, simply slice lengthwise instead of widthwise. This will yield about ⅓ as many pieces. 
    • Spice: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicier result.
    What do you serve with tempeh bacon?

    Serve anywhere you would traditional bacon. Crumble tempeh bacon up on baked potatoes, in soups, or even as a pizza topping. I love a classic TLT (tempeh, lettuce, tomato sandwich) with avocado added. Or you can keep things classic by pairing with a tofu scramble and vegan pancakes for the ultimate veg-friendly breakfast. 

    How do you store and reheat this?

    Keep refrigerated in a closed container for 3-4 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat to make crispy again.

    What does tempeh taste like?

    Tempeh has an earthy, nutty flavor. It does not taste similar to tofu, which is more neutral. It sometimes has an astringent/bitter flavor that can be removed by steaming.

    How do I make this gluten-free?

    Use tamari and make sure your tempeh is certified gluten-free. Sometimes tempeh is processed with gluten-containing ingredients even though the tempeh itself is gluten-free.

    Glass container filled with tempeh bacon

    Looking for similar recipes?

    • Vegan Biscuits and Gravy
    • Vegan Tempeh Bolognese
    • Tempeh Teriyaki Stir Fry
    • Vegan Tempeh Taco Meat

    Did you try this recipe? You can leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in the recipe card or a review down in the comments section. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow along on my YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest or sign up for my newsletter!

    Close up of sliced tempeh in a black cast iron skillet
    Print Recipe
    3.67 from 3 votes

    Vegan Tempeh Bacon

    This crispy, smokey and sweet tempeh bacon can be made on the stove or in the oven. Perfect in BLT sandwiches, crumbled into soups or enjoyed with breakfast!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Marinade15 mins
    Total Time35 mins
    Servings: 20 small slices
    Author: Cassidy Reeser, MS, RD

    Ingredients

    • 1 8 ounce block tempeh
    • ¼ cup vegetable broth or water
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil canola also works

    Instructions

    • Slice tempeh widthwise into 20-22 thin pieces. Optional: Steam sliced tempeh in a steamer basket for 10 minutes (see tips below if you don't have a steamer basket). This removes the bitter/astringent flavor that tempeh sometimes has.
    • Meanwhile, mix together the marinade: vegetable broth, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika.
    • Line the tempeh up in a 2-3 quart baking dish (any dish will do as long as the tempeh fits in a single layer). Pour the marinade over the tempeh. Marinate for at least 15 minutes and up to 24 hours.
    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add enough oil to coat.
    • Add the marinated tempeh without the marinade. Reserve the marinade for later.
    • Sauté until golden on one side, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the tempeh. Pour in the reserved marinade. It will look like a lot of liquid, but should cook off completely within 3-5 minutes. Turn the heat up to medium-high if needed.
    • Continue sautéing until the bacon reaches your desired crispiness and the marinade is evaporated, flipping again as needed. Enjoy hot.

    Video

    Notes

    1. Steaming: You can use an all-metal colander or metal sieve in place of a steamer basket. Simply fill a similarly sized sauce pan with 1 inch simmering water. Place the colander on top the of the pan. Cover with that pan’s lid to steam. 
    2. Baking instructions: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line tempeh bacon up on a parchment-paper lined baking sheet, careful to not overlap. Reserve the marinade. Bake for 10 minutes. Flip the tempeh and baste or brush with reserved marinade. Bake another 10 minutes, until golden and crisp.
    3. Storage: Keep refrigerated in a closed container for 3-4 days. Reheat in a pan to recrisp.
    4. Gluten-free: Use tamari and make sure your tempeh is certified gluten-free. Sometimes tempeh is processed with gluten-containing ingredients even though the tempeh itself is gluten-free.

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    #cozypeachkitchen

     
    Serving: 4slicesCalories: 33kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 2gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 66mgPotassium: 52mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 31IUCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg

    Note: This recipe was originally shared February 2020 and was updated with new photos and writing in April 2021.

    More Vegetarian Breakfast Recipes

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    690 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michelle

      August 08, 2021 at 12:15 pm

      I made this recipe and it did not turn out. At first it taste great and as I was chewing it there was such a bad bitter taste it would not leave my taste buds so I wind up throwing the whole thing out.

      Reply
      • Cassidy Reeser

        August 09, 2021 at 9:43 am

        I'm sorry it didn't work out! Did you steam the tempeh? I'm guessing the tempeh is to blame as none of the ingredients are bitter.

        Reply
    2. Ashley

      November 13, 2020 at 3:16 pm

      Hi I was wanting to try this recipe but have never used tempeh before. What brand do you recommend?

      Reply
      • Cassidy Reeser

        November 13, 2020 at 4:46 pm

        Hi! Lightlife is my go-to. I use the “original” kind.

        Reply

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    Hi, I’m Cassidy! I’m the registered dietitian behind Cozy Peach Kitchen, a food and nutrition blog sharing easy vegetarian recipes for every occasion.

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