Tempeh Bacon
The best tempeh bacon recipe! Smoky, slightly sweet, crispy bacon made from tempeh.
It’s a chewy, satisfying, plant-based alternative to traditional bacon.
As a bonus, making your own tempeh bacon allows for a richer, more flavorful bacon compared to store-bought versions.
My guess is that if you aren’t a full-on vegetarian or plant-based eater, then the idea of making bacon out of tempeh might seem a little foreign.
I get that. Sometimes, I forget that while I live in this alternative, mostly plant-based universe where it’s totally acceptable to make tuna salad out of chickpeas, whipped cream out of coconut milk, and meatballs out of white beans.
Though, these days, eating this way has not only become more acceptable, but also a little more mainstream. I love that I can order a tempeh bacon sandwich at every Whole Foods or grab a package of premade tempeh bacon at my local grocery store.
We’re a long way from when I first started eating this way in the mid-2000s.
Sure, you can buy tempeh bacon but making your own saves money and tastes better than any pre-marinated option.
What is Tempeh Bacon?
Tempeh bacon is a plant-based alternative to traditional bacon, crafted from tempeh, a fermented soybean product.
While there are so many different variations of vegan bacon out there, I’m partial to this vegan version. It’s not as crispy as regular bacon, but it’s got a very similar flavor and pairs perfectly in this stacked sandwich or on the side to your favorite tofu scramble.
Or, enjoy it like you would bacon in a traditional big breakfast– alongside my vegan pancakes and crispy oven potatoes.
This vegan-friendly option provides a source of protein and fiber, making it a popular choice for those seeking a meat-free bacon substitute.
Ingredient Notes
The key ingredient is, of course, tempeh. You can find tempeh at most grocery stores in my area (Trader Joe’s has the best prices on it). But you can also order online if it’s tough to find where you are.
Once you open tempeh from the package, you will marinate it in ‘bacon spices’ along with a little soy sauce and liquid smoke if you want it.
The liquid smoke provides a nice hit of meatiness, but you can skip it. A word of warning: a little bit goes a very long way, so start small and then increase if you want.
Smoked paprika, cumin, and maple syrup add a sweet and smoky taste to the tempeh bacon. You can adjust the spices to your preference.
How to Make Tempeh Bacon
This tempeh bacon is easier than you think and is great for meal prep. You can make a batch to enjoy for the week in sandwiches or in salads.
Step 1: Thinly Slice the Tempeh
Slice the tempeh and slice into bacon-size strips. I prefer to start at the short end to make it easier, but you can slice lengthwise if you want long strips of bacon.
Step 2: Marinate the Tempeh
Whisk together the spices for the bacon, then add the tempeh. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. I like to marinate for longer and often make this in the morning for dinner, allowing the tempeh bacon to marinate throughout the day.
Step 3: Pan Fry
Heat olive oil in a skillet and then add the tempeh. Pan fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. I like using my cast-iron skillet for this recipe, but any skillet will work. You may need to add more oil depending on your skillet and how much tempeh you are making at a time.
Expert Tips
Some recipes call for baking the tempeh, but I personally find that pan frying it creates the best chewy, slightly crispy texture.
The trick is slicing your tempeh in strips that are slightly thicker than bacon, but not too thick that they can’t soak up the marinade and become crispy when fried. You also don’t want them too thin that they fall apart when flipped.
Serving Suggestions
Once your bacon is made, you can enjoy it so many different ways.
I love it in my tempeh bacon BLT, but it’s also great anywhere you like bacon– try it on top of avocado toast, or in my Green Goddess Veggie Sandwich or my Cashew Cheese Veggie Sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does tempeh bacon tastes like bacon?
While tempeh bacon doesn’t perfectly replicate traditional bacon, it offers a smoky, savory flavor that’s similar to bacon with a crispy texture. I find it to be a very satisfying alternative!
How do I get tempeh bacon crispy?
I’ve tried this tempeh bacon several different ways– baking, pan frying and air-frying. I find that pan frying the tempeh bacon is the best way to get the crispiest texture.
How long should I marinate the tempeh?
The marinating time is crucial for getting the most flavor from the tempeh. I prefer to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but you can marinate for hours, depending on your preference.
Storage Notes
It’s best to store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the fridge. For the best texture, I recommend consuming it within 3-4 days.
To reheat, gently pan fry the bacon again in a skillet to restore some of its crispiness. I recommend avoiding the microwave as it can make the tempeh soggy.
Even if you’re on the fence about meat-substitutes, I’m fairly confident that you will like this one. It’s definitely not regular pork bacon but that’s what makes it so good. It’s got all the yummy smoky maple flavor of bacon without trying to be bacon.
If you like this, then you’re going to want to make my tempeh bacon bits which are perfect on everything from pasta to soups!
Other Tempeh Recipes You’ll Enjoy:
If you try this tempeh bacon, make sure to come back to leave a rating and a comment. Your feedback helps other readers!
How to Make Tempeh Bacon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounce package tempeh
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Remove tempeh from package and slice into bacon-size strips. I prefer to slice tempeh thinly from the short side to create small bacon pieces. Place in a large, shallow bowl.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, cumin, paprika, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup and pour over the tempeh. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, turning once.
- When ready to fry, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the tempeh in a single layer and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tempeh from pan and continue with the remaining tempeh. You may need more oil to prevent sticking.
- Serve! Enjoy on Tempeh BLT Sandwiches with lettuce and tomato, or anywhere you enjoy the taste of bacon.