Easy Tempeh Bacon
Of all the vegan bacons, tempeh bacon may be king. Why? It’s hard to compete with the health perks of tempeh, mainly the protein, which makes it a true bacon substitute.
To ensure smoky, salty, sweet flavor, we infused the tempeh with lots of tamari, liquid smoke, black pepper, maple syrup, and a dash of cayenne for a bit of heat. Once baked, you have tender bacon strips with crisp edges and major flavor ready for brunch, scrambles, sandwiches, and beyond! Just 8 ingredients required. It all starts with the marinade. Made with a combination of savory, sweet, and smoky elements, it infuses the tempeh bacon with so much flavor!
Tamari is the salty, savory component, maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness, and liquid smoke and paprika make it smoky. While avocado oil adds richness and prevents sticking, black pepper and optional cayenne provide a little heat that’s reminiscent of pepper bacon.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces tempeh (ensure gluten-free as needed)
- 1 Tbsp oil (avocado oil // if oil-free, omit or add slightly more tamari and maple syrup)
- 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 sea salt
- 1 ½ tsp liquid smoke
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper (plus more for coating)
- 1 dash cayenne (optional // omit for less heat)