• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Shane & Simple

  • Recipes
  • Main Dishes
  • Side Dishes
  • About
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
  • ebooks
    • Meal Planner
    • 5 Day Kickstart
    • 5 Day Kickstart (printable version)
menu icon
go to homepage
  • about
  • recipes
  • blog
  • subscribe
  • contact
  • Connect

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • about
    • recipes
    • blog
    • subscribe
    • contact
  • Connect

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes

    Smoky Maple Tempeh Bacon

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    I love Tempeh Bacon! It’s sweet, savory, full of flavor and protein, and super easy to make. This vegan bacon is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or making a delicious vegan BLT.

    Smoky Maple Tempeh Bacon

    Table of Contents

    • What Is Tempeh
    • What Is Tempeh Bacon
    • How To Make Tempeh Bacon
    • How To Cook Tempeh Bacon
    • What To Serve With Vegan Bacon
    • Smoky Maple Tempeh Bacon

    What Is Tempeh

    Tempeh is fermented whole soybeans, packed with protein and it’s been around a long time. I know it doesn’t sound so exciting right now, but just wait until you try this tempeh bacon recipe.

    Think of tempeh as the awkward second cousin of tofu. Tempeh is not very exciting or tasty on its own, but marinate it and there’s no stopping it. It’s a great and hearty meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans.

    What Is Tempeh Bacon

    It’s exactly how it sounds.

    We take the tempeh, slice it, marinate, and cook it. Will it taste exactly like real bacon? No. How about the same texture as bacon? No. And, why? Because it’s not real bacon.

    But, it will satisfy the senses and the urges you might have in a much healthier way. And, without the pork.

    And, as an added bonus, this vegan bacon won’t clog your arteries and eventually kill you. #winning (I realize hashtags don’t work on websites)

    Smoky Maple Tempeh Bacon

    How To Make Tempeh Bacon

    Add all marinade ingredients into a small bowl and mix well to combine. Then, pour into a container large enough that the marinade and tempeh will just fit. Not too large, not too small.

    Carefully slice the tempeh into thin strips and place in the marinade, and make sure each piece is coated. Marinate for at least 20 minutes. If you can wait, let the tempeh marinate in the fridge overnight.

    Now, preheat oven to 350 degrees, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and layout tempeh on a baking sheet.

    Place the tempeh in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the tempeh bacon from the oven, flip over, evenly pour the remaining marinade on the tempeh. Place it back in the oven and cook for another 15 minutes or until most of the marinade has evaporated. The cooking time will depend on the oven.

    Remove the tempeh bacon from the oven and serve immediately.

    Smoky Maple Tempeh Bacon

    How To Cook Tempeh Bacon

    You can bake or pan fry. But, obviously, I prefer baking it.

    Baking it is less messy and requires no oil. Which is what I’m about here at Shane & Simple.

    What To Serve With Vegan Bacon

    • Vegan Blueberry Pancakes
    • More vegan pancakes
    • Tofu Breakfast Scramble
    • Overnight Vegan French Toast Casserole

    Also, try my Oil Free Oven Roasted Potatoes and Vegan Sausage recipe if you’d more vegan breakfast dishes.

    Smoky Maple Tempeh Bacon

    I hope you enjoy this tempeh bacon recipe. It’s…

    • Sweet
    • Savory
    • Smoky
    • Easy to make
    • Loaded with protein
    • Full of flavor
    • & Delicious

    Tempeh TIPS: The longer the bacon marinates the more flavor it will absorb from the marinade. Also, tempeh tends to be a little bitter right out of the package. You and soften that by steaming or boiling it for 10-15 minutes.

    Smoky Maple Tempeh Bacon


    Be sure and let me know if you try this recipe! Leave a comment, take a picture, post it on Instagram and tag the photo #shaneandsimple so I can see your dish. If you want to be kept up to speed on all that’s going down with Shane & Simple and my latest recipes SUBSCRIBE HERE!

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Smoky Maple Tempeh Bacon

    Smoky Maple Tempeh Bacon

    ★★★★★

    4.8 from 6 reviews

    Print Recipe

    This Tempeh Bacon is absolutely delicious and super easy to prepare. It’s sweet, savory, smoky, and delicious! Pile it high in sandwiches, on top of salads, or anywhere you’d normally put bacon.

    • Total Time: 35 minutes
    • Yield: 6 servings 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale

    Tempeh

    • 1 8-ounce package of tempeh

    For The Marinade

    • ¼ cup Tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
    • 2 Tbsp. maple syrup
    • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce (make sure it’s vegetarian)
    • 2 tsp. smoked paprika or paprika
    • 1 tsp. liquid smoke (or preference)
    • 1 tsp. garlic powder
    • ¼ tsp. black pepper
    • Pinch of cayenne

    Instructions

    1. Add all marinade ingredients into a small bowl and mix well to combine. Then, pour into a container large enough that marinade and tempeh will just fit. Not too large, not too small.
    2. Carefully slice the tempeh into thin strips and place in the marinade, and make sure each piece is coated. Marinate for at least 20 minutes. If you can wait, let marinate in the fridge overnight.
    3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick aluminum foil.
    5. Layout tempeh on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, flip over, evenly pour the remaining marinade on the tempeh. Place tempeh back in oven and cook for another 15 minutes or until most of the marinade has evaporated. Cooking time will depend on oven.
    6. Serve.

    Equipment

    Parchment Paper

    Buy Now →

    Baking Sheet

    Buy Now →

    Notes

    Tempeh can have a somewhat “bitter” flavor to it, which I like. But, if you want a milder tempeh you can simply boil or steam it for about 10-15 minutes. Mellows it out.

    • Author: Shane Martin
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 30 minutes
    • Category: Breakfast
    • Method: Baking
    • Cuisine: Vegan
    • Diet: Vegan

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 2 strips
    • Calories: 93
    • Sugar: 4.8 g
    • Sodium: 294.7 mg
    • Fat: 2.1 g
    • Carbohydrates: 11.3 g
    • Fiber: 3.5 g
    • Protein: 8.1 g
    • Cholesterol: 0 mg

    Keywords: tempeh bacon, vegan bacon, sweet, savory, breakfast, vegan breakfast recipes, plant based breakfast recipes, plant based

    THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

    Donations and tips are more than welcome and help to keep this site running.
    CLICK here to donate and show your support!

    « The Best Vegan Mashed Potatoes
    Plant-Based Or Vegan: What’s The Difference? »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Judi Sweat

      September 28, 2022 at 11:30 am

      I doubled the marinade and it was just about right for a 9X13 pan. A single recipe of marinade wouldn’t have been anywhere near enough. Just for information.

      Reply
    2. Cassie

      August 02, 2022 at 11:27 pm

      This is our go-to recipe for when we make tempeh BLTs! It’s so so good. Soaking overnight makes a huge difference.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Laurie

      July 02, 2022 at 5:36 pm

      Really love this recipe!!! Strangely enough, I like the texture of the tempeh! Thanks for all you do to make healthy choices taste delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Linda King

      March 25, 2022 at 1:12 pm

      How thin do you slice the tempeh? Also, do you steam or boil it before or after you slice it?
      Also, do you know if you can freeze the packaged tempeh to use later.

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        March 25, 2022 at 3:23 pm

        Hi, Linda. I usually slice it about 1/4″. You can boil or steam the tempeh beforehand if you wish. Many people do that because tempeh can be somewhat bitter. I tend to like it as is. As far as freezing, I don’t because it usually doesn’t last that long around my house. But, you can freeze it. To freeze tempeh, plunge it in boiling water for 30 seconds, wrap well, and freeze for up to 12 months.

        Reply
    5. Kathryn Gannon

      October 10, 2020 at 2:28 pm

      Do you steam the tempeh before or after the marinade?

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        October 10, 2020 at 3:48 pm

        No. But, you can. It makes it less bitter.

        Reply
    6. David Pollock

      May 04, 2020 at 10:36 am

      Look like a good receipe but marinating in a plastic tub sends a not so good message. Try replacing picture with a glass container.

      ★★★★

      Reply
      • Kathryn Gannon

        September 15, 2020 at 6:54 am

        What’s wrong with a plastic tub?

        Reply
    7. Jessica D Trotter

      February 07, 2020 at 6:06 pm

      What brand of tempeh do you use?

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        February 07, 2020 at 8:48 pm

        Usually Lightlife or Soy Boy. But, that’s what’s readily available at the stores I go to.

        Reply
    8. Ali

      April 27, 2019 at 7:23 pm

      This is a fantastic marinade. Whole family loves it. We use it on tempeh then use what ever is left over on tofu. I hope you don’t mind if I link to it as one of my favorites 🙂

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        April 27, 2019 at 9:37 pm

        Ali, thanks so much! I don’t mind at all and would be totally honored:) Blessings.

        Reply
    9. Kristina

      August 21, 2018 at 9:43 pm

      I just finished eating a grilled cheese sandwich with strips of this homemade smokey maple bacon and I am in love!!! It was easy and it’s absolutely delicious! Thank you soooo much!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        August 21, 2018 at 10:06 pm

        Kristina, thank you so much and so glad you liked it! Peace and feast.

        Reply
    10. Shane Martin

      April 29, 2018 at 10:08 pm

      Sorry, Debbie. Tempeh isn’t for everyone, but I do appreciate you giving it a go. Blessings.

      Reply
    11. gloria

      April 19, 2018 at 3:25 pm

      Just made my 1st batch! Love the seasonings. I forgot to cut up the tempeh before marinating it so some pieces were kinda white. I let it marinade for almost 2 days only because I forgot about it. I broiled it for a few minutes to get it a little more crispy before eating. Lastly, next time I will make extra marinade to keep it moist before broiling. Overall, I’d say it’s a keeper! Thanks.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        April 19, 2018 at 4:28 pm

        Thanks, Gloria! Glad you enjoyed it and love the idea of broiling it. Blessings!

        Reply
    12. Julianne Rachel Sinak

      January 31, 2018 at 12:08 pm

      Thank you for this! I’ve made this recipe twice this month since I found your blog. It adds the best flavor and dimension to my lunch veggie bowls. Excited to try more of your recipes!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        January 31, 2018 at 12:27 pm

        Julianne,
        Thanks so much for you kind words and encouragement! I really appreciate you reaching out and taking time to share that with me. Peace and feast. Peace, Shane

        Reply

    Let Me Hear From You! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, I’m Shane!

    I share healthy vegan recipes that are practical, affordable, anyone can make and everyone will love!

    About Me →

    SUBSCRIBE

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Info

    • About
    • Contact
    • Shop
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Content Policy

    Follow

    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Recipes

    • All Recipes
    • Recipe Round-Ups
    • Pantry Staple Recipes

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Shane & Simple LLC