Smoky Maple Tempeh Bacon

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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!

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