I really don’t know why I haven’t talked about how to make tempeh bacon before. I love tempeh, and this is a great recipe to start with if you’re not sure how to cook it at home.
Keep tempeh in the fridge for a long time because it’s a fermented product that keeps well. It’s also a great source of fiber. If you’re following a plant-based diet or just want to try something new, I highly recommend trying tempeh.
Let’s start with the basics. Tempeh is a plant-based protein made of cooked soybeans that have been fermented. Because of the fermentation process, the soybeans are shaped into a cake or patty that you can buy at the store.
There are some differences between tempeh and tofu. Tempeh is less processed and fermented than tofu. It has a stronger flavor and a bit more texture. The flavor is usually described as nutty or earthy, but there are different varieties with subtle taste differences.
After trying a lot of different kinds of tempeh, Lightlife is my favorite because it’s organic, doesn’t contain GMOs, and is easy to find in most stores.
To make tempeh bacon, you only need a few common spices and liquid smoke.
Ingredients
- Lightlife Tempeh Bacon package
- Cooking oil: Olive, avocado, coconut, vegetable, etc.
- Desired seasonings: Liquid smoke, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, etc.
Instructions
Baking
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut tempeh bacon strips and lay in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Brush strips lightly with oil and sprinkle with desired seasonings.
- Bake for 15 minutes until starting to crisp. Flip strips and bake 10 more minutes.
Sautéing
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add tempeh strips and sauté 2-3 minutes per side until browned and crispy.
- Pour in seasoning/marinade and cook until liquid evaporates.
Grilling
- Oil grates and preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush tempeh with oil and seasoning mixture.
- Grill 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
Tips
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Use a nonstick pan to prevent sticking
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Cook in batches to avoid steaming
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Flip carefully with a spatula to keep strips intact.
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Play with different marinades like maple-Dijon or barbecue
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Try crumbling it over salads for a smoky bacon topping.
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Sprinkle on pizza, tacos, nachos for a flavor boost.
With its smoky, savory flavor and crispy texture, Lightlife Tempeh Bacon offers the bacon experience without the negative health effects. It’s easy to cook in the oven, skillet or grill. Get creative with seasonings and use it to elevate your favorite dishes.
How to Use Tempeh Bacon
Almost any recipe that calls for bacon can be made with this tempeh bacon. It tastes great on this vegan breakfast sandwich, goes well with these healthy sweet potato skins, and is great on this vegan Cobb salad. Have fun experimenting!.
How to Make Tempeh Bacon
So easy to make, and not nearly as messy as cooking pork bacon, which always leaves grease all over the place.
- Cut the tempeh. First, cut it into 1/4-inch-thick strips or slices.
- Put tamari or soy sauce, oil, maple syrup, liquid smoke, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper in a shallow dish. This is the marinade. Whisk together with a fork.
- Cover the tempeh slices and put them in the marinade. Let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour and up to three hours.
- Bake tempeh bacon – Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Put the tempeh slices that have been marinated on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil or parchment paper. Cover the tempeh with any extra marinade and bake for 15 minutes. Turn each piece of tempeh over and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the tempeh is crispy.
This tempeh bacon can be cooked in a pan or in the oven. I like baking it because it gets crispier.
Lightlife Smoky Tempeh Strips (aka “fakin bacon!)
Can you cook tempeh bacon without oil?
Oil-free: You can make this recipe oil-free by subbing in 1 tbsp water for the oil. However, you will need to be a bit more careful about the marinade burning or sticking to your pan. Just keep a close eye on the tempeh bacon and lower the heat if it looks like it is darkening too fast.
How do you cook tempeh Bacon in the oven?
Bake tempeh bacon – Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Arrange the marinated tempeh slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Pour any leftover marinade over the tempeh and bake for 15 minutes. Flip each tempeh piece and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the tempeh is crispy.
Should I pan fry or bake tempeh Bacon?
I prefer pan frying the tempeh bacon in a little oil, but baking works just fine. Baked tempeh bacon is a bit crunchier, while fried tastes richer and a bit more like bacon. Pan frying also takes less time (~15 minutes for all of them) while baking will take a bit longer (30 minutes).
How do you cook tempeh in a pan?
To Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the marinated tempeh strips onto the baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Flip and bake for 15 minutes more. Remove and serve. To Pan Fry: Warm a few tablespoons of oil (olive, canola or avocado oil) in a large pan over medium heat.
How do you cook tempeh in a crock pot?
You can cube it, cut it into tempeh “steaks” or filets, or even crumble the tempeh to make bac’n bits, which make an amazing salad topper. Cook the tempeh in the same way regardless of its shape, taking it off the stove when there’s no extra liquid in the pan and the bacon glaze has started to caramelize.
Is tempeh a healthy alternative to tofu?
Tempeh is a high-protein (18 grams of protein per serving!), soy-based food with its origins in Indonesia. It’s made of cooked and fermented soybeans (sometimes with other grains) that are shaped into a cake or patty. It’s highly nutritious and a great alternative to tofu if you are looking for different vegan-friendly protein options.