If you’re looking for a super simple way to make Vegan Bacon at home, this Tempeh Bacon Recipe is your answer. It's quick, easy, and delicious. Build your own B.L.T. or serve as a side to your favorite tofu scramble.
What about bacon tho? If you’ve been vegetarian or vegan for more than a minute, someone’s probably asked you this exact question. And while new vegan bacon products are coming on the market every day, if you’re looking for a no-fail and super simple way to make vegan bacon at home, I have your answer: Tempeh Bacon.
You'll love this Vegan Bacon Recipe because it's:
- Quick & Easy
- Perfect for a Vegan B.L.T!
- Made with a simple tempeh marinade
- Vegan / Vegetarian
- Dairy-Free
- Can be Gluten-Free (Use gluten-free soy sauce)
- Absolutely Delicious!
What is Tempeh?
Tempeh is fermented soybeans that have been formed in blocks. The fact that the soybeans are whole gives Tempeh a unique mouthfeel; there’s an almost meaty element. Just slice it thin, marinade in a mixture of soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke, and sauté until crispy.
How to Serve Tempeh Bacon
Serve it beside a tofu scramble, chop it up to garnish a Vegan Spaghetti alla Carbonara, or pile it on sliced sourdough and top with lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a vegan BLAT (aka a BLT with avocado). Add a smear of vegan aioli, and you’re in business. This is, hands down, one of my favorite vegan sandwiches!
Does Vegan Bacon Really Taste Like Bacon?
If you eat the tempeh bacon by itself, you're not going to fool yourself into thinking it's meat, but when you add it to a sandwich the flavor is surprisingly similar. Combined with the other sandwich ingredients, it creates a really delicious and easy substitute. Like many vegan substitutes, it's more about scratching that itch for a familiar food, rather than creating an exact replica. There are some more complicated recipes out there that come a little closer to simulating actual bacon, but if you want a quick, super simple, and delicious recipe, this is the one for you.
Where to find Tempeh
Many supermarkets sell tempeh right alongside the tofu. Trader Joes makes a really nice and affordable version that I can recommend. If you have trouble finding it at a regular grocery store, try your local Asian market or you can order *tempeh online.
Pro Tip: Tempeh has a slightly bitter flavor, but you can mellow it out by steaming your tempeh for about 10 minutes.
How to Cook Tempeh
Preparing your Vegan Bacon is actually quite simple. Unlike some more complicated vegan bacon recipes, you just need to steam for 10 minutes, then slice your tempeh, and add it to the tempeh marinade. Let the tempeh marinate for 5 to 10 minutes. For a more intense flavor, throw the ingredients together the night before and let marinate overnight.
After the tempeh is done marinating, add it to a nonstick skillet that's been warming over medium heat. Don't mess with the tempeh too much while it's in the skillet. You want to give the marinade juices a chance to caramelize in the pan. If the tempeh is sticking too much, you can add a little water to the skillet. This will also help with the caramelization. (Just about half a teaspoon of water at a time though, or you'll be eating steamed tempeh.)
Your tempeh bacon will be done when it's nicely caramelized on both sides. Enjoy right away or store for up to a week in the refrigerator.
How to Make a Vegan BLT or a Vegan BLAT
While your tempeh bacon is sizzling away in the skillet, start assembling your ingredients! I like mine with the classics: lettuce, tomato, avocado, and a smear of vegan aioli. But feel free to change it up and get creative!
Last but not least, assemble your sandwich and enjoy!
Alternate Preparation Method to make Vegan Bacon
For a crunchier tempeh bacon, or if you just don't feel like standing over a skillet, heat up your oven to 425°F or 220°C. Place the sliced, marinated tempeh on a sheet pan and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
If this recipe for Vegan Bacon speaks your language, you might also love:
- Easiest BBQ Jackfruit
- Vegan Curry Chickpea Salad
- Super Simple Tofu Nuggets
- Vegan Quesadilla Cheese
- Homemade Almond Butter
Vegan Tempeh Bacon
Equipment
Ingredients
Tempeh Bacon
- 14 slices tempeh
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp liquid smoke
To Make a Vegan BLT or Vegan BLAT
- 4 slices whole wheat bread
- 1 avocado
- 1 tomato
- lettuce
- vegan aioli
Instructions
- Place the tempeh log in a medium pot with about ¾ in or 5 cm of water. Place a lid on the pot and steam over medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Remove the tempeh from the pot and let cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice the tempeh into thin strips.
- Add the marinade ingredients to a bowl or dish and stir to combine.
- Add the tempeh to the marinade and let sit 5 to 10 minutes.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the tempeh to the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping when one side is nicely browned and caramelized. Serve right away or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To Assemble a Vegan BLT or Vegan BLAT
- While the tempeh is cooking, slice and toast your bread. Slice your tomato and avocado into thin cuts. Wash and dry your lettuce.
- Once the tempeh bacon is finished, layer onto the bread with the other sandwich toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe will make enough vegan tempeh bacon for 2 or 3 sandwiches. If you want to make ahead, the tempeh bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just reheat and add to your sandwich!
Vegan Aioli Recipe
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