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top view of baked vegan tempeh bacon; hand is grabbing a slice on the bottom right hand corner.

Baked Tempeh Bacon

Regi Pearce
This baked tempeh bacon brings a fantastic depth of umami flavor and a satisfying, chewy but crispy texture. Here’s a tempeh recipe to get that smoky, savory goodness onto your plate.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course main course
Cuisine American, Vegan
Servings 4 servings
Calories 162 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces package of tempeh
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Slice Tempeh: Carefully cut the tempeh block into thin slices, about ¼ - ⅛ inch thick. 
  • Mix Marinade: Whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper in a container with a lid. Stir until well combined.
  • Marinate: Place the tempeh slices in the container with a lid. Shake the container gently to coat all the pieces. If you shake too hard, some of the pieces may break, so be gentle. Alternatively, use a resealable plastic bag. Let the tempeh marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Bake: When you're ready, preheat your oven to 375°F (190° C). Arrange the tempeh strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush oil over each piece. Bake for 10-15 minutes, then flip the strips and bake for another 10-15 minutes until they are browned and crispy
  • Serve: Serve immediately as part of a hearty breakfast, in sandwiches, or crumble it over salads for a smoky, protein-packed addition. See the post for more ideas.

Video

Notes

Make sure to slice the tempeh to ¼ inch or ⅛ inch for the best texture.
Frying tempeh in a skillet offers a more moist tempeh and is faster than baking. However, it won't be as crispy. If you want to fry the tempeh in a skillet, place the tempeh and marinade in a little oil over medium heat and fry until crispy, about 4 minutes per side. 
If you want to air fry the tempeh, preheat to 375°F, and place the strips in a single layer for good airflow. Cook for 5 minutes, flipping halfway. Watch closely as air fryers can quickly dry out or burn the tempeh.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. 

Nutrition

Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 512mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 3g | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 2mg
Keywords easy, quick
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