Crispy Tempeh Bacon | It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken

This Crispy Tempeh Bacon is smoky, salty, straightforward to make, and filled with plant-based protein. It is the proper vegan bacon various for breakfast sandwiches, BLTs, or crumbled over salads. Straightforward to make, and might be prepped forward of time. Chewy within the center, crispy on the perimeters, and bursting with daring bacon-y taste.

When you’ve been following me for some time, you understand I like an excellent vegan bacon recipe. I’ve bought tofu bacon, mushroom bacon, and even banana peel bacon. Tempeh bacon has been one of the requested, and I will admit, I wasn’t at all times a fan of tempeh at first! However as soon as I cracked the tactic, I used to be hooked. The key? A fast simmer to take away bitterness, a smoky-sweet marinade to layer in taste, and a light-weight cornstarch dusting to make the surface further crispy. Cook dinner it up in a pan, oven, or air fryer, and you will have essentially the most crave-worthy tempeh bacon strips ever.

Crispy tempeh bacon in frying pan with spatula.

Why I Cannot Get Sufficient of This Home made Tempeh Bacon

Truly crispy: Most tempeh bacon recipes keep fairly tender. Dusting the marinated slices with somewhat cornstarch earlier than cooking creates that impossible to resist crispy-crunchy exterior.
Large taste payoff: Smoky, salty, barely candy, and completely savory-everything you need in a plant-based bacon recipe.
Nutrient-packed: Tempeh is a fermented soybean product that is wealthy in protein, fiber, and gut-friendly probiotics.
Cook dinner it your approach: Pan-fry, bake, or air fry. It is versatile sufficient for breakfast plates, hearty BLT (or TLT) sandwiches, loaded salads, and even simply snacking straight from the pan.

Overhead view of ingredients for crispy tempeh bacon with labels.

Elements for Tempeh Bacon

Tempeh: A fermented soy product with a agency, nutty texture. It is excessive in protein, fiber, and probiotics. You may normally discover tempeh within the refrigerated part close to the tofu, at well being meals shops, or get it delivered.
Soy sauce: Provides salty, umami depth. Use tamari or coconut aminos if you happen to favor a gluten-free possibility.
Maple syrup: Balances the smoky and salty notes with only a trace of sweetness.
Smoky goodness: Each smoked paprika and liquid smoke for tremendous smoky bacon vibes. Yow will discover liquid smoke within the BBQ sauce part of your grocery retailer or order it online.
Garlic powder: For savory depth.
Cornstarch: That is optionally available, but it surely’s key for crispy tempeh bacon!
Oil: A bit of oil helps with crisping. For an oil-free model, skip it. The bacon will nonetheless be tasty, simply much less crunchy.

Methods to Make Crispy Tempeh Bacon

Take away the bitterness: Simmer the block of tempeh in water for 10 minutes, then drain and funky. This step softens the tempeh and removes its pure bitterness.

Sliced tempeh on cutting board with knife.

Slice the tempeh: Slice the tempeh into ¼-inch strips (skinny sufficient to crisp, thick sufficient to remain intact).

Tempeh bacon marinade in bowl with whisk.

Make the marinade: Whisk the soy sauce, maple syrup, water, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and liquid smoke in a shallow bowl or dish.

Marinate the tempeh: Add the strips, cowl, and refrigerate for at the least 1 hour (or as much as 3 days for max taste).

Tempeh bacon dusted with cornstarch on baking sheet.

Mud with cornstarch: Pat the marinated strips dry, then frivolously mud with cornstarch on either side. (Tip: I exploit a tea strainer for even coating!)

Overhead view of tempeh bacon cooking in skillet

Cook dinner: Pan fry, bake, or air fry. Till crispy and scrumptious.

Ideas for the Finest Tempeh Bacon

Do not skip the simmer: Tempeh is of course has a bitter earthy taste. Simmering helps take away the bitterness. So until you like the pure style, ensure that to simmer it for 10 minutes to so the smoky marinade actually shines.
Skinny, however not TOO skinny slices: Intention for ¼-inch. Too skinny = crumbly, too thick = much less crisp.
Marinate longer: An in a single day madinade provides the richest smoky taste and makes breakfast a breeze. Simply prepare dinner within the morning and luxuriate in!

My Favourite Methods to Use Tempeh Bacon

Methods to Retailer and Reheat Leftovers

Prep forward: Simmer, slice, and marinate as much as 3 days prematurely. Cook dinner contemporary when able to get pleasure from.
Fridge: Switch the cooked tempeh bacon to an hermetic container and refrigerate for as much as 5 days.
Freezer: You can too freeze tempeh bacon within the marinade or cooked. Both approach, it should last as long as 3 months in freezer bag. Thaw within the fridge earlier than cooking.
To reheat: Skillet over medium warmth, 1-2 minutes per facet, or air fry a couple of minutes till scorching once more.

Two tempeh bacon sandwiches stacked on board.

When you do this crispy tempeh bacon recipe, tell us by leaving a remark, ranking it, and do not forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram. You can too pin this recipe on Pinterest to reserve it for later!
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.