Skip to main content

Tempeh “Bacon”

3.9

(8)

Image may contain Plant Food Bread Weapon Blade Knife and Weaponry
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks

Protein-packed, fermented tempeh is thinly sliced and infused with a marinade of soy sauce, smoked paprika, and rich maple syrup to mimic the smoky-sweet flavor of the breakfast staple in this easy vegetarian recipe. Serve it with eggs for breakfast, add it to stir-fry, or layer it onto a veggie “B.L.T.”

Cooks' Note

Tempeh should be marinated at a minimum of 2 hours, but 4 hours is best.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    40 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes 50 pieces

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
16 ounces tempeh, cut into about 50 (1/4"-thick) strips

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Whisk oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, paprika, salt, cayenne, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Add tempeh and gently toss to coat. Cover and chill at least 2 hours or up to 4.

    Step 2

    Preheat oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange tempeh in a single layer and bake, tossing and basting with marinade after 10 minutes, until tempeh is crispy, 30–33 minutes.

  2. Do Ahead

    Step 3

    Tempeh bacon can be made 5 days ahead; wrap tightly and chill.

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Make these cookies for an after-school snack, midday treat, or gift for friends and neighbors.
A pinch of sugar in the spice rub ensures picture-perfect grill marks with layers of flavor.
These soft butter cookies are made with mooncake molds, reminiscent of block print stamps from Jaipur.
Making your own crusty loaves is surprisingly easy.
Tangy and sunny, this curd can be made with either fresh or frozen pulp.
From author Sonoko Sakai, this Japanese omelet is distinguished by its fluffy layers, with a touch of sweetness from maple syrup.
Crispy tots topped with savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, furikake, scallion, and katsuobushi.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.