Tempeh bacon is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional bacon. Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is a plant-based protein that is packed with nutrients. It has a chewy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that makes it perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
This article provides two recipes for tempeh bacon: a classic recipe and a smoky recipe. The classic recipe is simple and easy to follow, while the smoky recipe adds a delicious smoky flavor to the tempeh. Both recipes are vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free, making them suitable for people with a variety of dietary restrictions.
The classic tempeh bacon recipe requires only a few simple ingredients: tempeh, soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, garlic powder, and black pepper. The smoky tempeh bacon recipe adds smoked paprika and chipotle powder to the mix for a more robust flavor.
Both recipes can be made in under 30 minutes, making them a quick and easy meal option. Tempeh bacon can be enjoyed on its own, crumbled into salads, or used as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, and tacos. It is also a great addition to vegan breakfast scrambles and omelets.
SMOKY TEMPEH BACON
This meatless tempeh bacon recipe gets its smoky flavor from liquid smoke and smoked paprika. Eat it alone or use it on a sandwich or salad. -Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Whisk together liquid smoke, maple syrup, paprika and cumin in a 8x8-in. glass baking dish; add sliced tempeh. Gently toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour., Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. In batches, cook tempeh until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 125 calories, Fat 9g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 5mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 8g protein.
EASY TEMPEH BACON
Steps:
- Slice the tempeh in half widthwise (so you have 2 even squares), then thinly slice each square in thirds so you have six very thin squares (it's easiest to do this by placing the tempeh flat on your cutting board and holding the knife horizontally for an even cut). Then slice each square into three rectangular strips. You should have ~18 pieces of tempeh (as the original recipe is written).
- In a shallow bowl, rimmed plate, or baking dish, whisk together the oil, tamari, maple syrup, salt, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne (optional). Taste and adjust flavor as needed. It should be quite salty, smoky, a little spicy, and plenty sweet (even a little too sweet, as it needs to balance the bitterness of the tempeh).
- Add the tempeh and toss to coat (using a pastry brush is helpful for fully coating). Marinate for 10-15 minutes, flipping once for even flavor dispersion.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Transfer tempeh (reserving excess marinade for brushing) to the parchment-lined baking sheet and arrange in a single layer.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven, flip, and brush generously with reserved marinade. Bake for 8-10 minutes more, or until browned and slightly crispy.
- Enjoy immediately or store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (176°C) oven or on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 three-slice serving, Calories 112 kcal, Carbohydrate 11 g, Protein 8.2 g, Fat 4.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 520 mg, Fiber 3.3 g, Sugar 5.1 g, UnsaturatedFat 3.3 g
TEMPEH "BACON"
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."
Provided by Katherine Sacks
Categories Vegetarian Vegan Breakfast Maple Syrup Soy Sauce Soy
Yield Makes 50 pieces
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- 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.
- 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.
- Do Ahead
- Tempeh bacon can be made 5 days ahead; wrap tightly and chill.
Tips:
- Choose the right tempeh: Look for tempeh that is firm and has a light brown color. Avoid tempeh that is too soft or has a dark color, as it may be old or spoiled.
- Press the tempeh: Pressing the tempeh helps to remove excess moisture and makes it easier to slice. To press the tempeh, place it between two plates and weigh it down with something heavy, such as a can of beans or a heavy skillet.
- Slice the tempeh thinly: Thinly sliced tempeh cooks more evenly and has a better texture. Aim for slices that are about 1/4-inch thick.
- Marinate the tempeh: Marinating the tempeh in a flavorful marinade helps to add flavor and moisture. You can use a variety of marinades, such as soy sauce, tamari, liquid smoke, maple syrup, and spices.
- Cook the tempeh over medium heat: Cooking the tempeh over medium heat helps to prevent it from burning. Cook the tempeh for about 10 minutes per side, or until it is browned and crispy.
- Serve the tempeh bacon with your favorite sides: Tempeh bacon can be served with a variety of sides, such as eggs, pancakes, waffles, or toast. It can also be used as a topping for salads, sandwiches, and burgers.
Conclusion:
Tempeh bacon is a delicious and versatile plant-based bacon alternative that is easy to make at home. With its smoky, savory flavor and crispy texture, tempeh bacon is a great addition to any breakfast, lunch, or dinner. So next time you're looking for a healthier alternative to bacon, give tempeh bacon a try. You won't be disappointed!
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