Ingredients
- 1 block of tempeh
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
- 1 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 1/2 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)
- 1 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Slice the Tempeh:
Cut the tempeh into thin strips, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices will become crispier.
Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. This creates a flavorful marinade for the tempeh.
Marinate the Tempeh:
Place the tempeh strips in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the tempeh, making sure each piece is well-coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight.
Cook the Tempeh:
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the marinated tempeh strips to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. You can brush or spoon some extra marinade onto the tempeh as it cooks for added flavor.
Serve:
Once the tempeh bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Serve the tempeh bacon on its own, crumble it into salads, use it in sandwiches, or add it to any dish where you’d like a smoky, savory flavor.
Feel free to customize the marinade to suit your taste preferences. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or adjust the sweetness with more maple syrup. Enjoy your homemade tempeh bacon!