Simple Vegan Blog

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Start Here
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Start Here
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Start Here
ร—
Home > Recipes > Breakfast

Tempeh Bacon

Published: May 28, 2020 ยท Modified: Dec 13, 2024 by Iosune Robles ยท This post may contain affiliate links

4.72 from 38 votes
Pin Recipe Jump to Recipe
Cooked tempeh bacon in a large pan.

Make your own tempeh bacon in just 20 minutes! It has a crispy texture and savory flavor, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a tasty snack.

White plate with slices of tempeh bacon.

It's a flavorful addition to any dish, providing a real kick to your cooking. Plus, its versatility makes it a go-to ingredient for busy weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend breakfasts.

Seriously, making this plant-based bacon is a game-changer. It's so easy, just mix, cook, and enjoy. Once you've tried it, you'll want to put it on everything. Trust me, it's a winner!

Looking for more breakfast ideas? Try my tofu scramble, vegan bacon, vegan breakfast sausage, vegan French toast, and vegan oatmeal recipes. They're just what you need to kickstart your day with flavor and energy!

Ingredients for tempeh bacon

Ingredients needed to make smoky tempeh bacon.
  • Oil: Any oil works fine. I used extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor, but you can also use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
  • Tempeh: Whether homemade or store-bought, both options work perfectly. Homemade tempeh allows for full customization of flavor and texture, while store-bought tempeh offers convenience and consistency. Whichever you choose, make sure it's fresh and firm for the best results in your bacon.
  • Soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
  • Maple syrup: Agave nectar or date syrup are great alternatives for a similar sweetness.
  • Smoked paprika: Sweet paprika can be used if smoked is unavailable.
  • Liquid smoke: If you don’t have liquid smoke, try powdered smoke or extra smoked paprika, or simply omit it.

Find the full recipe with exact measurements in the recipe card below.

How to make vegan tempeh bacon

Shallow dish with the marinade.

Step 1: In a shallow dish, mix 1 tablespoon of oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, paprika, liquid smoke, and cumin. Set aside.

Shallow dish with tempeh strips.

Step 2: Slice the tempeh into ¼-inch (0.6 cm) strips, making sure they don't fall apart.

Tempeh strips soaking in the marinade.

Step 3: Coat the tempeh in the marinade and let it sit for 15-20 minutes for the best flavor.

Cooked tempeh bacon in a large skillet.

Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over high heat. Cook the tempeh for 3-4 minutes per side, until crispy and golden. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does tempeh bacon last in the fridge?

It can last in the fridge for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. Let it cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze it for 2-3 months. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a skillet over medium heat. Freezing may slightly affect the texture, but it will still be safe to eat.

How can I reheat it?

Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the tempeh bacon for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy.

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the tempeh bacon on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes until heated and crispy.

Microwave: Place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Note that this method may not keep it crispy.

Can I make it soy-free?

Yes, you can make it soy-free! Use coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative. For the tempeh, choose varieties made from ingredients like chickpeas, which are soy-free.

How can I use it?

You can use tempeh bacon in many ways! It’s perfect as a topping for salads, sandwiches, burgers, or wraps. Crumble it over vegan pizza, pasta, or baked potatoes for extra flavor and texture. You can also serve it alongside breakfast favorites like tofu scramble or vegan pancakes, or use it as a filling for breakfast burritos or vegan quesadillas.

Cooked tempeh bacon in a large pan.

More alternatives to meat

  • Vegan Steak
  • Vegan Chicken
  • Vegan Chicken Nuggets
  • Vegan Pepperoni
  • Vegan Soy Chorizo (Soyrizo)
Plate with slices of smoky tempeh bacon.
4.72 from 38 votes

Tempeh Bacon

Make your own tempeh bacon in just 20 minutes! It has a crispy texture and savory flavor, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a tasty snack.
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Cook: 10 minutes mins
Total: 20 minutes mins
Servings: 4
PRINT PIN COMMENT


Ingredients 
 

  • 2 tablespoons oil, divided, I used extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 8-ounce package store-bought or homemade tempeh
  • Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

  • Combine 1 tablespoon of oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, paprika, liquid smoke, and cumin in a shallow dish, mixing well. Set aside.
    Shallow dish with the marinade.
  • Slice the tempeh into thin strips, about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick, ensuring they stay together and don't fall apart.
    Shallow dish with tempeh strips.
  • Add the tempeh to the mixture and gently toss until each strip is evenly coated. For the best flavor, marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
    Tempeh strips soaking in the marinade.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over high heat. Add the marinated tempeh strips and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    Cooked tempeh bacon in a large skillet.

Video

Notes

  • It can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag.
  • For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • To reheat, cook in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, warm in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
  • Nutritional info has been calculated using ¹/₈ teaspoon of salt and ¹/₈ teaspoon of ground black pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 336mg | Potassium: 265mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 127IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below and let me know how it was!
Course: Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Iosune Robles

More Vegan Breakfast Recipes

  • Silken tofu smoothie in a jar with toppings and ingredients arranged around it.
    Silken Tofu Smoothie
  • Bowl of vegan apple crumble served with ice cream and a spoon on the side.
    Vegan Apple Crumble
  • Collage of photos of Vegan Brunch Recipes.
    20 Vegan Brunch Recipes (Sweet & Savory Ideas)
  • Stacked vegan pumpkin muffins with more muffins in the background.
    Vegan Pumpkin Muffins
21.9K shares

Comments

  1. Erin says

    December 30, 2022 at 2:00 am

    My boyfriend and I make this recipe at least twice a month. He LOVES this bacon.

    Reply
    • Iosune says

      January 09, 2023 at 9:12 pm

      Hi Erin! I'm so glad to hear that ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  2. Ann says

    August 11, 2022 at 10:51 pm

    I just found your recipes and they look delicious. I have been vegan for 6 years, and was vegetarian for many years before that. Do you steam the tempeh before slicing and marinating for this recipe? Otherwise, it seems the tempeh is difficult to work with.

    Reply
    • Iosune Robles says

      August 12, 2022 at 12:38 pm

      Hi Ann! Thanks for your kind comment ๐Ÿ™‚ We don't steam the tempeh but feel free to do so!

      Reply
  3. NIRAJ RISHI KUMAR says

    February 18, 2022 at 10:33 am

    5 stars
    NICE RECIPE, DO SEND ME SUBSITUTES FOR EGGS IN BAKING AND CURRY DISHES

    Reply
    • Iosune Robles says

      February 21, 2022 at 10:56 am

      Hi! You can find curry recipes in our blog ๐Ÿ™‚ There are so many egg substitutes like mashed banana, applesauce, flax egg, or chia seeds.

      Reply
    • Jaz says

      February 16, 2023 at 11:20 pm

      A bakery said there are two substitutes for eggs: a) apple sauce
      or b) crushed flaxseeds mixed with a little warm water (it turns into a gel like eggs)

      Reply
      • Iosune says

        February 17, 2023 at 9:36 am

        Hi Jaz! Thanks a lot for your comment ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Eva says

    February 16, 2022 at 6:34 pm

    5 stars
    Very quick and easy to make. Unfortunately I didn't have liquid smoke or smoke powder, but was still delicious. Will absolutely make it again!!!!

    Reply
    • Iosune Robles says

      February 17, 2022 at 10:39 am

      Hi Eva! So glad you liked it ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
« Older Comments
4.72 from 38 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating





Cooked tempeh bacon in a large pan.
Iosune with a glass of juice.

Hi, I'm Iosune!

I share easy and delicious vegan recipes perfect for everyday meals and special occasions, all made with simple, everyday ingredients.

More About Me

Most Popular Recipes

  • Photo of a bowl of general tso's tofu served over some rice
    General Tso's Tofu
  • Photo of some vegan Baileys being poured into a glass
    Vegan Baileys
  • Photo of a bowl of vegan vegetable soup
    Vegan Vegetable Soup
  • Picture of a dish with homemade vegan jambalaya topped with chopped parsley
    Vegan Jambalaya
  • A bowl with vegan tofu ricotta cheese and some bread slices around.
    Vegan Tofu Ricotta Cheese (4 Ingredients)
  • Photo of a plate of sweet and sour tofu
    Sweet and Sour Tofu

Vegan Winter Recipes

  • Vegan potato leek soup served in a bowl with toppings.
    Vegan Potato Leek Soup
  • Vegan potato and corn chowder served in a bowl with parsley on top.
    Vegan Potato and Corn Chowder
  • Vegan chili presentation with fresh green onions, red onion, and vegan cheese.
    The Best Vegan Chili
  • A bowl of vegan mushroom soup garnished with parsley and sautéed mushrooms.
    Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup

Footer

Cooked tempeh bacon in a large pan.

↑ Back to Top • Recipes • About • Contact

© 2025 Simple Vegan Blog. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy • Terms & Conditions • Affiliate Disclosure

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.