I'm obsessed with vegan tempeh bacon. My first inspiration for this recipe was because I wanted to make a vegan club sandwich. This recipe is sweet, smoky and possibly a bit spicy too.
Warm up a skillet and whip some up today!..
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(Updated Content) Over the past eight years since I first posted this recipe, it has absolutely been one of my most referenced and shared. I love adding a form of tempeh bacon to all sorts of recipes. It adds a big vegan protein punch to salads, sandwiches or just as a side. Sometimes I add more maple syrup, for a sweeter flavor. Or more olive oil for a richer, pan-fried, crispy texture.
Sometimes I slice the tempeh as thin as possible and other times I like a thicker strip - or even cubes or "bits."
I hope you love this go-to tempeh recipe as much as I have over the years!
Optional add-in spices...
- cumin
- cayenne
- smoky paprika
- garlic powder
- chipotle powder
...all good options if you want to diversify the flavors.
Some of my favorite tempeh bacon recipes:
* Creamy Cashew Pasta with Tempeh Bacon
* Bread and Butter Pickle Tempeh Bacon Toast
* Savory Scones - cheddar, scallion, tempeh bacon
* Chili-Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Easy Vegan Tempeh Bacon
By Published 06/11/2009
This smoky-sweet tempeh bacon is packed with protein and tastes delicious. Perfect in sandwiches, on salads or as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 8oz tempeh, thinly sliced
- 1-2 tablespoon maple syrup - adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)**
- 1-2 teaspoon tamari (or sub with sea salt) - adjust to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for the pan
- optional: 2-4 tablespoon water if you like your tempeh soft rather than crispy
- optional: pinch of cayenne for heat
- **If you do not have liquid smoke you can add a smoky flavor using smoked paprika or chipotle powder - a pinch should do it
Instructions
- Warm a skillet over high heat. Add extra virgin olive oil.
- When oil is hot, add the tempeh. Cook 2-4 minutes, enough time to lightly brown on both sides, flipping a few times throughout.
- Add the liquid smoke. Add the maple syrup. Jiggle the pan and toss tempeh a bit to evenly distribute the liquids. Turn heat to low. Continue cooking for another minute or two, just until the tempeh edges are caramelized, darker brown.
- Turn off heat when tempeh looks donw. Add salt and pepper to taste and toss the tempeh well in the pan to evenly distribute and lightly toast the black pepper. Serve warm!
- Water: If you want a moister tempeh, add the water in before you add the maple and liquid smoke. After adding it to the pan, cover the pan with a lid. This will allow the tempeh to soften and steam a bit. This should only take a minute or two. Uncover lid, and proceed with step three, above.
Yield: 2 servingsPrep Time: 00 hrs. 03 mins. Cook time: 00 hrs. 07 mins. Total time: 10 mins.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 20g
Tags: tempeh,tempeh bacon,vegan,side,protein,soy,easy,recipe,delicious
Once you master this recipe, marvel in your vegan culinary mastery. Then move onto vegan bacon cupcakes perhaps...
Tempeh Vegan Bacon Uses: sandwiches, sides, sliced into salads, soups and heck even desserts - maybe.
M says
No one said they stopped eating meat cause it tastes bad.
Leigh N says
New to vegan cooking. Just made my first batch of homemade tempeh and was looking for a recipe to to try it. Absolutely delicious. Thanks very much for this. Also thanks to the person who suggested marinating and cooking in same pan. Will try that next time.
Heather says
Liquid smoke is simply condensed wood smoke. No chemicals, just natural smoke, condensed and bottled. Technically, they are chemicals, as is literally everything.
Heather says
Interestingly, I'm having trouble finding Liquid Smoke locally. Strange, it used to be available in every grocery store spice aisle. Anyway, I do have smoked salt on hand, so I'll be using that instead. Just so people know there are options if you can't find certain ingredients! There are many ways of reaching the same goal. 🙂
Beverly Duenas says
Hi! This looks so good, I've been looking around for many vegan recipes and this one struck me because I've dropped pork, independently, since I was a child! So "facon" sounded awesome to me, especially since it might revitalize my memory of what "smokey' actually tastes like. I was only wondering what part of your recipe is the "marinade"? I don't want to mess it up and throw something in first or throw something in later :[
COGO says
Maybe you've already figured this out, but just in case you haven't, the marinade is all the liquid ingredients and spices in the recipe. Basically, everything other than the tempeh.
Frida Precariat says
great recipe, thanks!
super yum.
Tammy says
Thank you so much for this recipe! I make it all the time, so I thought I might let readers know of a little shortcut: I slice a whole packet of tempeh and lay it in the frying pan. Mix up a DOUBLE batch of the marinade, and pour it over the tempeh. Let it sit for a few mins. and then cook until brown and carmelized on each side. We use this in our BLAT sandwiches. If you like spicey, add extra cayenne 🙂 Everyone should try this recipe!
Elissa says
I just tried this with organic multigrain tempeh. I couldn't get it as thin as you have it, but it was still very good!
Glad to have stumbled on your web site! New to this vegan thing. Haven't felt this good in my life... giving up dairy was my last step and I'm realizing it was an important one for my health! I'm not missing the stomach aches that I now know came from dairy!
Anyway, Thank you for posting these fun recipes. Even my kids (that haven't agreed to go meat free yet) like this version of healthy bacon!
Joe Byer says
See if you can find smoked salt instead of liquid smoke. Tastes 1000x better and doesn't have all the artificial chemicals. Most of the higher end grocery stores in the US have it, and several online resources. Plus, fakey bacon can't be too salty, right?!? Lol.
Guest says
Hello from australia! Just wanting to know what brand of liquid smoke you use? Would love to give this a go!
jenna mcna says
This made me curse with delight when I tasted how lovely the marinade was. So smoky and sweet and salty
Kathy Patalsky says
Good for you
Chris Lipkovitz says
I eat facon because it tastes good and I had a cholesterol problem. Now I dont. I ate poorly in the past and now I dont.
Tamzen says
I have made this twice now, blimmin' delish and will be making again... and again, and again. Awesome in sammies. Thanks!
Deb says
Thank you so much for making this fake bacon gluten free:) Loved the "game day" potato skins. Great job YET again, Kathy.
E. Nathan Williams says
Wow! You are awesome! Each week you inspire me. I have got to have you on my show.
Esther at A,B,C,Vegan says
Holy crap. This is amazing. Absolutely like bacon, which I NEVER say about tempeh bacon. I'll be making this, oh, about every day now.
Sherry (BTLover2) says
Hi Kathy,
This looks terrific! I'm wondering... do you steam or boil your tempeh before you slice and marinate? I've read that it should be treated as such before using. I've only tried it once and I did steam it. Is it necessary for this recipe? Thank you!!
Kathy Patalsky says
I never steam my tempeh, but I know some ppl like to because it may reduce some of the natural bitterness.
I do not think steaming is necessary - especially if you want 'fast and easy' but u could try both ways if you are truly curious..
Good question!
Kenda says
This recipe sounds so delicious. I do have a question for you. I am not able to eat any soy products as my cancer was estrogen positive. Isn't tempeh a soy product? If not, I will definately try it. I don't have a problem with gluten. Thanks
Kathy Patalsky says
yes, tempeh is fermented soy... you could experiment with thin strips of seitan (gluten) for seitan bacon!
Maddy Rupert says
I want so badly to pronounce it 'fake-ON', or maybe 'fass-ON'.
JUSTINLUGGLE says
Ur a compleate idiot
AnimalFriend says
And look who misspelled complete...
bahaha says
BAM! akaallice you have been served.
Terri says
As a fledgling vegan, I am SO excited by this recipe! I have been looking for a way to make a veg version of my family's traditional German Potato Salad, this "facon" might do the trick!
Kathy Patalsky says
nice response my dear!!
Nichole (iheartchem) says
"Tastes like meat." You say this like the animal flesh that you eat isn't smoked, spiced, marinated and otherwise artificially flavored. Vegetarians strive for the same flavours and textures that meat-eaters do - minus the cruelty.
whitney says
that would be my answer as well. many people look for comfort food and traditionally, comfort food includes meat. veganizing them gives you the same feeling, but eliminating the meat.
Kathy Patalsky says
simple. the same reason you like to eat bacon. You grew up it and you love the taste and memories connected to it.
Food and flavors are connected to memories, feelings and places. If I can take myself back to my childhood Sunday morning table with my grampa serving up a plate of scrambled eggs and his 'special bacon' - all without eating animal products (insert tempeh bacon and scrambled tofu) then yay for that.
I'm sure the vegans of "fifty years from now" will care less about "tempeh bacon" and just call it "yummy fried tempeh". But to me, it's about keeping a memory of what "bacon" used to mean to me.
And I see nothing wrong with keeping my memories. (by simply veganizing them)
Kathy Patalsky says
u are very welcome Tee 🙂
Alika says
I've loved this recipe for a long time! I make it over and over again. I like to use it on vegan burgers.
I was unsure what to do with an avocado I had, so I put slices on my burger, and then I thought "what else could I do?"
So while it sounds a little weird, I crumbled up two slices of facon and chopped up half an avocado, mixed them together, and then added some agave nectar on top. It sounds a little weird, but I really like it, haha.
Thanks for the recipe!
Alika says
I've loved this recipe for a long time! I make it over and over again. I like to use it on vegan burgers.
I was unsure what to do with an avocado I had, so I put slices on my burger, and then I thought "what else could I do?"
So while it sounds a little weird, I crumbled up two slices of facon and chopped up half an avocado, mixed them together, and then added some agave nectar on top. It sounds a little weird, but I really like it, haha.
Thanks for the recipe!
Tracy Warner says
Heather --
I make this recipe all the time, because it's awesome, and I always store it over night (usually for lunch the next day at work). It's not as crispy the next day, but they're really good still.
Tracy Warner says
Heather --
I make this recipe all the time, because it's awesome, and I always store it over night (usually for lunch the next day at work). It's not as crispy the next day, but they're really good still.
Tracy Warner says
Heather -- I make this recipe all the time, because it's awesome, and I always store it over night (usually for lunch the next day at work). It's not as crispy the next day, but they're really good still.
Tracy Warner says
Heather --
I make this recipe all the time, because it's awesome, and I always store it over night (usually for lunch the next day at work). It's not as crispy the next day, but they're really good still.
Kathy says
Heather,
I have never tried storing it. I imagine you could marinate the tempeh overnight and simply throw it on a skillet in a bit of oil.
I did use tempeh bacon bits in my Thanksgiving stuffing - which was stored overnight and the bits were delicious and super flavorful. However, you can only get that nice crispness right after cooking.
Hope it turns out deliciously!
Kathy
Kathy says
Heather,
I have never tried storing it. I imagine you could marinate the tempeh overnight and simply throw it on a skillet in a bit of oil.
I did use tempeh bacon bits in my Thanksgiving stuffing - which was stored overnight and the bits were delicious and super flavorful. However, you can only get that nice crispness right after cooking.
Hope it turns out deliciously!
Kathy
Kathy says
Heather,I have never tried storing it. I imagine you could marinate the tempeh overnight and simply throw it on a skillet in a bit of oil. I did use tempeh bacon bits in my Thanksgiving stuffing - which was stored overnight and the bits were delicious and super flavorful. However, you can only get that nice crispness right after cooking. Hope it turns out deliciously!Kathy
Kathy says
Heather,
I have never tried storing it. I imagine you could marinate the tempeh overnight and simply throw it on a skillet in a bit of oil.
I did use tempeh bacon bits in my Thanksgiving stuffing - which was stored overnight and the bits were delicious and super flavorful. However, you can only get that nice crispness right after cooking.
Hope it turns out deliciously!
Kathy
Heather W says
Can't wait to try this. I am on a mission to say goodbye to soy protein isolate. Have you tried making large batches of this? Have you stored it overnight? Just looking for advice. If I figure it out on my own, I will get back to you.
Heather W says
Can't wait to try this. I am on a mission to say goodbye to soy protein isolate. Have you tried making large batches of this? Have you stored it overnight? Just looking for advice. If I figure it out on my own, I will get back to you.
Heather W says
Can't wait to try this. I am on a mission to say goodbye to soy protein isolate. Have you tried making large batches of this? Have you stored it overnight? Just looking for advice. If I figure it out on my own, I will get back to you.
Heather W says
Can't wait to try this. I am on a mission to say goodbye to soy protein isolate. Have you tried making large batches of this? Have you stored it overnight? Just looking for advice. If I figure it out on my own, I will get back to you.
Kathy says
Salty-Sweet-Savory Note:
I received a comment that the bacon was too sweet for one eater. Yes this is a 'salty-sweet' facon. The agave adds a tangy sweetness and that nice glazed look. If you want a more savory-salty tempeh bacon, simply reduce the agave syrup. Tempeh bacon is incredibly easy to adjust to your salty-sweet preference...as well as whatever meal you are serving it with.
~Kathy
Kathy says
Salty-Sweet-Savory Note:
I received a comment that the bacon was too sweet for one eater. Yes this is a 'salty-sweet' facon. The agave adds a tangy sweetness and that nice glazed look. If you want a more savory-salty tempeh bacon, simply reduce the agave syrup. Tempeh bacon is incredibly easy to adjust to your salty-sweet preference...as well as whatever meal you are serving it with.
~Kathy
Kathy says
Salty-Sweet-Savory Note:I received a comment that the bacon was too sweet for one eater. Yes this is a 'salty-sweet' facon. The agave adds a tangy sweetness and that nice glazed look. If you want a more savory-salty tempeh bacon, simply reduce the agave syrup. Tempeh bacon is incredibly easy to adjust to your salty-sweet preference...as well as whatever meal you are serving it with.~Kathy
Kathy says
Salty-Sweet-Savory Note:
I received a comment that the bacon was too sweet for one eater. Yes this is a 'salty-sweet' facon. The agave adds a tangy sweetness and that nice glazed look. If you want a more savory-salty tempeh bacon, simply reduce the agave syrup. Tempeh bacon is incredibly easy to adjust to your salty-sweet preference...as well as whatever meal you are serving it with.
~Kathy
LuvMyLanaLoo says
I am so glad I found this recipe! It is far superior to other tempeh bacon recipes I've tried (and store bought) that are just too tart and not very savory. I admit, I make some modifications for my tastes. I decrease the maple syrup just a bit (I LOVE the addition, but it's a little too overpowering) and add about a clove of FRESH garlic... mmmm... great on a BLT wrap with spinach!
Thanks for posting!
LuvMyLanaLoo says
I am so glad I found this recipe! It is far superior to other tempeh bacon recipes I've tried (and store bought) that are just too tart and not very savory. I admit, I make some modifications for my tastes. I decrease the maple syrup just a bit (I LOVE the addition, but it's a little too overpowering) and add about a clove of FRESH garlic... mmmm... great on a BLT wrap with spinach!
Thanks for posting!
LuvMyLanaLoo says
I am so glad I found this recipe! It is far superior to other tempeh bacon recipes I've tried (and store bought) that are just too tart and not very savory. I admit, I make some modifications for my tastes. I decrease the maple syrup just a bit (I LOVE the addition, but it's a little too overpowering) and add about a clove of FRESH garlic... mmmm... great on a BLT wrap with spinach! Thanks for posting!
LuvMyLanaLoo says
I am so glad I found this recipe! It is far superior to other tempeh bacon recipes I've tried (and store bought) that are just too tart and not very savory. I admit, I make some modifications for my tastes. I decrease the maple syrup just a bit (I LOVE the addition, but it's a little too overpowering) and add about a clove of FRESH garlic... mmmm... great on a BLT wrap with spinach!
Thanks for posting!
Atsuko says
This was amazing kathy!! I had it on the side with the pasta I cooked tonight. I am in tempeh heaven now. Thank you!
Atsuko says
This was amazing kathy!! I had it on the side with the pasta I cooked tonight. I am in tempeh heaven now. Thank you!
Atsuko says
This was amazing kathy!! I had it on the side with the pasta I cooked tonight. I am in tempeh heaven now. Thank you!
Atsuko says
This was amazing kathy!! I had it on the side with the pasta I cooked tonight. I am in tempeh heaven now. Thank you!
Kathy says
Ricki,
A tip on how to get it that thin...well I honestly just slice it as thin as I can-without it falling to pieces in the pan. Here is one tip: Sometimes I will drop the DRY sliced thin tempeh in a cold saute pan and then add the marinade to the pan, then cook it. (Rather than soaking the tempeh in a bowl and transferring to the hot pan.)
A dry tempeh slice is much easier to transfer than a wet (marinated) tempeh strip.
Hope that helps a bit. Practice makes perfect...
Kathy
Kathy says
Ricki,
A tip on how to get it that thin...well I honestly just slice it as thin as I can-without it falling to pieces in the pan. Here is one tip: Sometimes I will drop the DRY sliced thin tempeh in a cold saute pan and then add the marinade to the pan, then cook it. (Rather than soaking the tempeh in a bowl and transferring to the hot pan.)
A dry tempeh slice is much easier to transfer than a wet (marinated) tempeh strip.
Hope that helps a bit. Practice makes perfect...
Kathy
Kathy says
Ricki,A tip on how to get it that thin...well I honestly just slice it as thin as I can-without it falling to pieces in the pan. Here is one tip: Sometimes I will drop the DRY sliced thin tempeh in a cold saute pan and then add the marinade to the pan, then cook it. (Rather than soaking the tempeh in a bowl and transferring to the hot pan.) A dry tempeh slice is much easier to transfer than a wet (marinated) tempeh strip.Hope that helps a bit. Practice makes perfect...Kathy
Kathy says
Ricki,
A tip on how to get it that thin...well I honestly just slice it as thin as I can-without it falling to pieces in the pan. Here is one tip: Sometimes I will drop the DRY sliced thin tempeh in a cold saute pan and then add the marinade to the pan, then cook it. (Rather than soaking the tempeh in a bowl and transferring to the hot pan.)
A dry tempeh slice is much easier to transfer than a wet (marinated) tempeh strip.
Hope that helps a bit. Practice makes perfect...
Kathy
Ricki says
I just had tempeh bacon for breakfast yesterday and wish I'd seen yours first! I can't believe how thinly you managed to slice it--any tips on how to get it that thin?
Ricki says
I just had tempeh bacon for breakfast yesterday and wish I'd seen yours first! I can't believe how thinly you managed to slice it--any tips on how to get it that thin?
Ricki says
I just had tempeh bacon for breakfast yesterday and wish I'd seen yours first! I can't believe how thinly you managed to slice it--any tips on how to get it that thin?
Ricki says
I just had tempeh bacon for breakfast yesterday and wish I'd seen yours first! I can't believe how thinly you managed to slice it--any tips on how to get it that thin?
sarah calder says
Looks pretty delicious...I would love to give it a try. Have you ever tried baking it? I have always baked my bacon since I hate the grease, so I just wondered if you thought this was a possibility...amazing creativity as always 🙂
sarah calder says
Looks pretty delicious...I would love to give it a try. Have you ever tried baking it? I have always baked my bacon since I hate the grease, so I just wondered if you thought this was a possibility...amazing creativity as always 🙂
sarah calder says
Looks pretty delicious...I would love to give it a try. Have you ever tried baking it? I have always baked my bacon since I hate the grease, so I just wondered if you thought this was a possibility...amazing creativity as always 🙂
sarah calder says
Looks pretty delicious...I would love to give it a try. Have you ever tried baking it? I have always baked my bacon since I hate the grease, so I just wondered if you thought this was a possibility...amazing creativity as always 🙂
Tracy Warner says
Hey Kathy --
Sorry my comment was confusing! haha I tried these tonight and they were A-mazing. Loved it and so did the hubby. Mine were a bit thicker, but I was putting it on a sandwich so it worked well.
Thanks for the awesome recipe!!
-- Tracy
Tracy Warner says
Hey Kathy --
Sorry my comment was confusing! haha I tried these tonight and they were A-mazing. Loved it and so did the hubby. Mine were a bit thicker, but I was putting it on a sandwich so it worked well.
Thanks for the awesome recipe!!
-- Tracy
Tracy Warner says
Hey Kathy --Sorry my comment was confusing! haha I tried these tonight and they were A-mazing. Loved it and so did the hubby. Mine were a bit thicker, but I was putting it on a sandwich so it worked well. Thanks for the awesome recipe!!-- Tracy
Tracy Warner says
Hey Kathy --
Sorry my comment was confusing! haha I tried these tonight and they were A-mazing. Loved it and so did the hubby. Mine were a bit thicker, but I was putting it on a sandwich so it worked well.
Thanks for the awesome recipe!!
-- Tracy
Hillary says
Wow - bacon for all! Nice! The Jew in me appreciates this 🙂
Hillary
Chew on That
Hillary says
Wow - bacon for all! Nice! The Jew in me appreciates this 🙂
Hillary
Chew on That
Hillary says
Wow - bacon for all! Nice! The Jew in me appreciates this :)HillaryChew on That
Hillary says
Wow - bacon for all! Nice! The Jew in me appreciates this 🙂
Hillary
Chew on That
Kathy says
Tracy,
Haha. At first I thought this was a mean comment! Dirty and Greasy doesn't sound to yummy or healthy. But I guess bacon should be kinda greasy huh? If you want less greasy-just use a paper towel to dry. But as is, this facon is AMAZING! I hope you try it.
...and much cheaper to make it yourself than buy the pre-made vegan bacon!
Thanks for the comment
Kathy
Kathy says
Tracy,
Haha. At first I thought this was a mean comment! Dirty and Greasy doesn't sound to yummy or healthy. But I guess bacon should be kinda greasy huh? If you want less greasy-just use a paper towel to dry. But as is, this facon is AMAZING! I hope you try it.
...and much cheaper to make it yourself than buy the pre-made vegan bacon!
Thanks for the comment
Kathy
Kathy says
Tracy,Haha. At first I thought this was a mean comment! Dirty and Greasy doesn't sound to yummy or healthy. But I guess bacon should be kinda greasy huh? If you want less greasy-just use a paper towel to dry. But as is, this facon is AMAZING! I hope you try it. ...and much cheaper to make it yourself than buy the pre-made vegan bacon!Thanks for the commentKathy
Kathy says
Tracy,
Haha. At first I thought this was a mean comment! Dirty and Greasy doesn't sound to yummy or healthy. But I guess bacon should be kinda greasy huh? If you want less greasy-just use a paper towel to dry. But as is, this facon is AMAZING! I hope you try it.
...and much cheaper to make it yourself than buy the pre-made vegan bacon!
Thanks for the comment
Kathy
Tracy Warner says
These look like the greasy, dirty bacon I remember.
I buy those boxed fake bacon strips and they're good, but they aren't greasy enough. Too dry.
These look amazing. Trying this soon.
Tracy Warner says
These look like the greasy, dirty bacon I remember.
I buy those boxed fake bacon strips and they're good, but they aren't greasy enough. Too dry.
These look amazing. Trying this soon.
Tracy Warner says
These look like the greasy, dirty bacon I remember.I buy those boxed fake bacon strips and they're good, but they aren't greasy enough. Too dry. These look amazing. Trying this soon.
Tracy Warner says
These look like the greasy, dirty bacon I remember.
I buy those boxed fake bacon strips and they're good, but they aren't greasy enough. Too dry.
These look amazing. Trying this soon.