Name: Maple Tempeh Bacon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 oz. (227 grams) of tempeh; 3 tablespoons of GF tamari; 3 tablespoons of water (divided); 2 teaspoons of hickory liquid smoke (all natural concentrated); 1 tablespoon of maple syrup (more if desired)

Maple Tempeh Bacon (oil-free vegan bacon)

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When my daughter, Lizzy, first went vegan, she came home with a very simple way to cook tempeh that solves the “funky taste” that some people experience when eating it plain. And that was to cook sliced tempeh in tamari. GF tamari, is similar to soy sauce, but has a richer, milder flavor. (Click here to read more about the difference between tamari and soy sauce.)

The tempeh soaks up all that umami flavor like a sponge, transforming it into a salty, meaty slice that’s full of plant-based protein. Liquid smoke seemed like a natural companion to add along with savory tamari. And, boom, tempeh bacon became a staple in our household. It’s pretty hard to improve on tempeh bacon, but brushing the sides with maple syrup definitely gives it a sweet finishing touch.

This oil-free recipe uses water instead of oil to keep the tempeh from drying out in the pan. Don’t worry, your vegan bacon will be packed full of flavor, as the tamari and liquid smoke absorb completely into the tempeh, even without marinating. Once you discover how easy and delicious it is to make, I have a feeling it will be come a staple in your household too!

The beautiful cookware set in the photos was kindly gifted by Phantom Chef

Ingredients for Maple Tempeh Bacon

maple tempeh bacon ingredients — Ingredients:

8 oz. (227 grams) of tempeh
3 tablespoons of GF tamari
3 tablespoons of water (divided)
2 teaspoons of hickory liquid smoke (all natural concentrated)
1 tablespoon of maple syrup (more if desired)
**Makes 18 strips of maple tempeh bacon**

Method for making Maple Tempeh Bacon

maple tempeh bacon slices before cooking — Step One:

1. Cut your block of tempeh into ¼ inch slices (horizontally). This is the perfect thickness for tempeh bacon. If it’s cut too thin, it will break as you flip it over and move it around. If it is too thick, the flavors won’t absorb all the way through.

maple tempeh bacon with tamari sauce — Step Two:

2. Add your strips of tempeh to a large, non-stick frying pan, over medium-high heat. Combine the tamari with 1 tablespoon of water. Pour the tamari over the tempeh, making sure that all the pieces are well coated.

maple tempeh bacon tamari sautee — Step Three:

3. Sauté until all the liquid is absorbed, about 3 minutes. Flip the tempeh strips over and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of water.

maple tempeh bacon, cooking the second side — Step Four:

4. Continue to sauté until all the liquid is absorbed, but the tempeh is not dried out, about 3 more minutes. If the liquid absorbs too quickly, sprinkle on a bit more water. This method will help the tamari reach the center of the tempeh.

maple tempeh bacon with liquid smoke — Step Five:

5. Now your tempeh is ready for the liquid smoke. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke on each side for 2 teaspoons total. Test for smokiness and add more, if you like, for a deeper smokey flavor. Liquid smoke is a heavy-handed flavoring, so go lightly at first.

maple tempeh bacon brushed with maple syrup — Step Six:

Brush the tempeh with maple syrup or skip this step for a sugar free tempeh bacon.

Enjoy as a savory, flavorful addition to any recipe or all by itself!

More savory recipes to fall in love with:

Classic Tofu Scramble

Tomato Basil Spaghetti Sauce

Creamy Cashew Chickpea Curry

Did you make this recipe? Share it with a friend and lemme know how you liked it in the comments below! I also love seeing your creations on Instagram. You can tag me @vegeta.full.

Printable Recipe Card:

Maple Tempeh Bacon

Yield: 18 strips of tempeh bacon

Author: Carol Clayton

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 15 Min

Vegan bacon? Yes please! Tempeh soaks up all the umami flavor of the tamari and liquid smoke like a sponge, transforming it into a salty, meaty slice that’s full of plant-based protein. Brush the sides with maple syrup to give it a sweet finishing touch.

Ingredients

8 oz. (227 grams) of tempeh
3 tablespoons of GF tamari
3 tablespoons of water (divided)
2 teaspoons of hickory liquid smoke (all natural concentrated)
1 tablespoon of maple syrup (more if desired)

Instructions

Cut your block of tempeh into ¼ inch slices (horizontally). This is the perfect thickness for tempeh bacon. If it’s cut too thin, it will break as you flip it over and move it around. If it is too thick, the flavors won’t absorb all the way through.
Add your strips of tempeh to a large, non-stick frying pan, over medium-high heat. Combine the tamari with 1 tablespoon of water. Pour the tamari over the tempeh, making sure that all the pieces are well coated.
Sauté until all the liquid is absorbed, about 3 minutes. Flip the tempeh strips over and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of water.
Continue to sauté until all the liquid is absorbed, but the tempeh is not dried out, about 3 more minutes. If the liquid absorbs too quickly, sprinkle on a bit more water. This method will help the tamari reach the center of the tempeh.
Now your tempeh is ready for the liquid smoke. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke on each side for 2 teaspoons total. Test for smokiness and add more, if you like, for a deeper smokey flavor. Liquid smoke is a heavy-handed flavoring, so go lightly at first.
Brush the tempeh with maple syrup or skip this step for a sugar free tempeh bacon.

Calories

29.27

Fat (grams)

1.44

Sat. Fat (grams)

0.43

Carbs (grams)

1.87

Fiber (grams)

0.02

Net carbs

1.85

Sugar (grams)

0.72

Protein (grams)

2.82

Sodium (milligrams)

170.46

Cholesterol (grams)

0.00

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @vegeta.full on instagram and hashtag it #letsblendvegan