Brown Sugar Tempeh Bacon brings smoky flavor, crisp edges, and a sweet-savory finish. Serve with a plant-based breakfast casserole, crumble over loaded baked potatoes, or layer into a sandwich or wrap.
Homemade Tempeh Bacon Recipe
Smoky, savory, and lightly sweet, this plant-based bacon is full of umami flavor and crisp edges that make it a flavorful addition to any vegan breakfast plate, sandwich, or salad. While no one is going to confuse this for traditional bacon, the flavor of vegan tempeh bacon is bold, balanced, and satisfying in its own way.
As a home cook who has been creating plant-based and vegetarian meals for over 13 years, I focus on recipes that are simple to prepare and use familiar ingredients in thoughtful ways. This vegan bacon recipe uses tempeh—a fermented soy product and a great source of plant-based protein—sliced thin and baked in a smoky-sweet marinade until lightly caramelized.
How to Make a Vegan BLTA Sandwich
Great as a work-from-home lunch or a quick sandwich option:
- Layer smoky tempeh bacon onto grainy wheat bread with fresh lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a simple, satisfying plant-based sandwich. The sweet and savory flavor of the tempeh pairs especially well with the creaminess of the avocado and the crunch of the lettuce. Use toasted whole grain bread slices to add structure and texture, and keep the ingredients balanced with a light spread of vegan mayonnaise or mustard.
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Tempeh Bacon
You will need the following:
- Dark Brown Sugar – Adds depth and a touch of molasses flavor. Compared to maple syrup, brown sugar brings a more concentrated sweetness and thicker texture for better caramelization.
- Vegetable Oil – Helps carry the flavors of the marinade and gives the tempeh a lightly crisp finish around the edges.
- Soy Sauce – The salty, umami flavor complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Liquid Smoke – For classic aroma and smoky flavor.
- Garlic Salt – Adds a savory backbone and keeps the seasoning balanced.
- Smoked Paprika – Reinforces the smoky flavor and adds a little color.
- Tempeh – This firm, nutty fermented soy product is a great source of plant-based protein that holds up well to slicing and marinating. One package of tempeh yields 22-24 tempeh bacon strips.
- Black Pepper – Sprinkled at the end for a sharp finish.
How to Make Sweet and Smoky Tempeh Bacon
STEP ONE: Prepare the marinade.In a small bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, vegetable oil, soy sauce, liquid smoke, garlic salt, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust as needed.
STEP TWO: Marinate the tempeh.Lay the sliced tempeh in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the slices and turn them gently to coat. Let sit for 30 minutes.
STEP THREE: Preheat the oven.While the tempeh marinates, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.
STEP FOUR: Bake.Transfer the tempeh slices to the prepared sheet pan, arranging in a single layer with space between each piece. Reserve the marinade.Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven, flip each piece, and brush with reserved marinade. Bake for another 15 minutes.
STEP FIVE: Finish and serve.Brush with any remaining marinade and season with black pepper to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Stovetop Option: Set a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, arrange the marinated tempeh slices in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and lightly crisp, brushing with reserved marinade as they cook.
Storage and Reheating
Tempeh bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through. It can also be enjoyed cold, depending on how it’s served.
More Vegan Recipes You’ll Love!
Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for being part of our home cooking community!
Follow This Wife Cooks on Flipboard | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Shop | YouTube
Brown Sugar Tempeh Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 8-ounce package plain tempeh, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, vegetable oil, soy sauce, liquid smoke, garlic salt, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Lay the sliced tempeh in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the slices and turn them gently to coat. Let sit for 30 minutes.
- While the tempeh marinates, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Transfer the tempeh slices to the prepared sheet pan, arranging in a single layer with space between each piece. Reserve the marinade.Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven, flip each piece, and brush with reserved marinade. Bake for another 15 minutes.
- Brush with any remaining marinade and season with black pepper to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Stovetop Option:
- To make Brown Sugar Tempeh Bacon on the stovetop, set a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, arrange the marinated tempeh slices in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and lightly crisp, brushing with reserved marinade as they cook.
Nutrition
Leave a Reply