Hey! So, I’ve been on this kick lately—trying to find plant-based swaps that actually taste awesome—and that’s how this Smoky Maple-Glazed Tempeh Bacon was born. I wanted something smoky, a little sweet, crispy on the edges, and packed with flavor. And honestly? This one checks all the boxes. It’s super easy to make, totally vegan, and perfect for stacking in sandwiches, tossing on salads, or just snacking straight from the pan (no judgment—I do it too). Let’s get into it!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🌱 Plant-Based Perfection: All the smoky, crispy goodness of bacon—minus the meat. Totally vegan and totally delicious.
⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready in about 25 minutes. Minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
🥓 Crispy, Smoky, Sweet: It’s got that perfect balance—crispy edges, smoky depth, and a touch of maple sweetness.
💪 Protein-Packed: Thanks to tempeh, you’re getting 13g of protein per serving. Tasty and filling.
🌾 Diet-Friendly: Low-carb, gluten-free, dairy-free, AND meal-prep friendly. It’s hitting all the right notes.
🥪 Super Versatile: Pile it in sandwiches, crumble it over salads, or snack on it straight from the pan. No wrong moves here.
💸 Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples + tempeh = deliciousness without breaking the bank.
Basically, it’s the kind of recipe that’ll make you wonder, “Why haven’t I been making this all along?” 😏
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What You’ll Need To Make
Let’s Talk About the Key Ingredients:
🧀 Tempeh: This is the star of the show! Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans, giving it a firm, hearty texture and a natural nuttiness that holds up perfectly when marinated and pan-fried. Plus, it’s packed with protein and gut-friendly goodness—a total win.
🍁 Maple Syrup: For that sweet, sticky glaze that balances out all the smoky flavors. It caramelizes beautifully when cooked, giving the tempeh those slightly crispy, golden edges we all love.
🌾 Tamari: Think of tamari as soy sauce’s gluten-free cousin. It adds that deep, savory umami flavor that makes this “bacon” super satisfying.
🌬️ Liquid Smoke: This is the secret weapon for that classic smoky bacon flavor—without needing an actual smoker. Just a little goes a long way, so don’t go overboard!
🧅 Onion Powder & Smoked Paprika: These two bring the flavor game up a notch. The onion powder adds a subtle savory kick, while the smoked paprika boosts that smoky depth and gives it a pop of color.
🛢️ Toasted Sesame Oil: Nutty, rich, and oh-so-fragrant, this oil adds an earthy undertone that ties all the flavors together.
These simple pantry staples come together to create something way bigger than the sum of its parts. Smoky, sweet, salty, and crispy—what more could you want? 😏
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 25 mins
1| Whip up the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp. olive oil, toasted sesame oil, 1.5 tbsp. maple syrup, 3 tbsp. tamari, 2.5 tsp. liquid smoke, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. onion powder, and 3/4 tsp. smoked paprika. It’s smoky, sweet, and packed with flavor—trust the process!
2| Marinate the tempeh: Pop your thinly sliced tempeh into a Ziploc bag or a shallow dish. Pour that flavorful marinade over the slices, making sure they’re well coated. Let it hang out in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 if you’ve got the time). Flip it around every so often to keep things even.
3| Time to crisp it up: Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Lay half the tempeh slices in a single layer—no overlapping! Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden and crispy. Brush on a bit more marinade before flipping for that sticky-sweet finish.
4| Repeat the magic: Use another 1/2 tbsp. olive oil and cook up the second batch.
✨ Pro Tip: Want that irresistible crisp? Give the slices space—overcrowding the pan is the ultimate crunch killer.
Serve it up in sandwiches, salads, or munch it straight from the pan. Either way, it’s so good. 😋
Glycemic Index: 39 (low) Glycemic Load: 5 (low)
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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
✨ Ingredient Swaps:
1| Tempeh → Tofu: Not a tempeh fan? Use extra-firm tofu! Press it well, slice thin, and follow the same marinade process. It’ll be softer but still so tasty.
2| Tamari → Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: If you don’t need it gluten-free, regular soy sauce works. Or try coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter, lower-sodium option.
3| Maple Syrup → Agave or Brown Sugar: No maple? Agave or a sprinkle of brown sugar will bring that sweet glaze vibe.
4| Liquid Smoke → Smoked Paprika (Extra): Out of liquid smoke? Double up on smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor.
🔥 Cooking Tweaks:
1| Air Fry It: Want it extra crispy? Throw the marinated tempeh in the air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2| Bake It: Prefer hands-off cooking? Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping and brushing with extra marinade halfway.
3| Grill It: Yep, tempeh bacon on the grill! Get those charred edges and a smoky kick—perfect for summer BBQ vibes.
🥪 Fun Flavor Twists:
1| Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or chili flakes to the marinade for heat lovers.
2| Maple-Mustard Glaze: Stir a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the marinade for a sweet-tangy punch.
3| Smoky BBQ: Swap out half the tamari for your favorite BBQ sauce for a Southern-style twist.
🥗 Ways to Use It:
1| Layer it into a BLT (or a TLT—tempeh, lettuce, tomato!)
2| Crumble it over a Caesar salad for a crispy “bacon” bit vibe
3| Top off avocado toast with crispy strips for extra flavor and crunch
4| Toss it into a grain bowl with veggies and tahini drizzle
Get creative with it! Once you’ve nailed the basics, the flavor combos are endless. 🙌
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Helpful Tips for Success
🔑 Useful Tips for Perfect Smoky Maple-Glazed Tempeh Bacon:
1| Thin Slices = Crispy Bites: Slice your tempeh about 1/8 inch thick for that perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers. Too thick, and it won’t crisp up; too thin, and it might burn fast.
2| Steam the Tempeh First (Optional but Awesome): If you find tempeh a bit bitter, steam it for 10 minutes before marinating. It softens the flavor and helps it soak up the marinade even better.
3| Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the tempeh chill in the marinade for at least 1 hour, but if you’ve got time, overnight is a game-changer. The longer it soaks, the smokier and more flavorful it gets.
4| Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying, keep the tempeh slices in a single layer. Overcrowding = steaming instead of crisping. Give them space to get those golden, crispy edges.
5| Brush with Marinade While Cooking: Before flipping, brush on a bit more marinade for an extra sticky, flavorful glaze. It’s the little things that make a big difference!
6| Watch That Heat: Medium heat is your best friend here. Too hot, and the maple syrup might burn; too low, and you’ll miss out on the crispiness.
7| Save That Marinade: Don’t toss it! You can drizzle it over the cooked tempeh or even use it as a sauce for grain bowls or stir-fries.
8| Crisp It Up More (If Needed): If you want extra crunch, pop the cooked tempeh in the oven at 400°F for 5 minutes or toss it in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
9| Meal Prep Friendly: This tempeh bacon stores like a champ. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan or air fryer to bring back the crisp.
10| Customize the Flavor: Like it smokier? Add more liquid smoke. Want it sweeter? Drizzle on extra maple syrup while cooking. You’re the boss here! 💥
With these tips, you’ll have crispy, smoky, maple-glazed goodness every single time. 🙌🥓✨
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Serving Ideas
🍽️ Tasty Serving Ideas for Smoky Maple-Glazed Tempeh Bacon:
🥪 Sandwich Goals:
1| Vegan BLT (TLT): Swap out bacon for tempeh in a classic BLT—layer with lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and creamy vegan mayo on toasted sourdough.
2| Breakfast Sandwich: Stack it with scrambled tofu, avocado, and a drizzle of hot sauce on an English muffin or bagel. Instant brunch vibes.
3| BBQ Tempeh Wrap: Roll it up with fresh greens, crunchy slaw, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy kick.
🥗 Salad Power-Ups:
1| Crispy “Bacon” Bits: Chop it up and sprinkle over Caesar salads, grain bowls, or pasta salads for extra crunch and flavor.
2| Maple Tempeh Cobb: Add it to a big salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, corn, and vegan ranch. It’s hearty, colorful, and super satisfying.
🍳 Breakfast & Brunch Faves:
1| Tempeh Bacon & Pancakes: Go sweet and savory—pile the crispy tempeh next to fluffy pancakes or waffles, with a drizzle of maple syrup over everything.
2| Tofu Scramble Sidekick: Serve it alongside a loaded tofu scramble for a protein-packed breakfast that keeps you full all morning.
3| Avocado Toast Upgrade: Top your avo toast with crispy tempeh strips, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lemon. Simple but next-level.
🌯 Bowls & Bites:
1| Buddha Bowls: Layer it over quinoa or brown rice with roasted veggies, greens, and a drizzle of tahini. Perfect for meal prep.
2| Loaded Baked Potatoes: Crumble tempeh bacon over baked potatoes with vegan sour cream and green onions for ultimate comfort food.
3| Tempeh “Bacon” Bites: Serve it on toothpicks with cherry tomatoes and basil for a fun, snackable party appetizer.
🥖 Snack & Party Time:
1| Charcuterie Board Addition: Include tempeh bacon strips with vegan cheeses, olives, nuts, and fresh fruit for a unique, smoky twist.
2| Tempeh Bacon Dip: Chop it up and mix into a creamy vegan ranch or onion dip. Perfect with crackers or veggie sticks.
No matter how you serve it, this smoky-sweet tempeh bacon is bound to steal the show. 😋✨
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Drink Pairings
🍷 Wine Pairings:
1| Pinot Noir: Its light body and fruity notes balance the smoky-sweet flavors of the tempeh without overpowering it.
2| Zinfandel: The bold, jammy flavors pair beautifully with the smokiness and maple glaze, making it a hearty match.
3| Chenin Blanc: A slightly off-dry Chenin Blanc offers a crisp, fruity contrast that cuts through the richness of the tempeh.
4| Rosé: A dry rosé’s acidity and subtle berry notes complement the smoky and sweet flavors perfectly—plus, it’s super refreshing.
🍹 Non-Alcoholic Sips:
1| Smoky Maple Lemonade: A classic lemonade with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dash of smoked paprika for a playful twist that mirrors the tempeh’s flavors.
2| Iced Hibiscus Tea: Its tartness balances the sweet maple glaze while its floral notes keep things light and fresh.
3| Ginger Kombucha: The tangy, effervescent kick from kombucha pairs well with the smoky depth of the tempeh and aids digestion.
4| Citrus Sparkler: Mix sparkling water with fresh orange and lime juice for a zesty, bubbly refresher that cuts through the smokiness.
☕ Coffee & Brunch Favorites:
1| Cold Brew Coffee: Its bold, slightly bitter notes are a great contrast to the sweet maple glaze—plus, perfect for brunch!
2| Chai Latte (Iced or Hot): The warm spices in chai beautifully complement the smoky-sweet flavors while adding a cozy, aromatic vibe.
3| Maple Almond Milk Latte: A subtle nod to the maple in the tempeh—smooth, creamy, and a little sweet without being overpowering.
Whether you’re going for a boozy brunch or a casual lunch, these drink pairings will take your tempeh bacon experience to the next level. Cheers! 🥳✨
Storage Options
🥡 How to Store & Reheat Smoky Maple-Glazed Tempeh Bacon:
🌟 Storing Leftovers:
Fridge:
- Let the tempeh bacon cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container or wrap in foil.
- Keeps fresh for up to 4-5 days.
Freezer:
- Arrange cooked tempeh slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour (prevents sticking).
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Store for up to 2 months.
- Tip: Place parchment paper between layers to make grabbing single slices easy.
♨️ Reheating for That Fresh-Cooked Vibe:
Skillet (Best for Crispiness):
- Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Reheat tempeh slices for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through and crispy again.
Oven:
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Place tempeh on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer:
- Air fry at 375°F for 4-5 minutes until hot and crispy.
Microwave (Quickest, but Less Crispy):
- Place tempeh on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 30-45 seconds.
💡 Bonus Tip:
- Got extra marinade? Store it separately in a small container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Use it to brush over the tempeh when reheating for an extra flavor boost!
With these storage tips, you can enjoy smoky tempeh bacon all week long—perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or midnight snacks. 😎🥓✨
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Final Thoughts
And that’s a wrap! Crispy, smoky, sweet tempeh bacon—done in under 30 minutes and ready to level up anything you throw it on. I’m telling you, once you try this, it’ll be one of those recipes you keep coming back to. Got any fun twists or ways you’d use it? Drop them in the comments—I’m always up for trying something new. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Now go make some tempeh bacon and thank me later. 😉
Recipe Card
Smoky Maple-Glazed Tempeh Bacon
🌱🔥 Craving that smoky bacon flavor without the meat? My Smoky Maple-Glazed Tempeh Bacon hits all the right notes—sweet, smoky, and crispy in every bite. Quick to make, totally vegan, and perfect for meal prep or weekend brunches!
Ingredients
For the marinade
Instructions
-
Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine olive oil, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, tablespoons tamari, liquid smoke, salt, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk until the mixture is well blended. -
Marinade the Tempeh:
Arrange the thinly sliced tempeh in a Ziploc bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the tempeh, ensuring all slices are evenly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 1 to 8 hours, flipping the tempeh occasionally to allow for even absorption of the marinade. -
Cook the Tempeh:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place half of the marinated tempeh slices in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side or until the edges are golden and crisp, brushing with additional marinade before flipping. -
Finish Cooking:
Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the pan and repeat the cooking process with the remaining tempeh slices. -
Tip:
To achieve optimal crispness, avoid overcrowding the pan during cooking. -
Enjoy:
Serve warm as a protein-rich topping for salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls, or enjoy as a flavorful snack.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 258kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Sodium 767mg32%
- Total Carbohydrate 11g4%
- Dietary Fiber 0.2g1%
- Sugars 7.7g
- Protein 13g26%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
