A savory, crispy tempeh bacon that’s perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or a snack.
What is Tempeh?
Tempeh has been in Indonesian cooking for hundreds of years. It is made from fermented soybeans! The natural fermentation process of using a legume, starter culture, and water, binds the soybeans into a block form. Because of this fermentation, tempeh is high in nutrients and easy for our guts to digest. It's a wonderful complete protein that also has B-12, which makes it a great meat replacement!
What Are The Health Benefits of Eating Tempeh?
- High Protein Content: Tempeh is rich in protein, providing all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.
- Fiber and Vitamins: It contains dietary fiber, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals like magnesium and iron.
- Probiotics: The fermentation process introduces beneficial probiotics, which can support gut health.
How to Make Easy Tempeh Bacon with Simple Ingredients
We love to keep this recipe simple by not even mixing the sauce ingredients beforehand. Cook the tempeh without any seasoning first. Just oil the pan and fry the tempeh for a minute or two on each side. Once it's a little golden we add the ingredients one-by-one into the pan with the tempeh. It's quick and simple, plus easy clean up since all you will dirty is a pan and probably a cutting board and knife.
For an even easier clean up, use the same recipe to make a tempeh crumble. Simply use your hands to crumble the tempeh onto the pan! Tempeh crumble makes a great meat replacement in tacos.
Serving Suggestions
- Split pea soup with smokey tempeh crumble.
- A side to tofu scramble.
- As a crumble for loaded nachos or fries. Instead of slicing the tempeh, just crumble it with your hands.
- In a refreshing sandwich, with fresh tomato, spinach, and a mash of avocado and mayo. (pictured above).
Equipment
- 1 Pan
Ingredients
- 1 block tempeh
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp oil or more for sauteing
Instructions
- Cut tempeh block into strips or crumble with your hands.
- Heat a little oil in the pan at medium-high.
- Once the oil is hot, add the tempeh. Cook until lightly golden brown (approximately 1-2 minutes on each side).
- Add the soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika to the tempeh and mix together in the pan. You can measure ahead of time and pour the mixture in, or just add the ingredients directly into the pan with the tempeh.
- Once it's all combined and cooked to your liking, remove from heat and serve!
