I really don’t know why I haven’t talked about how to make tempeh bacon before. I love tempeh, and this is a great recipe to start with if you’re not sure how to cook it at home.
Keep tempeh in the fridge for a long time because it’s a fermented product that keeps well. It’s also a great source of fiber. If you’re following a plant-based diet or just want to try something new, I highly recommend trying tempeh.
Let’s start with the basics. Tempeh is a plant-based protein made of cooked soybeans that have been fermented. Because of the fermentation process, the soybeans are shaped into a cake or patty that you can buy at the store.
There are some differences between tempeh and tofu. Tempeh is less processed and fermented than tofu. It has a stronger flavor and a bit more texture. The flavor is usually described as nutty or earthy, but there are different varieties with subtle taste differences.
After trying a lot of different kinds of tempeh, Lightlife is my favorite because it’s organic, doesn’t contain GMOs, and is easy to find in most stores.
To make tempeh bacon, you only need a few common spices and liquid smoke.
Lightlife tempeh bacon is a tasty plant-based alternative to regular pork bacon. Made from organic soy tempeh seasoned with smoky flavors, it provides a crispy savory way to add protein to breakfasts, sandwiches salads and more without the cholesterol and saturated fat of regular bacon.
With a few simple tricks, you can cook Lightlife tempeh bacon so it’s perfectly browned and crisp every time. Here’s a complete guide to mastering this versatile veggie bacon.
A Quick Overview of Tempeh
Before diving into the cooking methods, let’s look briefly at what tempeh is. Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans that are pressed into a firm, dense cake. It originated in Indonesia and has a nutty, mushroom-like flavor.
The fermentation process boosts the protein content and makes tempeh more easily digestible than unfermented soybeans. When seasoned and cooked, it takes on a meaty, bacon-like texture while remaining 100% plant based.
Why Choose Lightlife Tempeh Bacon?
Lightlife is one of the major brands for meat alternatives in the U.S. Their tempeh bacon contains organic soybeans and all organic seasonings.
It’s an excellent source of protein without cholesterol. It also contains good fats from olive oil and coconut oil and provides iron, calcium and B vitamins.
The hickory smoke and umami flavor make it taste remarkably similar to pork bacon when cooked. Let’s look at the best cooking methods.
Baking Lightlife Tempeh Bacon
Baking is one of the easiest ways to prepare Lightlife tempeh bacon with excellent results:
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Arrange tempeh strips in a single layer on the sheet.
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Brush lightly with oil or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Bake for 10-15 minutes flipping halfway through until browned and sizzling.
Baking gives the tempeh crispy edges and warms the inside without drying it out. Try baking longer for crunchier bacon.
Sautéing for Crispiness
For faster results, sauté Lightlife tempeh bacon in a skillet:
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Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
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Add tempeh strips in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd.
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Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and crispy.
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Lower heat if browning too quickly.
The direct pan contact crisps up the edges nicely while warming the interior.
Grilling for Smoky Flavor
Grilling tempeh bacon adds delicious smoky notes:
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Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high.
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Brush tempeh with oil or marinade to prevent sticking.
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Grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
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Flip carefully with tongs or spatula.
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Remove when grill marks appear and edges are crisped.
The smoky grill flavor pairs perfectly with the hickory-seasoned tempeh.
Deep Frying for Maximum Crispness
For an extra crispy texture, deep fry the tempeh bacon:
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Heat oil to 375°F in a deep pot. Use enough to submerge tempeh.
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Fry tempeh strips for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
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Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
Deep frying makes the tempeh crispy on all sides. Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
How to Tell When It’s Done
Check for these signs to know when Lightlife tempeh bacon is fully cooked:
- Golden brown color on both sides
- Crispy, crunchy texture
- Warm and heated through in center
If the tempeh isn’t fried enough, it will be pale, mushy and raw tasting in the middle. Overcooking makes it bitter and dried out.
Aim for an interior temperature of 165°F. This ensures any bacteria are killed and the tempeh is safe to eat.
Serving Suggestions
Lightlife tempeh bacon is endlessly versatile. Here are just a few serving ideas:
- Chopped in salads
- On sandwiches instead of regular bacon
- In baked beans or soups
- Crumble it on pizza or nachos
- Add to omelets, scrambles or frittatas
- Use in carbonara instead of pork
- Turn it into bacon bits for savory dishes
- Wrap around roasted asparagus or other veggies
With the right cooking method, Lightlife tempeh bacon delivers a satisfying crunch and savory flavor. Enjoy it as a healthy, plant-based alternative to regular bacon.
Frequency of entities:
Lightlife tempeh bacon: 27
Tempeh: 16
Bacon: 12
Cook/cooking: 10
Crispy: 5
Plant-based: 3
Smoky: 2
Soy: 2
How to Use Tempeh Bacon
Almost any recipe that calls for bacon can be made with this tempeh bacon. It tastes great on this vegan breakfast sandwich, goes well with these healthy sweet potato skins, and is great on this vegan Cobb salad. Have fun experimenting!.
How to Make Tempeh Bacon
So easy to make, and not nearly as messy as cooking pork bacon, which always leaves grease all over the place.
- Cut the tempeh. First, cut it into 1/4-inch-thick strips or slices.
- Put tamari or soy sauce, oil, maple syrup, liquid smoke, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper in a shallow dish. This is the marinade. Whisk together with a fork.
- Cover the tempeh slices and put them in the marinade. Let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour and up to three hours.
- Bake tempeh bacon – Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Put the tempeh slices that have been marinated on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil or parchment paper. Cover the tempeh with any extra marinade and bake for 15 minutes. Turn each piece of tempeh over and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the tempeh is crispy.
This tempeh bacon can be cooked in a pan or in the oven. I like baking it because it gets crispier.
Lightlife Smoky Tempeh Strips (aka “fakin bacon!)
FAQ
Do you have to cook LightLife tempeh bacon?
How do you cook LightLife tempeh?
Is LightLife tempeh bacon healthy?
Does tempeh bacon taste like bacon?
How to make bacon flavored tempeh?
Tip: Feel free to adjust the seasonings as you get a feel for how to make bacon flavored tempeh. Add more maple for sweeter bacon, or more liquid smoke for smokier bacon. You can even add spices like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor. The following is a detailed photo tutorial on how to make this dish.
Tempeh vs Tofu: Which is healthier?
Tempeh and tofu are both healthy plant based protein options. One is not healthier than the other, they just have different nutritional components. Tofu tends to be flavourless and will take on the flavour of anything it is cooked with. Tofu is made from condensed soy milk. Tempeh on the other hand is made from fermented soybeans and has a slight nutty flavour.
Can you cook tempeh bacon without oil?
Oil-free: You can make this recipe oil-free by subbing in 1 tbsp water for the oil. However, you will need to be a bit more careful about the marinade burning or sticking to your pan. Just keep a close eye on the tempeh bacon and lower the heat if it looks like it is darkening too fast.
How do you cook tempeh Bacon in the oven?
Bake tempeh bacon – Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Arrange the marinated tempeh slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Pour any leftover marinade over the tempeh and bake for 15 minutes. Flip each tempeh piece and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the tempeh is crispy.