Smoky, crispy tempeh bacon marinated in maple syrup, tamari, and smoked paprika. Not trying to be bacon. Doesn't need to be. Ready in 30 minutes, three cooking instrcutions to choose from: stovetop, air fryer, or oven.
8 ounces 225 g tempeh, cut legthwise into 1/4-inch slices (see note)
Categories
Breakfast
Brunch
Side Dish
Cuisine
American
Steps
Stovetop: In a wide shallow bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, tamari, olive oil, and smoked paprika. Add the tempeh slices and marinate for at least 20 minutes and up to an hour. Preheat a large nonstick pan over medium heat (cast iron preferred). Spray with a little cooking spray. Pan-fry the tempeh in a single layer for about 10 minutes, until slightly blackened in some spots, flipping occasionally with a thin metal spatula and adding splashes of marinade as you cook. Serve warm or chilled.
Air Fryer: Marinate as above. Air fry at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Great for crispy edges without babysitting the stovetop.
Oven: Marinate as above. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. A little less color than the stovetop but completely hands-off.
Reviews
Karen on 2026-06-19 (5 stars): I made this to create the Chickpea Salad BLTs per your suggestion in that recipe. So good as salad leftovers too!
