Smoky Maple Tempeh Strips
In short: Thin tempeh slices marinated in maple, tamari and smoked paprika, then pan-fried until crisp at the edges. A vegan bacon-style side for breakfast. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 205 kcal
Thinly sliced tempeh takes on smoke and sweetness from a short marinade and crisps up in a skillet in minutes. These strips stand in for bacon in breakfast sandwiches, but they also work in salads, grain bowls and wraps. A quick simmer before marinating removes any bitterness and opens the texture so the flavors soak in. Make a double batch, because they reheat well and disappear fast.
Instructions
- Simmer the whole block of tempeh in a pan of water for 10 minutes. Lift it out, pat it dry and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Slice the tempeh across into 24 thin strips, about 3 mm (1/8 inch) thick. A sharp knife and a steady hand help here.
- Whisk the tamari, maple syrup, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, pepper and liquid smoke, if using, in a shallow dish. Lay the strips in the marinade, turn to coat and leave for 15 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the frying oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry half of the strips for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until browned and crisp at the edges.
- Pour a little of the remaining marinade into the pan for the final 30 seconds so it caramelizes around the strips. Lift them onto a plate.
- Wipe the pan, add the remaining oil and cook the second batch the same way. Serve warm.
Tips
- Slice the strips thin and even. Thick ones stay soft in the middle, while very thin ones turn to crisps and can burn.
- Bake the strips on a lined tray at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes, turning once, if you want to cook a large batch without standing at the stove.
Questions and answers
What can I make with tempeh bacon?
Use it in a breakfast sandwich, a tomato and lettuce sandwich, crumbled over salad or soup, or folded into scrambled tofu or pasta.
How long do the strips keep?
Store cooked strips in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm them in a dry skillet for a minute per side to crisp them again.
Do I have to simmer the tempeh first?
It is not essential, but a short simmer mellows the slight bitterness and softens the block so it slices cleanly and absorbs the marinade.
How long does it take to make Smoky Maple Tempeh Strips?
About 35 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Smoky Maple Tempeh Strips?
About 205 kcal per serving, with 12 g of protein, 9 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 205 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 460 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
