Smoky Grilled Tempeh (Vegan Bacon)

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This crispy and smoky grilled tempeh is a delicious substitute for vegan bacon. You’ll definitely want to save this recipe.

Enjoy the umami flavor of bacon, but cruelty-free! I marinated some hearty tempeh in a delicious blend of spices, then got it crispy on the stovetop.

The tempeh has a nice crunch when you bite, and a slightly chewy texture inside — a perfect vegan meat substitute!

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Pair this smoky grilled tempeh with tofu scramble or stacked in a classic BLT (or, just eat it on its own!)

On your next cooking adventure, try our meatless meatballs or browse these meaty vegan recipes.

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Why you’ll love it

Crispy, umami, and smoky flavor
Beginner friendly
Wholesome ingredients
Versatile recipe

You’ll need the following equipment: a bag or container for marinating, measuring utensils, a grill or grill pan, and a spatula.

sliced tempeh in a bowl with ingredients for a marinade

Ingredients needed

Tempeh — round, crunchy quinoa to top off the bars.
Smoky marinade — soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, fresh ginger

Find the exact measurements and our serving suggestions below!

How to make smoky grilled tempeh

Cut the tempeh into ½ inch slices and place in a ziplock freezer bag.
Add soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and ginger into a medium bowl and mix to combine.
Pour the marinade into the bag over the tempeh slices and let rest in the refrigerator overnight.
Once you’re ready to cook, place the tempeh slices on a heated grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for 4 more minutes.

Storage and reheating

Best enjoyed right away! If you have leftovers, let cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

To reheat, saute on a grill or saucepan until warmed through.

Serving suggestions

Our vegan bacon is very versatile! The smoky marinade is incredible for adding flavor to any dish.

Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy our grilled tempeh:

Alongside classic breakfast foods:
- Scrambled vegan eggs
- Tofu scramble
- Pancakes
- French toast
- Crepes (our almond milk crepes are delicious!)
In wraps
In sandwiches
On burgers
Crumbled on top pasta
On loaded potatoes

You can, of course, eat it alone if you prefer!

FAQs & tips

What’s tempeh?

Tempeh is made up of fermented soybeans, pressed together in blocks. It has a slightly nutty taste and has a hearty texture. It’s a very common protein used in vegan recipes! It can take on any flavor you marinate it in.

Do I have to use liquid smoke?

I recommend it! It’s truly magic in a bottle for creating that bacon-like flavor. You can omit it if necessary, but give it a try at least once.

Do I have to marinate the tempeh overnight?

I recommend doing so! Marinating works the best with time—it allows the tempeh to soak up all the delicious flavors.

More faux meat recipes

Did you make our grilled tempeh recipe and enjoy it? We’d love to read about it, so be sure to leave a review and share it in the comments below. You can also Pin this recipe here!

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