Tempeh is growing in popularity for its fabulous protein content and overall nutritional profile, including a generous dose of fiber. Today’s recipe is all about giving that tempeh a rich, savory flavor that will take your BLT to the next level, both in taste and in keeping you full.

Maple Tempeh “Bacon” 

Makes about 22-24 tempeh strips

INGREDIENTS

• 1 8oz package of tempeh

• 1.5 tbsp avocado oil (or other neutral oil)

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 2.5 tbsp soy sauce

• Pinch of salt and pepper

• ¼ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Slice the tempeh into strips, no more than ¼” wide. 

2. Line a pan with parchment paper and set your strips on the paper. 

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, spices and liquid smoke. 

4. Brush the marinade onto the tempeh strips. Flip the tempeh strips and brush the other side. Allow to sit and marinate for 10-15 minutes.

5. Preheat the air fryer to 400 (or your oven).

6. Bake the tempeh strips for about 8 minutes. Turn the strips over and brush with the remaining marinade. Bake for another 5-6 minutes or until lightly crispy. For a conventional oven, your bake time will increase to 10-12 minutes.

7. Assemble your tempeh “bacon” strips onto a sandwich with the rest of your toppings! We layered up vegan cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado and vegan mayo with our tempeh “bacon” for the full sandwich experience.