Sweet Tempeh Bacon Sandwich

Post image for Sweet Tempeh Bacon Sandwich

by JL Fields on April 5, 2012

I still haven’t gone to the grocery store this week.  Maybe today is the day!  I did, however, pick up some romaine lettuce at Target when shopping for office supplies the other day so, with lettuce as a guaranteed ingredient, I searched the refrigerator and found an unopened package of tempeh and a loaf of spelt bread.  Sandwich!

Sweet Tempeh Bacon Sandwich

by JL goes Vegan: Food & Fitness with a side of Kale

This is an intuitive cooking recipe. Use as much as you like of each ingredient! The steaming step is not necessary; however, I tend to always steam tempeh before using it and, in this case, the “bacon” was particularly succulent.


Ingredients

  • Tempeh (I used a three-grain tempeh)
  • Maple syrup
  • Liquid smoke
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Avocado oil
  • Toast
  • Lettuce
  • Vegan mayonnaise

Instructions

  • Slice the tempeh lengthwise into strips.
  • Steam for a few minutes (I steamed mine for 6 minutes in an electric steamer; you can also steam it in a covered skillet with a bit of water.
  • While the tempeh is steaming, mix the maple syrup, liquid smoke and cayenne pepper (for 5 pieces of tempeh I I used about 1.5 T syrup, a splash of liquid smoke and 2 pinches of cayenne pepper).
  • Heat avocado oil in a skillet on high.
  • Add the steamed tempeh to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-high and drizzle half of the syrup mixture over the tempeh.
  • Cook for 5 minutes, flip the tempeh strips, drizzle the remaining syrup over the tempeh and cook for an addition 3 – 5 minutes.
  • Assemble your sandwich with toasted bread, vegan mayonnaise, lettuce and tempeh (add tomato, if you have it).

Enjoy!

I’ve shared in the past that I don’t love tempeh but I’m growing to like it.  This sweet version is a keeper – and I do swear by steaming it first. What are your tempeh tips and tricks?

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  • Sprint2theTable

    I love tempeh BLTs!  I agree on the need to steam it first.  I’ve made a tempeh “crab” cake with it before that was delish.  It can be as versatile as tofu!

    • http://jlgoesvegan.com JL

      I wish I had the “t” today! Stocked up tomatoes this afternoon. :) A tempeh crab cake sounds divine!

  • haley

    I LOVE tempeh – it’s one of my favorite foods, I really enjoy the nutty flavor so no steaming first for me!!

    • http://jlgoesvegan.com JL

      I’m trying really hard to love it! :)

  • http://plantfueled.wordpress.com/ Carrie

    Whoa! That is one bad a** looking sandwich!

    • http://jlgoesvegan.com JL

      I heart sandwiches.

  • http://www.fitandfortysomething.com/ Kalli

    that looks so good!  i must give it a try :)

    • http://jlgoesvegan.com JL

      Let me know if you do!

  • http://twitter.com/elisehippie Elise

    i cannot WAIT to make this :)

    happy easter JL!

    • http://jlgoesvegan.com JL

      It’s “our” kind of recipe, Elise. Fast and yummy!

  • Pgspicegirl

    Love the pictures it looks so yummy!!!!

    • http://jlgoesvegan.com JL

       Thank you!

  • http://www.southerncharmnola.com/ Liz @ Southern Charm

    This looks amazing and like I need to make one … now!

    • http://jlgoesvegan.com JL

       Thank you! It’s so easy!

  • http://www.shelitawilliams.com Shelita Williams

    this sounds awesome I’m gonna try this, but what’s reason you steam the tempeh?

    • http://jlgoesvegan.com JL

      Hi Shelita! I find tempeh a little too earthy/tough/not loving it. Steaming it seems, to me, to allow it to absorb flavors more and to be more palatable. Let me know if you try it!

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