Sweet Tempeh Bacon Sandwich

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?

19 thoughts on “Sweet Tempeh Bacon Sandwich”

  1. 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!

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

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

    1. 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!

    1. You can use either, @teyzoo:disqus! That was the oil I used when I first made it but I use extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil interchangeably in many of my recipes.

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