Tempeh Bacon Crumbles

Prep: 5

Cook: 10

Total: 15

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 74 kcal

Tempeh Bacon Crumbles, a simple but super flavorful vegan take on bacon bits made with tempeh and a smokey sauce with a super secret flavor-boosting ingredient.

Kristina Todini, RDN

Equipment

1 large pan
1 mixing bowl

Ingredients

▢ 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
▢ 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
▢ 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
▢ 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
▢ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
▢ 2 teaspoons neutral oil avocado, etc.
▢ 8 ounces tempeh

Instructions

Make smokey sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Whisk to combine, then set aside.
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Crumble and cook tempeh: Bring a large pan to medium heat and add oil. Then crumble the tempeh into the pan, tearing it into small pieces. Then cook 5 minutes to dry out the tempeh, stirring frequently to cook on all sides.
2 teaspoons neutral oil, 8 ounces tempeh
Add the sauce and cook until crispy: When the tempeh has dried out, add the smokey sauce to the pan and toss to coat the tempeh. The sauce will get soaked up by the tempeh, giving it a smokey flavor. Then cook the tempeh 3-5 minutes more to get it brown and crispy.
Cool, store, or serve: When the tempeh bacon crumbles are done, remove from heat and let cool. Then either serve on your favorite salads, bowls, or pastas, or store for later use.

Notes

How to prep: These tempeh bacon bits are perfect to make once at the top of the week and then use on salads, bowls, and more throughout the week.

Leftovers and storage: Store leftover tempeh crumbles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze in a freezer-friendly bag or container for up to 2 months. To thaw, remove from the freezer into the refrigerator for 24 hours before using or quickly zap in the microwave for 15 seconds at a time (stirring to warm up evenly) to bring to room temperature.

Nutrition notes: Nutrition information is an estimate using all listed ingredients. This recipe uses all plant-based ingredients and is gluten free if you use a gluten free tempeh, tamari, and a gluten free liquid smoke.

Nutrition