Tempeh Bacon (WFPBNO)

This is the best homemade bacon I've made. This makes a vegan bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich a true joy. I am also going to make a BLT salad using these strips. But, I will cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces for a salad. You really should give these a try and remember tempeh is a fermented food so it's gut healthy!!!

• 1 8-ounce package original tempeh, I use LightLife
• 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sriracha
• 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
• 2 teaspoons black pepper

Remove tempeh from packaging and cut in half. Place a small saucepan of water on to boil. Once boiling add tempeh and boil for 20 minutes.

Make the marinade while the tempeh is boiling. Set this aside for now.

Once tempeh has boiled, drain the water and set the tempeh aside to cool. To a container with a tight lid cover the bottom of your container. Cut the cooled tempeh into thin strips like bacon. Add these to the marinade and pour a little marinade over each layer. Cover and refrigerate overnight for the best flavor. Every time you go to the frig flip the container over so all of the tempeh gets a good amount of time in that marinade.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 400F. 

Place the tempeh on the baking sheet with a little space between each piece. Save that container of marinade.

Bake for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to check it at the 15 minute mark since all ovens are different. The last few minutes keep an eye on this so it doesn't burn. Now add the tempeh back to the container with the leftover marinade. Reheat in the toaster oven for a few minutes or microwave briefly. 

This is so damned good. I can't wait to have a BLT using this. You can taste the marinade before you add the tempeh to see if you want a little more heat, or smoky flavor.