At Sustainable Action Now, we’re always fired up about food that’s as kind to the planet as it is delicious — and we’ve found a breakfast superstar that deserves a permanent place on your plate: Tempeh Bacon. Whether you’re a full-time vegan, a curious flexitarian, or just trying to lower your environmental footprint one meal at a time, this plant-based powerhouse brings the heat without the harm.
Say goodbye to greasy, processed bacon and hello to a smoky, savory, crispy, protein-packed alternative that’s better for your body, your conscience, and the climate.
🌱 Hungry for more? Check out even more sustainable food inspo in our Plant-Based Recipe Hub.
🧠 First Up: What Is Tempeh?
Tempeh isn’t some newfangled meat imitation. It’s a time-tested, nutrient-dense fermented soybean cake that originated in Indonesia. Think of it as tofu’s cool, tougher cousin — but higher in protein, fiber, and gut-friendly benefits thanks to its fermentation process.
On its own, tempeh is mild and earthy, but the magic happens when it soaks up a rich marinade. Enter: Tempeh Bacon — the ultimate proof that plants can bring the flavor and the crunch.
🔥 Why Tempeh Bacon Belongs on Your Plate (and in Your Meal Prep)
Let’s be real — this isn’t bacon trying to be bacon. It’s something uniquely satisfying and delicious in its own right. With a flavor bomb marinade made of:
- Soy sauce for that deep umami punch
- Apple cider vinegar for a bright tang
- Garlic for boldness
- Liquid smoke for that irresistible sizzle
- Maple syrup for the sweet balance
- Olive oil for richness
…this vegan bacon takes your morning toast, BLT, or Sunday brunch to a whole new level. And if you’ve got an air fryer? Game. Over.
Yes, you can absolutely air fry this tempeh bacon — just 10 minutes at 400°F for the crispiest strips you’ve ever tasted.
✅ Planet-Friendly and Protein-Rich
Did you know? Skipping bacon for tempeh even just a few times a week can:
- Lower your carbon footprint
- Reduce deforestation linked to pork production
- Protect animal welfare
- Save water (pound for pound, tempeh production uses drastically less)
And let’s not forget: tempeh is loaded with protein, fiber, calcium, and iron. It’s hearty enough to fuel your morning and versatile enough to work in sandwiches, salads, grain bowls, and breakfast wraps.
Want more mouthwatering ways to use this ingredient? We’re obsessed with:
- Tempeh Stir Fry – a fast, flavor-packed weeknight dinner
- Easy Baked Tempeh – perfect for batch cooking
- Tempeh Marinade with six bold flavor profiles to suit your mood
Dive into our full tempeh recipe collection here.
🕒 Quick Prep, Big Payoff
This Easy Tempeh Bacon Recipe takes just 20 minutes, from prep to plate:
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of tempeh (8 oz)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Steps:
- Slice tempeh thin (about 1/8”).
- Mix your marinade and soak the strips for 30 minutes (or more).
- Bake at 400°F for 10 mins per side. Air fry for faster crisp.
- Let cool slightly. Devour. Repeat.
Storage tip: This keeps beautifully for up to a week in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven for best results — or enjoy cold, straight from the container. (Yes, we’ve done it.)
💚 Tempeh Bacon: A Small Bite With Big Impact
When we talk about sustainable action, food is often where the real, daily changes happen. Choosing tempeh bacon over animal-based alternatives is one of those simple switches that add up — better for the planet, better for you, and still wildly delicious.
So the next time you’re craving something smoky, crispy, and crave-worthy for breakfast? Reach for tempeh. Your taste buds — and the Earth — will thank you.
🌿 Explore more delicious ways to cook with conscience at our Recipe Collection on Sustainable Action Now
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