Active Time

　　10 minutes

　　Total Time

　　40 minutes

　　Protein-packed, fermented tempeh is thinly sliced and infused with a marinade of soy sauce, smoked paprika, and rich maple syrup to mimic the smoky-sweet flavor of the breakfast staple in this easy vegetarian recipe. Serve it with eggs for breakfast, add it to stir-fry, or layer it onto a veggie “B.L.T.”

　　

Ingredients

Makes 50 pieces

　　1/2 cup olive oil

　　1/2 cup pure maple syrup

　　1/2 cup soy sauce

　　2 teaspoons smoked paprika

　　1 teaspoon kosher salt

　　1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

　　1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

　　16 ounces tempeh, cut into about 50 (1/4"-thick) strips

　　

Step 1

Whisk oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, paprika, salt, cayenne, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Add tempeh and gently toss to coat. Cover and chill at least 2 hours or up to 4.

　　

Step 2

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange tempeh in a single layer and bake, tossing and basting with marinade after 10 minutes, until tempeh is crispy, 30–33 minutes.

　　

Do Ahead

Step 3

Tempeh bacon can be made 5 days ahead; wrap tightly and chill.

　　Cooks' Note

　　Tempeh should be marinated at a minimum of 2 hours, but 4 hours is best.