Are you looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional bacon?
Look no further than Lightlife Tempeh Bacon! Made from organic soy tempeh and seasoned with all-organic ingredients, this “Fakin’ Bacon” is a great option for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to cut back on their meat consumption.
But how do you cook it? In this article, we’ll explore some easy and tasty ways to prepare Lightlife Tempeh Bacon, from baking to sautéing. Whether you’re making a classic BLT or just looking for a flavorful addition to your breakfast plate, we’ve got you covered.
So grab a package of Lightlife Tempeh Bacon and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Lightlife Tempeh Bacon?
There are several ways to cook Lightlife Tempeh Bacon, depending on your preferences and available equipment. Here are three methods to try:
Baking Lightlife Tempeh Bacon
Baking Lightlife Tempeh Bacon is a simple and easy method that results in crispy and flavorful strips. To start, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Cut the tempeh into 1/4 inch thick strips and set aside.
Next, make the marinade by whisking together tamari or soy sauce, oil, maple syrup, liquid smoke, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper in a shallow dish. Add the tempeh strips to the marinade and let them sit in the fridge for at least one hour or up to three hours.
Once the tempeh has marinated, arrange the strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Pour any leftover marinade over the tempeh and bake for 15 minutes. Flip each piece of tempeh and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the tempeh is crispy.
This method is less messy than cooking pork bacon and produces a savory yet sweet flavor that is perfect for BLTs or breakfast platters. Additionally, using Lightlife Tempeh instead of traditional bacon is a healthier option as it does not contain any cholesterol.
Sautéing Lightlife Tempeh Bacon
Sautéing Lightlife Tempeh Bacon is a quick and easy method that yields deliciously crispy results. To start, heat a large skillet over medium heat and coat with enough oil to cover the bottom. Once hot, add the marinated tempeh strips to the skillet, reserving the marinade for later use. Sauté the strips until lightly browned on one side, then flip them over.
Next, pour in the reserved marinade. Though it may seem like a lot of liquid, it will cook off completely within 3-5 minutes and give the tempeh bacon extra crispiness and flavor. Continue sautéing until the liquid has evaporated and the bacon has reached your desired level of crispiness, flipping as needed. If the liquid isn’t evaporating quickly enough, turn up the heat to medium-high.
Once finished, remove the tempeh bacon from the skillet and serve hot with your favorite breakfast dishes or in a vegan BLT sandwich. Lightlife Tempeh Bacon can also be grated, stewed or baked for a variety of main courses, making it a versatile ingredient for any meal.
Grilling Lightlife Tempeh Bacon
Grilling Lightlife Tempeh Bacon is a great way to add smoky flavor to this delicious plant-based protein. To begin, heat up your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating up, prepare the tempeh bacon by cutting it into strips and brushing it with a marinade of your choice. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own with ingredients like soy sauce, liquid smoke, and maple syrup.
Once the grill is hot, place the tempeh bacon strips on the grill grates and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are crispy and browned around the edges. Use a small spatula to carefully flip the strips over and avoid breaking them apart.
When the tempeh bacon is done grilling, remove it from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it as a side dish or use it as a topping for sandwiches, salads, or burgers.
Grilling Lightlife Tempeh Bacon is a quick and easy way to add plant-based protein to your meals while enjoying the delicious smoky flavor of bacon. Try experimenting with different marinades and seasonings to create unique and flavorful dishes.
Using Lightlife Tempeh Bacon In Recipes
Lightlife Tempeh Bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes to add a savory, smoky flavor. Here are some ideas for incorporating it into your meals:
1. BLT Sandwich: The classic BLT sandwich can easily be made vegan by substituting Lightlife Tempeh Bacon for traditional bacon. Simply cook the tempeh strips in a pan until crispy, then assemble the sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo on your favorite bread.
2. Breakfast Burrito: Add some protein to your morning meal by adding Lightlife Tempeh Bacon to a breakfast burrito. Cook the tempeh strips in a pan with scrambled tofu or eggs, then wrap them up with avocado, salsa, and your favorite veggies.
3. Cobb Salad: Give your salad a boost of flavor and protein by topping it with Lightlife Tempeh Bacon. Cook the strips in a pan until crispy, then chop them up and sprinkle them over a bed of lettuce along with avocado, tomato, cucumber, and any other veggies you like.
4. Tempeh Bacon Mac and Cheese: Take your mac and cheese to the next level by adding Lightlife Tempeh Bacon. Cook the tempeh strips in a pan until crispy, then chop them up and mix them into your favorite mac and cheese recipe.
5. Tempeh Bacon Wrapped Asparagus: Impress your dinner guests with this simple yet elegant appetizer. Wrap Lightlife Tempeh Bacon around asparagus spears and bake in the oven until crispy.
No matter how you choose to use it, Lightlife Tempeh Bacon is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Lightlife Tempeh Bacon
Cooking Lightlife Tempeh Bacon can be a bit tricky, but with a few tips and tricks, you can achieve perfectly cooked strips every time. Here are some tips to help you cook Lightlife Tempeh Bacon to perfection:
1. Use a non-stick skillet: Lightlife Tempeh Bacon tends to stick to the pan, so using a non-stick skillet is highly recommended. This will help prevent the strips from sticking and breaking apart while cooking.
2. Preheat the pan: Before adding the tempeh strips, make sure to preheat the pan on medium heat for a few minutes. This will ensure that the strips cook evenly and prevent them from burning.
3. Don’t overcrowd the pan: It’s important not to overcrowd the pan with too many strips at once. This will cause them to steam instead of sear, resulting in a soggy texture. Cook them in batches if necessary.
4. Use oil sparingly: While it’s important to use some oil to prevent sticking, using too much oil can result in greasy tempeh bacon. A light coating of oil or cooking spray is sufficient.
5. Flip the strips: Make sure to flip the tempeh strips over halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.
6. Adjust cooking time and temperature: The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your stove and pan, so be sure to adjust accordingly. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side on medium to medium-high heat until crispy and golden brown.
By following these tips, you can achieve perfectly cooked Lightlife Tempeh Bacon every time. Enjoy it in your favorite dishes like BLTs or breakfast platters for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional bacon.