TBLT's

When I saw the recipe for Tempeh Bacon I knew I needed to try it!  Pre-vegan I was definitely a bacon fan and just the smell would start a drool-fest in my mouth!  Those that are/were bacon fans know what I am talking about.  But besides being the flesh of an animal it is also high in calories, saturated fat and cholesterol.  Enter tempeh...it has so many health benenfits to it and when marinated with the tamari, maple syrup and liquid smoke it adapts a wonderful resemblance of bacon.  The only thing it lacks is the crispy/crunch factor of the almost overdone bacon but I have to say, it does the trick!! 

TBLT's (Tempeh Bacon, Lettuce & Tomatoes)
adapted from The Vegan Table

1 package tempeh
1/4 cup tamari
2 teaspoons liquid smoke
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup water
canola oil, for frying

Slice the tempeh into thin strips (not too thin or they will fall apart with handling and not too thick or they will not resemble bacon). 

Steam the tempeh in a steamer basket for 10 minutes. 

Once steaming is complete place tempeh and the tamari, liquid smoke, maple syrup and water into a large ziploc bag and place into the fridge for atleast 30 minutes. 

Be sure to move the tempeh around in the bag a few times during the marinade process. 

After the tempeh has marinated, heat the pan and oil over medium-high heat.  Fry the strips until they start to brown/caramelize and crisp up.  Spoon a couple tablespoons full of the marinade into the pan while cooking for bolder flavor. 

Once tempeh is done, spread Veganaise onto your buns and begin assembling your TBLT's however you would like!