In my non-vegan life bacon was one of the only meats I liked. A B.L.T. was my go-to diner choice. Hamburgers were too big and meaty, I hated eggs, and despised cheese. A B.L.T. was a safe bet at almost any diner, and at any time of the day.

Now in my veg life I began to wonder if I would ever have a B.L.T again. I tried a packaged vegan bacon once. I was very disappointed. It tasted like pure chemicals. I know bacon is bad for me, but this cant be much better. There must be a better way. I needed to make my own vegan bacon. Facon? Vacon? Hmmm….

This Vacon tasted good. I’ll be honest, it didn’t rock my socks off, but it was good. I cant say I would serve alone, on the side of a stack of vegan pancakes. It was however very good when made into a sandwich, a V.L.T.  Finally, vegan bacon that doesn’t taste like chemicals and fake food!

I like to put pickle slices on my V.L.T’s. I like pickles on most sandwiches in fact. Feel free to omit these. I served it with a bowl of last nights Cauliflower-White Bean Bisque. Yum!

Be sure to marinate your tempeh for at least 4 hours, or up to 6. Also, you will want to slice it very thin, this will help it crisp up and get more “bacon” like. I baked mine because I wanted it to be healthier, but by all means fry away if you wish. Just be sure to add oil to the pan if you are frying. Vacon does not have the fat content that pork bacon has.

V.L.T. Vacon, Lettuce, Tomato Sandwich

Makes 2 sandwiches

  • 1 tbs soy sauce
  • 1 ½ tbs maple syrup
  • ½- 3/4 tsp liquid smoke
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ tbs olive oil
  • A pinch of balck pepper
  • ½ pkg Tempeh, sliced very thinly
  • ~1 tbs brown sugar (opt. makes the slices nice and sweet)
  • 4 slices bread, toasted
  • Tomato slices
  • Lettuce
  • Vegan mayo (opt)
  • Pickle Slices (opt)

In a small, shallow dish, mix first 6 ingredients until well incorporated. Gently, place one piece of tempeh at a time into dish, be sure to get marinade on both sides.  Marinate 2 hours, flip slices, and marinate another 2-3 hours.

Preheat oven to 475°F. Once a greased cookie sheet, spread out tempeh strips. Sprinkle a small pinch of brown sugar on each slice. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, checking often as cooking time will vary based on thickness. You want the slices to get crisp but not burn.

Serve on toast with lettuce, tomato, vegan mayo, and pickles (if you wish).

Pin It