In my last post about Lightlife, I mentioned I'd cover a number of their products in my following review. But, that's just not possible!
You see, after trying their Tempeh Bacon (Fakin'Bacon) product, I needed to dedicate an entire post to just this product.
It is that good. Seriously. If there is just one Lightlife product that you should try, it's their Tempeh Bacon. Not because it tastes like bacon, or is trying to imitate bacon. It's not. That's the beauty of this product.While many faux meats are trying to be like the 'real thing', this tempeh bacon comes nowhere close in texture. It's not chewy, or fatty, or grizzly. THANK GOODNESS!
What it is, is delicious. Far more flavorful than I ever remember bacon to be. Yes, it's smoky and salty, but it has a sweet, hickory taste as well. Plus, as the name states, it's made with tempeh, a traditional and whole foods soy product. Tempeh is very healthful, but, for many it may be an intimidating, odd new food, requiring some 'getting used to'. What better way to introduce yourself to tempeh than with this Fakin' Bacon?
When you cook the tempeh, it may crumble some (remember, it's not mimicking that chewy, grizzly texture). But, I found most strips stayed intact. What didn't, I could make use of as is or crumble even further into a dish.
In the photo above, I decided to use the Tempeh Bacon on our 'burger & fries' night. The tempeh bacon is topped with sliced avocado and placed on 1/2 of a 10-inch whole-wheat flour tortilla, with lettuce and tomato on the other side. I added some ketchup and vegan mayonnaise after taking this pic, then enjoyed this 'veg burger' with home fries on the side... mmmm, mmmm, mmmm. Oh, and my husband who is not a fan of mock meats at all, also loved Lightlife's tempeh bacon.
Save yourself a buck when you pick up Lightlife Tempeh Bacon for yourself. And DO try it!
16 comments:
Hi Dreena,
Thanks for posting about tempeh products. I've only tried cooking with it once -- what a disaster! I'll look out for the brand that you reviewed.
Sweet Pea
I totally agree, I LOVE that bacon! I have used it for years, on sandwiches, pizza (bbq sauce, "bacon" and FYH cheese, yum!), wraps, etc. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
Thanks Dreena - after my rant about isolated soy protein & preservatives as fake meat it is nice to see something better quality!! I wonder where you buy it as I don't think I have seen it around but will now look!
I've never had tempeh bacon before, but I love lightlife tempeh! I make cornmeal-crusted tempeh from the Candle Cafe Cookbook and it's delish. Yum!
I like Fakin' Bacon. Your use looks yummy and satisfying--esp coupled with avocado.
sounds good. surprisingly enough, i haven't seen this tempeh in the stores i frequent. i'll have to keep an eye out from now on. i'd love to have a "b"lt.
Hi Dreena,
is the tempeh bacon available up here in BC?
I've had the Lightlife tempeh bacon, and I actually don't like it as well as homemade (from VwaV). I think it had a meatier taste than what I make, probably from the yeast extract. It was still very good, though, I would eat it again.
Before I started making own tempeh bacon (and saving money!), I used to buy that overpriced tempeh bacon all the time!! It is *that* good, especially pan fried in melted soy margarine.
I do like the tempeh bacon and the smoky flavor it has. Last year, we used it to make a vegan jumbalaya for our mardi gras party. ooooh- that reminds me, mardi gras is coming up- yay!
Hi,
I had read that Lightlife products are not available in Canada?
DO you know if this is true?
Thanks!
I'm not that into Tempeh but the fakin' bakin' is yummers! Great post!!! YAY for Lightlife!
Thanks everyone for popping in and leaving a note!
A few of you asked about this product in BC/Canada...
I'm not sure what areas carry Lightlife. I can check with the company. I know that Choices *started* to carry some of the mock meat products, but I haven't seen them lately, and I never did see any Lightlife Tempeh or this Tempeh Bacon product (the two things I'd like to see the most here). In my first post about Lightlife I mentioned that the company sent a box of samples to myself and a handful of other bloggers to try and review on their blogs. I haven't received anything else from Lightlife (just so you know) - only this selection of products to test. I'm not sure if stores in Vancouver carry more Lightlife products, or elsewhere in Canada.
Raising Kahne - I doubt it was your fault. Tempeh can range in color with little to no spots or more black/grey spots. It's best if you can find tempeh with little or no spots because the flavor is not as strong. As for slicing it, tempeh can be crumbly, and because it is the pressed whole soybean, it does seem grainy too.
Hi Dreena,
I can't wait to try it! It took me several experiments with tempeh before I could get it to work well.
Lightlife Tempeh bacon is SO good. I am currently addicted to this product, no joke. Before I became veeg I was quite the bacon connousieur and to have found something that fufils my bacon cravings but has its own uniquely great taste...well, I feel pretty lucky. I heart lightlife fakin bacon!
Awesome post! Oh man I wish I could find this yumminess in Canada!
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