High-Protein Vegan Tempeh Bacon Lettuce Wraps with Dill Ranch

There’s something quietly magical about high-protein vegan tempeh bacon lettuce wraps when you’re craving a BLT vibe but still want to feel bright, fueled, and genuinely satisfied afterward. Tempeh brings that savory chew (plus fermentation perks), while the tomatoes keep everything fresh and juicy. Meanwhile, the creamy dill ranch turns the whole thing into a “how is this healthy?” moment. And honestly, once you nail the smoky-tempeh-meets-cool-ranch combo, you’ll want it on everything.

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Why You’ll Love These High-Protein Vegan Tempeh Bacon Lettuce Wraps

• First, they’re fast. You can have lunch on the table in about 20 minutes.
• Plus, they’re high-protein. Tempeh and hemp hearts do the heavy lifting.
• Meanwhile, the ranch is dairy-free and creamy. No cashews needed.
• Additionally, they’re meal-prep friendly. Make the ranch once, use it all week.
• Finally, they’re flexible. Lettuce wraps today, sandwich or tortilla wrap tomorrow.

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What You Need to Make High-Protein Vegan Tempeh Bacon Lettuce Wraps

You’re basically building three layers: smoky tempeh, juicy tomatoes, and a ranch that ties it all together. Therefore, if you prep the sauce while the tempeh cooks, everything flows.

You’ll make:

• Tempeh “bac’un”
• Hemp dill ranch
• Tomato + lettuce wrap base

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Ingredient Substitutions for High-Protein Vegan Tempeh Bacon Lettuce Wraps

• Tempeh: If you’re out, extra-firm tofu works, although it won’t be as chewy. Press it first, then cube it.
• Liquid aminos: Swap soy sauce (same amount). If using low-sodium, add a pinch more salt if needed.
• Olive oil: You can reduce to 1 tsp (5 mL), although browning will be slightly less rich.
• Hemp hearts: For a nut-free swap, use sunflower seeds. However, the ranch will be a bit earthier.
• Almond milk: Use soy milk for even more protein, or oat milk for extra creaminess.

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Other High-Protein Vegan Recipes to Try 

If you’re into bold, saucy, protein-forward lunches, these are a natural next step:

• Vegan Buffalo Chicken Wraps (spicy, crunchy, and super satisfying) Evann Ryan
• BBQ Ranch Chickpea Bowls (another ranch moment, plus easy meal prep) Evann Ryan
• Curried Chickpea Wrap (gut-friendly, colorful, and packable) Evann Ryan

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Recipe Card

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2

Estimated macros (per serving):
Because ranch portions vary, you’ve got two realistic options:

• If you use about half the ranch per serving: ~425 calories, ~31 g protein, ~17 g carbs, ~30 g fat
• If you use all the ranch (half the batch per serving): ~535 calories, ~38 g protein, ~19 g carbs, ~40 g fat

(These are estimates based on common nutrition data; brands and measuring styles can shift numbers.)

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Ingredients List

Tempeh “Bac’un:”

• 225 g (8 oz) tempeh, chopped into bite-size chunks
• 30 mL (2 tbsp) liquid aminos (or soy sauce)
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) hot sauce
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) apple cider vinegar
• 2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) maple syrup
• 2 g (1 tsp) smoked paprika
• 1.5 g (1/4 tsp) sea salt

Dill Ranch:

• 80 g (1/2 cup) hemp hearts
• 120 mL (1/2 cup) unsweetened almond milk
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) lemon juice
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) red wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tbsp dried chives
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

For Building the Wraps

• 20 cherry tomatoes (about 2 cups / ~300 g), chopped
• 6–8 large lettuce leaves (about 150 g / 5 oz) (romaine or butter lettuce work great)
• Optional (to make it bigger): tortillas, pita, or sandwich bread.

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Instructions

1. Chop the tempeh. Cut 225 g (8 oz) tempeh into uneven, bite-size chunks. This helps it crisp in some spots while staying tender in others.
2. Mix the tempeh marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the liquid aminos, olive oil, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and salt.
3. Coat the tempeh. Pour the marinade over the tempeh and toss well. Then, let it sit for 2 minutes while the pan heats.
4. Cook the tempeh. Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add the tempeh and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the edges look browned and golden.
5. Blend the ranch. Meanwhile, add all dill ranch ingredients to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. If you want it thinner, add 15–30 mL (1–2 tbsp) water and blend again.
6. Assemble the lettuce wraps. Lay out lettuce leaves, add chopped tomatoes down the center, pile on the tempeh “bac’un,” and then drizzle generously with dill ranch.
7. Eat right away (or meal prep). If meal prepping, store components separately so the lettuce stays crisp.

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Share Your Thoughts

If you make these, I’d love to know how you served them. Did you keep it as lettuce wraps, or did you go full sandwich mode? And if you added pickles, avocado, or extra crunch, tell me everything.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I meal prep high-protein vegan tempeh bacon lettuce wraps?
Yes. However, for best texture, store the tempeh, tomatoes, lettuce, and ranch separately, then assemble right before eating.

How long does the dill ranch last for?
Usually 4–5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Additionally, it tends to thicken, so stir in a splash of water or milk before serving.

Can I bake the tempeh instead of pan-frying?
Yes. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. It won’t reduce the sauce as quickly, so use a parchment-lined tray.

Is tempeh good for you?
Tempeh is a fermented soy food, so it’s a solid plant-based protein choice. Plus, it’s hearty enough that these wraps feel like a real meal.

What can I use instead of hemp hearts in the ranch?
Sunflower seeds work well, although the flavor changes slightly. Cashews also work, but then it won’t be nut-free.

Do I have to use lettuce?
Not at all. Instead, chop the lettuce and make it a bowl, or wrap everything in a tortilla for a more filling option.

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Nutrition note: All recipe nutrition estimates are calculated to the best of my ability, but values will vary depending on the exact brands and portion sizes you use.