Avant Garde Vegan Bacon Recipe You’ll Love to Try

Welcome to the cutting edge of vegan cuisine! If you’ve ever missed the smoky, crispy goodness of bacon but want to keep things plant-based, this avant garde vegan bacon recipe is here to revolutionize your kitchen.

Using innovative ingredients and techniques, this recipe captures all the bold flavors and satisfying textures of traditional bacon without any animal products. Expect a perfect balance of smokiness, a hint of sweetness, and that irresistible crisp bite that makes bacon so beloved.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to experiment with new flavors, this recipe will become your go-to for elevating sandwiches, salads, breakfast plates, and more.

In this post, I’ll walk you through every step to create this extraordinary vegan bacon, share essential tips for success, and suggest delicious ways to enjoy it. Ready to transform your meals with a smoky, savory twist?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This avant garde vegan bacon recipe stands out because it blends creativity with accessibility. Instead of relying on traditional soy or tempeh bases alone, it incorporates a unique combination of mushrooms and rice paper to mimic bacon’s texture and mouthfeel.

The marinade is packed with umami-rich ingredients like liquid smoke, tamari, and maple syrup, delivering a complex flavor profile.

What’s more, it cooks quickly and crisps up beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend brunches. It’s gluten-free, oil-light, and free from common allergens, accommodating a wide range of dietary needs.

Finally, this vegan bacon is incredibly versatile. Use it to enhance your favorite dishes or enjoy it as a crispy snack.

It’s truly a game-changer that will satisfy both vegans and bacon lovers alike!

Ingredients

• 6 large king oyster mushrooms (or shiitake as an alternative)
• 6 rice paper sheets
• 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp liquid smoke
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for extra crispness)
• Water (for soaking rice paper)

Equipment

• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Large shallow dish or bowl for marinating
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Wire rack (optional, for crispier results)
• Brush for applying marinade
• Mixing bowl
• Oven or air fryer

Instructions

1. Prepare the mushrooms: Clean the king oyster mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice each mushroom lengthwise into thin strips about 1/8 inch thick. These will form the “bacon” strips.
2. Soak the rice paper: Fill a large shallow bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet into the water for about 10-15 seconds until it softens but is still slightly firm. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
3. Wrap the mushroom strips: Place a mushroom strip on one edge of the rice paper and roll it up tightly to form a bacon-like strip. Repeat with remaining strips and rice paper sheets.
4. Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the tamari, maple syrup, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and olive oil (if using). This marinade creates the signature smoky-sweet flavor.
5. Marinate the bacon strips: Place the wrapped mushroom strips in the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. Turn occasionally to ensure even absorption.
6. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if you have one for better airflow and crisping.
7. Bake the bacon: Arrange the marinated strips on the wire rack or directly on the parchment. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy around the edges. Flip halfway through baking for even cooking.
8. Cool and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let the vegan bacon cool for a few minutes to firm up further. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of chipotle powder to the marinade. If you prefer a chewier texture, try using shiitake mushrooms instead of king oyster.”

• Make it less sweet: Reduce maple syrup or replace with agave for a milder sweetness.
• Use an air fryer: Cook the bacon strips at 360°F (182°C) for 10-12 minutes for a faster crisp.
• Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Try other wraps: If rice paper isn’t available, thinly sliced nori sheets can add a subtle seaweed flavor and extra umami.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan bacon is incredibly versatile and can elevate a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Breakfast: Add it to tofu scramble or vegan pancakes for a smoky start to your day.
• Sandwiches: Layer on your favorite vegan BLT or club sandwich for that authentic crunchy bite.
• Salads: Chop and sprinkle over kale or spinach salads for a savory crunch.
• Burgers & wraps: Use as a topping in vegan burgers or wraps to amp up the flavor.
• Snacking: Enjoy straight out of the oven as a crispy snack with vegan dips.

For more creative vegan recipes, check out my Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe and Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe for flavor-packed plant-based meals.

Conclusion

This avant garde vegan bacon recipe is a testament to how innovation and plant-based cooking can come together to create something truly special. It’s smoky, crispy, and bursting with flavor—everything you want in bacon, but entirely vegan.

The combination of marinated mushrooms wrapped in rice paper offers a uniquely satisfying texture and taste that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress.

Making vegan bacon at home not only supports a more sustainable lifestyle but also opens up a world of culinary creativity. Experiment with the marinade, try different mushroom varieties, and enjoy the process of crafting your own savory masterpiece.

If you love recipes that blend tradition with innovation, don’t miss my Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe for a comforting finish to your meal. Happy cooking and savor every bite!

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