Best Vegan Bacon Recipes That Taste Just Like Real Bacon

Vegan bacon has become a beloved staple for those seeking a delicious, smoky, and plant-based alternative to traditional bacon. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to cut back on meat, these recipes offer the perfect balance of crispy texture and savory flavor.

From smoky tempeh strips to crispy coconut bacon, there’s a recipe here to satisfy every bacon craving. These vegan bacon recipes are easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to use in sandwiches, salads, or even breakfast plates.

Ready for some mouthwatering vegan bacon ideas? Let’s dive into the best recipes that will make your taste buds dance and your kitchen smell irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan bacon recipes are crafted to deliver the smoky, salty, and crispy experience everyone loves about bacon — without any animal products. Not only are they healthier and cruelty-free, but they also allow you to customize flavors and textures according to your preference.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply want to enhance your everyday meals, these recipes are quick, affordable, and use simple pantry staples. Plus, they’re perfect for adding a smoky kick to your favorite dishes without the guilt.

Ingredients

• Tempeh Bacon:
  • 8 oz tempeh, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
• Coconut Bacon:
  • 2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes (large, not shredded)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Rice Paper Bacon:
  • 6 sheets rice paper
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Non-stick skillet or frying pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Brush (optional for marinating)

Instructions

Tempeh Bacon

1. Slice the tempeh into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick, to mimic bacon strips.
2. Prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and liquid smoke in a bowl.
3. Place tempeh strips in the marinade and let them soak for at least 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even absorption.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Arrange the marinated tempeh strips on the baking sheet in a single layer. Brush with olive oil for extra crispiness.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the strips and bake for another 10-15 minutes until crispy and browned.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Coconut Bacon

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix coconut flakes with soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a bowl until evenly coated.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning, until the coconut flakes are crispy and golden.
5. Allow to cool completely on the sheet — they will crisp up more as they cool.

Rice Paper Bacon

1. Cut rice paper sheets into bacon-sized strips, about 1 inch wide and 5 inches long.
2. Prepare the marinade by mixing soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, liquid smoke, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
3. Dip each rice paper strip into water for 2 seconds to soften, then immediately place it flat on a clean surface.
4. Brush both sides of the wet rice paper strip with the marinade and set aside on a rack or plate.
5. Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
6. Fry each strip for 30-60 seconds per side until crispy and browned. Be careful as they crisp quickly.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

“For an even smokier flavor, add a bit more liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the marinade. If you prefer a sweeter bacon, increase the maple syrup slightly.”

• Tempeh bacon: Try steaming the tempeh for 10 minutes before marinating to remove bitterness.
• Coconut bacon: Use smoked sea salt instead of regular salt for a deeper smoke flavor.
• Rice paper bacon: For a healthier version, bake instead of frying at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
• Add a pinch of black pepper or chili flakes to any recipe for a spicy kick.
• Experiment with different oils like coconut or avocado oil for varied flavor profiles.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan bacon is incredibly versatile and can be used in many dishes to enhance flavor and texture. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Add tempeh bacon strips to your morning avocado toast or vegan scrambled eggs for a smoky boost.
• Sprinkle coconut bacon over salads, such as a kale caesar or a fresh garden salad, for a crispy crunch.
• Layer rice paper bacon inside vegan BLT sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo.
• Use any of these bacons as toppings for vegan pizzas, pasta dishes, or baked potatoes.
• For a fun twist, crumble coconut bacon on top of creamy soups or vegan mac & cheese.

For more creative vegan recipes, check out our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or try baking a delicious Magic Dough Recipe to accompany your vegan bacon dishes.

Conclusion

With these three fantastic vegan bacon recipes, you can enjoy all the smoky, savory satisfaction of bacon without compromising your values or taste buds. Each version offers unique textures and flavors, giving you plenty of options to suit your mood or meal plan.

Whether you prefer the chewiness of tempeh, the crispiness of coconut, or the delicate crunch of rice paper, vegan bacon is a game changer for plant-based cooking.

Experiment with these recipes, tweak the seasonings to your liking, and incorporate them into your favorite dishes. For more inspiring recipes that embrace plant-based creativity, don’t miss our Lump Of Coal Recipe or the delightful Marzipan Challah Recipe.

Happy cooking and enjoy the smoky goodness!

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