5 Vegan Bacon Recipes That Taste Just Like The Real Thing

Who says you need meat to enjoy the smoky, crispy, and savory goodness of bacon? Vegan bacon has come a long way, offering plant-based alternatives that satisfy cravings while being kind to animals and the planet.

Whether you’re a committed vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to reduce meat consumption, these 5 vegan bacon recipes will delight your taste buds and elevate your dishes. From smoky tempeh strips to crispy coconut bacon, each recipe captures the essence of traditional bacon with creative, wholesome ingredients.

Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, salads, or snacks, these recipes are easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to suit any meal.

Ready to bring the irresistible crunch and flavor of bacon to your vegan kitchen? Let’s dive into these five delicious, easy-to-make vegan bacon recipes that will soon become your favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan bacon recipes are perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors without compromising on health or ethics. Each recipe uses simple, natural ingredients that transform everyday pantry staples into crispy, smoky, and satisfying bacon alternatives.

You’ll appreciate the versatility—whether you prefer the chewy texture of tempeh, the crunch of coconut flakes, or the meaty bite of mushrooms, there’s something here to suit your taste. Plus, these recipes are budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and can be customized with your favorite spices for the perfect smoky kick.

Ingredients

Tempeh Bacon

• 8 oz tempeh, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp liquid smoke
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Coconut Bacon

• 2 cups large coconut flakes
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Mushroom Bacon

• 10 oz shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced thin
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Rice Paper Bacon

• 4 sheets rice paper
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Eggplant Bacon

• 1 medium eggplant, thinly sliced lengthwise
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Baking sheet(s)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Skillet or frying pan (optional for some recipes)
• Brush for oil or marinade (optional)

Instructions

Tempeh Bacon

1. Slice the tempeh into thin strips about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Mix soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and garlic powder in a bowl to create the marinade.
3. Marinate the tempeh strips in the mixture for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Arrange the tempeh strips on the baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, flip the strips, then bake for another 10-15 minutes until crispy and browned.

Coconut Bacon

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Toss coconut flakes in the marinade until evenly coated.
4. Spread coconut flakes in a thin layer on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy and golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Mushroom Bacon

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke in a bowl.
3. Toss shiitake slices in the marinade to coat thoroughly.
4. Arrange mushrooms on the baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until mushrooms are crispy and slightly curled.

Rice Paper Bacon

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut rice paper sheets into bacon-sized strips (about 1 inch wide).
3. Mix soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.
4. Briefly dip each rice paper strip into water to soften, then immediately dip into marinade.
5. Place strips on baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
6. Bake for 10 minutes, flip, then bake for another 10 minutes until crispy.

Eggplant Bacon

1. Slice eggplant lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Whisk soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, olive oil, and black pepper in a bowl.
3. Marinate eggplant strips in the mixture for 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Arrange eggplant strips on sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flip, then bake another 10-15 minutes until edges are crisp.

Tips & Variations

For extra smokiness, add a dash more liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the marinade.

Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.

These bacons are excellent for meal prep—store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

If you prefer stovetop cooking, pan-fry strips over medium heat until crispy instead of baking.

Feel free to experiment with different mushrooms like oyster or portobello for varied textures.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Add vegan bacon strips to your morning avocado toast or tofu scramble for a smoky boost.
• Layer coconut bacon on top of salads for a crunchy, flavorful garnish.
• Use mushroom bacon in sandwiches or wraps with vegan mayo and fresh greens.
• Rice paper bacon pairs wonderfully with vegan BLTs or as a crispy topping on burgers.
• Eggplant bacon is delicious alongside vegan mac and cheese or stuffed into vegan breakfast burritos.

For more creative plant-based breakfast ideas, check out our Breakfast Wellington Recipe. If you want to try a savory vegan twist on classic dishes, explore the Bread And Gravy Recipe.

And for hearty vegan main courses, don’t miss the Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes.

Conclusion

Embracing vegan bacon doesn’t mean giving up on flavor or texture—these five recipes prove that plant-based bacon can be just as satisfying and delicious as the traditional kind. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these recipes bring smoky, crispy, and savory notes that enhance any meal.

From the chewy tempeh to the crunchy coconut flakes, each variety offers a unique taste experience that’s easy to make and customize. So, grab your favorite ingredients, heat up your oven, and enjoy the best of vegan bacon!

Your taste buds and the planet will thank you.

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