Vegan Bacon Bits Recipe That Tastes Just Like Real Bacon

If you’re a vegan looking to add a smoky, crunchy, and utterly delicious twist to your salads, pastas, and baked dishes, then this vegan bacon bits recipe is just what you need. Traditional bacon bits pack a punch of flavor but come with the baggage of animal products and unhealthy fats.

Luckily, you can recreate that irresistible bacon flavor using simple plant-based ingredients that are both wholesome and satisfying.

These vegan bacon bits are incredibly easy to make at home and store well, so you can sprinkle them on your favorite dishes anytime. Not only do they bring a savory crunch, but they also add a smoky, slightly sweet depth that will elevate your meals without any compromise on your ethical or dietary choices.

Keep reading to discover how to whip up this tasty topping that will quickly become a pantry staple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out because it combines accessibility, health, and flavor effortlessly. Using pantry-friendly ingredients like coconut flakes or tempeh, you can create vegan bacon bits that are:

• Richly smoky and savory thanks to the use of liquid smoke and tamari.
• Crunchy and crisp – perfect to add texture to any meal.
• Highly versatile, ideal for salads, soups, baked potatoes, vegan mac and cheese, and more.
• Easy to customize with your preferred spices and sweetness level.
• Gluten-free and soy-free options are possible with simple swaps.

Plus, making your own vegan bacon bits means no preservatives or artificial flavors, so you get a clean, fresh taste every time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (medium or large flakes)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (use gluten-free tamari if needed)
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (for that smoky flavor)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (adds a subtle sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (enhances smoky aroma)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon oil (coconut oil or neutral oil for frying)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Skillet or frying pan
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Baking sheet (optional if baking instead of frying)
• Parchment paper (if baking)
• Cooling rack or plate lined with paper towels

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce or tamari, liquid smoke, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Whisk until well blended.
2. Marinate the coconut flakes: Add the unsweetened coconut flakes to the bowl and toss well until every flake is coated with the smoky mixture. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes for the flavors to absorb.
3. Heat the oil: Place a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add the oil. Allow it to warm up but not smoke.
4. Cook the coconut flakes: Add the marinated coconut flakes to the hot pan in a single layer. Stir frequently and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the flakes turn crispy and golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Drain and cool: Transfer the cooked coconut bacon bits onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them cool completely; they will crisp up further.
6. Store: Once cooled, store the vegan bacon bits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Tips & Variations

“For a soy-free version, substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos or liquid aminos and use sunflower or avocado oil instead of coconut oil for frying.”

Here are some additional ideas to make your vegan bacon bits uniquely yours:

• Use tempeh or shiitake mushrooms: For a chewier texture, marinate thin strips of tempeh or small shiitake pieces in the same marinade and pan-fry or bake until crispy.
• Bake instead of fry: Spread marinated coconut flakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy.
• Add nutritional yeast: Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast into the marinade for a cheesy, umami twist.
• Spice it up: Add chili powder or smoked chipotle powder in place of cayenne for different smoky heat profiles.
• Sweeten or salt to taste: Adjust the maple syrup and soy sauce quantities depending on your preference for sweetness or saltiness.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on brand and specific ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

These vegan bacon bits add an irresistible smoky crunch to a variety of dishes. Here are some tasty ways to use them:

• Sprinkle over vegan pasta dishes like creamy Alfredo for added texture.
• Top your fresh green salads for a smoky, savory boost.
• Add to baked potatoes or mashed potatoes in place of traditional bacon bits.
• Mix into vegan mac and cheese recipes for a flavor-packed crunch.
• Use as a topping for vegan pizzas or flatbreads.
• Incorporate into vegan soups such as creamy potato or pumpkin for an extra layer of flavor.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan bacon bits is a game-changer for plant-based cooking. This recipe is not only simple and quick but also incredibly customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Whether you choose coconut flakes for their crunch, tempeh for chewiness, or shiitake mushrooms for earthiness, you’ll be rewarded with a smoky, savory topping that elevates any meal.

Not only will you enjoy the rich flavors and texture, but you’ll also appreciate the wholesome ingredients free from preservatives and animal products. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to condiment for everything from salads to pasta.

For more delicious vegan recipes that complement these bacon bits, be sure to check out the Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners, the delightful Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious, and the ever-popular Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

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