Description
Discover three easy and delicious vegan bacon recipes that offer a smoky, salty flavor and crispy texture without any animal products. Made with tempeh, shiitake mushrooms, and coconut flakes, these gluten-free and vegan bacon alternatives are perfect for adding a savory crunch to your meals.
Ingredients
Tempeh Bacon
- 8 ounces tempeh, sliced crosswise into thin strips, steamed
- ¼ cup tamari
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Heaping ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Shiitake Bacon
- 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tamari
Coconut Bacon
- ¾ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ¾ tablespoon tamari
- Scant ½ tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Make Tempeh Bacon: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place steamed tempeh in an 8x8 or similarly sized baking dish. In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and freshly ground black pepper. Pour this marinade over the tempeh and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, layer the tempeh strips onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until crisp and charred around the edges. Remove and let cool on the pan for 10 minutes. Optionally, crumble the tempeh into bacon bits.
- Make Shiitake Bacon: Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a damp cloth to clean the mushrooms gently—avoid washing to keep them crisp. Stem and slice the mushrooms, then toss them with olive oil and tamari until well coated. Spread them evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are shriveled and crispy.
- Make Coconut Bacon: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine coconut flakes, tamari, maple syrup, and smoked paprika on the pan, tossing gently to coat evenly. Spread the mixture in a thin layer and bake for 6 to 10 minutes or until dark golden brown and slightly crispy. Watch closely as coconut flakes can burn quickly due to varying ovens.
Notes
- For tempeh bacon, steaming tempeh before marinating enhances texture and flavor absorption.
- Cleaning shiitake mushrooms with a damp cloth rather than washing keeps them from becoming soggy.
- Monitor coconut bacon closely in the oven to prevent burning due to quick toasting times.
- All three bacon alternatives are gluten-free and vegan, making them suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
- These can be enjoyed on sandwiches, salads, or as crunchy toppings for soups and more.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
