Homemade Vegan Bacon Bits
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
80 kcal
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Vegan Bacon Bits
Description
Homemade Vegan Bacon Bits use soy curls broken into small pieces and coated with a flavorful marinade including tamari, maple syrup, liquid smoke, and smoked paprika. After marinating, the soy curls are spread in a single layer and baked at 350°F until they turn crisp. This process results in bits that offer a smoky and slightly sweet taste profile, mimicking bacon's savory characteristics without animal products.
The texture is crisp and crunchy on the outside but can retain some chewiness if baked less, making them versatile for various recipes where a bacon substitute is wanted. The inclusion of nutritional yeast and spices enhances the depth of flavor, lending umami and smoke notes.
These vegan bacon bits can be sprinkled over salads, pasta dishes, or incorporated into vegan soups to impart smoky seasoning and texture. Their shelf stability is increased by their low moisture content, making them suitable for storage and use as needed.
A note from the recipe indicates they can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for about a week and can be frozen to extend shelf life. An optional addition of oil to the marinade adds richness but is not necessary for a crisp result.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces soy curls Butler brand, half of a bag
- ⅓ cup tamari This makes very flavorful, salty bacon; you may find you like less.
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk Omit for extra crispy bacon bits, and NOTE, cook time will be reduced with less moisture, canned, optional or 1 tablespoon water
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 ¾ teaspoons liquid smoke
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a small bowl whisk together the tamari, maple syrup, nutritional yeast, liquid smoke, vinegar, paprika, garlic, onion, and pepper.
- Place soy curls in a large bowl. Use your hands to break the soy curls into smaller pieces (this takes a few minutes). Try to get them somewhat similar in size, so they cook evenly. *Alternatively, after coating in the marinade use a food processor to pulse them into large bits.
- Pour marinade over broken soy curls, and toss until completely coated and the marinade has been absorbed.
- There shouldn't be any excess marinade in the bottom of the bowl (or food processor), but if there is, leave it behind. Spoon onto the prepared pan, spreading in a single layer. If needed, use a second baking sheet so the bits aren't too crowded.
- Bake for 18 to 26 minutes, stirring at the 10-minute mark, or until they're just getting crisp. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes so they don't burn.
- Cool completely before storing. See Notes below.
Notes
- Store vegan bacon bits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week; they may keep longer but quality is best within this time.
- Freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for longer storage; thawing requires minimal time due to low moisture content.
- For added richness, optionally include one to two tablespoons of a neutral oil like olive oil in the marinade, though the bits are crispy and tasty without added fat.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 80 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 80kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 660mg | 28% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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