Crispy Vegan Bacon

You got it! Here’s how to make Crispy Vegan Bacon — smoky, savory, and super satisfying — with zero animal products and all the flavor and crunch you expect from bacon. Whether you want it chewy, crispy, or somewhere in between, I’ve got you covered.

---

🥓 Crispy Vegan Bacon (3 Ways)

Choose your base:

1. Rice paper – ultra crispy

2. Tofu – chewy and meaty

3. Tempeh – hearty and nutty

---

🔥 Base #1: Rice Paper Bacon (Ultra Crispy)

Ingredients:

• 4–6 rice paper sheets (cut into strips)

• 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for GF)

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• ½ tsp liquid smoke

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or use a nonstick skillet on medium heat.

2. Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a shallow dish.

3. Dip 2 rice paper strips quickly in warm water, stack them (for sturdiness), then brush both sides with marinade.

4. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet or skillet.

5. Bake 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway. Watch closely — it crisps up fast!

🥓 Texture: Very crispy, shatters like real bacon. Amazing on sandwiches or crumbled over salads.

---

🔥 Base #2: Tofu Bacon (Chewy & Crispy Edges)

Ingredients:

• 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and sliced thin

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• ½ tsp liquid smoke

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix marinade and soak tofu slices in it for 15–30 minutes.

2. Heat skillet with a little oil over medium-high.

3. Fry tofu strips 2–3 mins per side until golden and crisp.

4. Optional: Bake at 375°F for 20–25 mins for drier, chewier bacon.

🥓 Texture: Meaty and chewy with crispy edges. Great for breakfast plates or wraps.

---

🔥 Base #3: Tempeh Bacon (Hearty & Nutty)

Ingredients:

• 1 block tempeh, sliced very thin

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp liquid smoke

• 1 tsp olive oil

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Steam tempeh (optional, but reduces bitterness).

2. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Pan-fry or bake at 375°F for 20–25 mins, flipping halfway.

🥓 Texture: Robust, satisfying, slightly chewy. Great in BLTs or with brunch.

---

✅ Pro Tips:

• Want spicier bacon? Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.

• No liquid smoke? Use smoked paprika or a dash of BBQ sauce.

• Want it sweeter? Increase maple syrup slightly.

• Storage: Store cooked vegan bacon in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in a pan or oven.

---

🥪 Serving Ideas:

• Classic vegan BLT

• Crumbled over salads or soups

• With scrambled tofu or pancakes

• Vegan bacon-wrapped dates (using rice paper strips!)

---

Want a gluten-free, soy-free, or mushroom-based vegan bacon next? Just say the word!