Vegan Coconut Bacon

You won't believe how crunchy, smoky, and easy our vegan coconut bacon is! Made with just 4 simple ingredients and in less than 10 minutes. Coconut bacon is also keto and gluten-free. You're welcome. 

Originally published on June 2, 2014, updated on May 20, 2019.
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Hi there! Thanks for visiting us, we’re so happy you’re here. If you’re looking for Southern inspired vegan comfort food recipes, you’ve come to the right place.

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WHAT IS COCONUT BACON? 

It's only the best thing ever invented for those of us who don't eat animal bacon.  

Okay y'all, I'm not going to pretend that I don't like salty, smoky, crunchy food. I do, and I don't care who knows it. 🙂

This coconut bacon recipe is all of that, and it's cruelty-free, which makes it all the better.

If you're looking for something that mimics bacon, then this is going to quickly become one of your favorite vegan recipes.

You'll only need four simple ingredients and 10 minutes of your time to make it. You can sprinkle it on all kinds of foods to enhance their flavor and texture.

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO YOU NEED TO MAKE VEGAN BACON?

1. Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
2. Liquid Smoke
3. Maple Syrup
4. Salt & Black Pepper 

WHAT IS LIQUID SMOKE AND IS IT HEALTHY?

Great question!

Liquid smoke is essentially the water vapor from smoke that's captured in a cooled tubing and then distilled and condensed. 

The good thing about consuming liquid smoke vs foods that are smoked is that the tar and ash (carcinogens) are removed during the process. Although there are still some chemicals left from the smoke, many of the really bad components are eliminated.

Here's a bit of information from a good source. Click the link below to read the entire story.

"The recommended daily upper safety limit for these carcinogens is 47. Hickory smoke flavoring has only 0.8 per teaspoon, so we’d have to drink three bottles a day to bump up against the limit. And mesquite liquid smoke has only 1.1.

It turns out that most of the carcinogens in smoke are fat soluble, so when we make a water-based solution, like liquid smoke, we capture the smoke flavor compounds without capturing most of the smoke cancer compounds. The only time we need to really worry is when eating smoked foods—foods directly exposed to actual smoke. For example, smoked ham has 21.3 per serving, and smoked turkey breast has 26.7 per serving. One sandwich and we may be halfway to the limit, and one serving of barbequed chicken takes us over the top. Eating less than a single drumstick and we nearly double our daily allotment of these carcinogens. Nothing, however, is as bad as fish. Smoked herring? 140 per serving. And smoked salmon? One bagel with lox could take us ten times over the limit." Nutrition Facts.org

ARE THERE ANY SUBSTITUTIONS I CAN REPLACE LIQUID SMOKE WITH?

You could use smoked paprika, but keep in mind that the flavor won't be the same.

Additionally, the pimiento peppers that smoked paprika are made from are smoked over an oak fire before being ground up, so you're still eating smoked food.

HOW DO YOU MAKE COCONUT BACON? 

It's so easy!

STEP ONE

Whisk the liquid smoke and maple syrup together in a large bowl.

STEP TWO 

Toss the coconut in the liquid smoke mixture until the coconut if fully covered. You want the flakes to be light brown in color.

STEP THREE

Evenly spread the coconut flakes on a baking sheet and add salt and pepper to taste. Bake for approximately 7 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST COCONUT BACON

• Use large flake unsweetened coconut. Shredded coconut is too fine in texture and sweetened will ruin the taste. 
• Make sure that the coconut flakes are fully coated in the liquid smoke mixture. We use our hands to toss to make sure the top pieces of coconut are covered. 
• Watch the coconut carefully while it's baking. Every oven is calibrated differently, so it may take less time to bake, and we don't want your bacon to burn. 

HOW DO YOU STORE COCONUT BACON AND HOW LONG WILL IT KEEP? 

If you end up with leftover bacon, or make a double batch (smart), then you can store in an air tight container in your cabinet for up to one week.

WHAT KINDS OF FOOD SHOULD I EAT WITH COCONUT BACON? 

We're so glad you asked, because the possibilities are endless. You can eat it with savory or sweet foods.

Here are some of our favorite recipes to top with our fake bacon recipe.

• SMOKY CORN CHOWDER
• COBB SALAD (This is an old recipe that is in need of an update. Coming soon!)
• PASTA AND PEAS WITH BACON
• NICOISE SALAD FOR TWO, OR ANY SALAD, REALLY

As we slip into summer these will be added to all kinds of salads and dishes. I’m determined to prove to my omnivore friends that being vegan doesn’t mean giving up the taste of the things that they love, it just means eating healthier and being kinder. You can’t argue with that.

WHAT WINES GO WELL WITH SMOKY FLAVORED FOODS? 

HERE ARE SOME OTHER BACON SUBSTITUTION RECIPES

Portobello Mushroom Bacon

Eggplant Bacon

 

Make our keto and gluten-free coconut bacon and let us know what you think. We love to hear from you! And, don’t forget to take a picture of your gorgeous creation and tag us @veganosity on Instagram.

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