Homemade Vegan Imitation Bacon Bits
Elevate your favorite dishes with these smoky, crispy Homemade Vegan Imitation Bacon Bits! Made with protein-packed Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) and infused with the bold flavors of liquid smoke, maple syrup, and smoked paprika, these plant-based bacon bits are the perfect topping for salads, soups, baked potatoes, or even avocado toast. This quick and easy recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish and can be customized for a gluten-free option by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Cooked to golden perfection in a skillet, these vegan bacon crumbles deliver a satisfying crunch and that signature smoky, sweet-savory flavor you know and love—all without any animal ingredients. Ideal for meal prep, they can be stored for up to a week, making them a versatile addition to your vegan kitchen staples.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
- 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce or Tamari (for gluten-free)
- 2 teaspoons Liquid Smoke
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 cup Vegetable Stock or Water
- 1 tablespoon Neutral Cooking Oil (e.g., avocado or sunflower oil)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, warm 1 cup of vegetable stock or water over medium heat until lightly simmering.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the TVP, soy sauce or tamari, liquid smoke, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Pour the warmed vegetable stock or water over the TVP mixture, stirring well to fully hydrate the TVP. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed.
Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral cooking oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Add the rehydrated TVP to the skillet and spread it out in an even layer.
Cook the TVP, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes or until it becomes crispy and browned. Be careful not to burn it—reduce the heat if necessary.
Once the vegan imitation bacon bits are cooked to your desired crispiness, remove them from the heat and let them cool completely.
Use immediately as a topping or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
133 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.7 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 620 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.6 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.5 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.6 g | ||
| Protein | 15.6 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 54 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 679 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
