Yes, you read that right. Coconut Bacon.
I know what you’re thinking: “Wait, whaaaaaaat?!” I thought the same thing when I first started seeing this stuff pop up in vegan and vegetarian recipes.
But now, I realize it’s genius: A completely plant-based topping that has the same texture, crunch and salty bite as real bacon, and that can be used in all the same contexts.
Thankfully, my fabulous virtual assistant Diana also happens to be a wonderful vegetarian chef and agreed to share her Coconut Bacon recipe with us here. (Follow her on Instagram or check out her blog for other mouth-watering recipes!)
If you’re trying to eat healthier or follow a more plant-based diet in this new year, make a batch of this for sprinkling on baked potatoes, salads, soups, pastas, roasted veggies, etc. This may become your new favorite topping!
- 1 cup unsweetened flaked coconut (not shredded)
- 1 T liquid aminos, soy sauce or Tamari
- 1 T maple syrup
- ½ T liquid smoke (any flavor, I used Hickory)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Heat oven to 325. Combine liquid aminos, maple syrup, liquid smoke and smoked paprika in a medium bowl. Add coconut flakes and stir to thoroughly coat the coconut flakes with the liquid mixture.
- Pour onto a large baking sheet and spread out the mixture evenly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes with a spatula so the coconut bakes and browns evenly. Keep an eye on it and be sure to toss it as it can burn fast.
- Let cool, then store in an air tight container.
- Serve anywhere you'd normally sprinkle crumbled bacon pieces.
13 Comments
Matt Robinson
January 14, 2015 at 10:16 amI’ve never heard of this, what an awesome idea!
shelley hudson
January 14, 2015 at 10:41 amNo. Way. This is crazy and amazing! I don’t eat meat and don’t crave a meat smell or taste in any way. BUT I do love the smell and taste of the smoky stuff that people barbeque with. In fact, I had a sweet potato that was seasoned with hickory liquid smoke a few months ago, and I’ve been dreaming about it ever since! I will definitely try this and report back with my findings 🙂
Diana Howe
January 14, 2015 at 12:49 pmAmelia! Thank you for featuring my recipe! I feel like a chef-lebrity 🙂
Sonali- The Foodie Physician
January 14, 2015 at 6:05 pmOMG, this is so cool! I’ve never heard of coconut bacon before and now I can’t wait to try it! Thanks for sharing!
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance
January 15, 2015 at 9:49 amLast time I made coconut bacon I ate the entire pan. No shame. So so good!
Amelia Winslow
January 15, 2015 at 12:50 pmI don’t blame you, Christina!
Amelia Winslow
January 15, 2015 at 12:50 pmI had never heard of it either until Diana introduced me. Love the concept & taste!
Amelia Winslow
January 15, 2015 at 12:51 pmThank you for such a wonderful and unique recipe!
Amelia Winslow
January 15, 2015 at 12:53 pmI was thinking of you with this recipe! I think you’d love it!
SallyBR
January 28, 2015 at 7:50 amHello there! Just found your blog today, subscribed and shall follow your adventures 😉
I have a quick question for you about this recipe. Do you think that leaving the liquid smoke out would compromise it too much? I cannot STAND liquid smoke, even though I love a good smoky flavor.
I usually sautee coconut flakes and add it on top of soups and salads, so I am anxious to try this version, seems amazing to me!
Nice to “meet” you!
Amelia Winslow
January 28, 2015 at 8:19 amHi Sally! Thanks for stopping by 🙂 I’m sure you could leave out the liquid smoke; it just might not taste so “bacon-y” but I’m sure it would still be a tasty topping, especially if you’re accustomed to using coconut flakes on top of savory foods. Let me know how it turns out!
SallyBR
January 28, 2015 at 8:50 amAwesome, thanks!
on a side note, I enjoyed your reflexions on the Paleo diet, which go exactly along with mine. I did the Whole 30 thing out of curiosity more than anything else (I weigh less than 100 pounds, don’t have weight issues to deal with) – and I can see how it has good and negative aspects. It was fun to do it, and see how my body reacted to it.
Amelia Winslow
January 29, 2015 at 8:15 amI too like experiment with different eating styles to see what makes my body feel best. I bet it was interesting at the least!