Vegan coconut ‘bacon’ (recipe)

By The Health News Team | August 31, 2017

True bacon lovers don’t believe in substitutes. The problem? Bacon is not the best for you.

This vegan alternative offers the smoky flavor and crunch of bacon without the nitrates and sodium of pork. Crumble it on a salad, add it to a BLT or serve it with roasted Brussels sprouts.

Vegan Coconut “Bacon”
Make this gluten-free by using tamari gluten-free soy sauce.

Vegan coconut ‘bacon’ (recipe)

Ingredients

3 cups large, unsweetened coconut flakes (not shredded)
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons liquid smoke (any flavor; can be found at grocery stores and Amazon)
1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons of smoked paprika (optional)
Pinch of salt

Directions

1

Step 1

Heat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.*

2

Step 2

In a bowl, whisk the soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, paprika (optional) and salt. Add coconut flakes and mix thoroughly.

3

Step 3

Spread out flakes in an even layer on the baking sheet. Bake on the middle rack for 12 to 13 minutes, flipping halfway, until flakes are mostly dry and golden on the edges.

4

Step 4

Let cool for 5 minutes; the flakes will continue to crisp.

5

Step 5

Use immediately or transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Coconut bacon keeps well in the fridge for 2 weeks or in the freezer for several months.

6

Step 6

*If you do not have parchment paper, coat a foil-lined baking sheet or regular baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Recipe adapted from cookieandkate.com.

The Health News Team

Author

The Sharp Health News Team are content authors who write and produce stories about Sharp HealthCare and its hospitals, clinics, medical groups and health plan.