This vegan bacon made from soy curls is smoky, crispy, and packed with flavor. It’s a great plant-based alternative to traditional bacon and perfect for adding to sandwiches, salads, or as a side to your favorite breakfast. The soy curls absorb the savory marinade beautifully, creating a satisfying, crispy texture when cooked.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups soy curls (dry, not pre-cooked)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke (for that smoky flavor)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Instructions:
Rehydrate the Soy Curls:
- Place the dry soy curls in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to rehydrate. Once softened, drain the soy curls and gently press out any excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until fully combined.
Marinate the Soy Curls:
- Add the rehydrated soy curls to the marinade and toss them to coat evenly. Let the soy curls marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a couple of hours, to absorb the flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure even marination.
Cook the Soy Curl Bacon:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated soy curls in a single layer. Cook them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning—cook in batches if necessary.
Drain and Serve:
- Once crispy, transfer the soy curl bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve warm.
Tips:
- For Extra Crispy Soy Curl Bacon: After frying, place the soy curls on a baking sheet and bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to further crisp them up.
- Flavor Variations: You can add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked chili powder for some heat, or experiment with other seasonings like thyme or oregano for a unique twist.
- Storage: Leftover soy curl bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to regain crispiness.
This vegan soy curl bacon is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying plant-based alternative that brings the same smoky, crispy goodness as traditional bacon, perfect for all your favorite dishes!
