vegan bacon
Posted by sparkle_j on Sep 14, 2007 · Member since Jan 2002 · 85 posts
Hi, all.
I'm craving BLTs (bacon, lettuce, tomato sandwiches) these days, and would like to hear your suggestions of really good, salty, smoky, crispy vegan bacon. Do you buy it pre-packaged? I've only ever found Morning Star brand, and that's got eggs in (last time I checked, which I admit was years and years ago). Do you make it yourself? Want to share a recipe?
And though I do love tempeh, and will use smoky tempeh on occasion in sandwiches, it's not really what I had in mind for the kind of BLT I want.
Thanks!
Joelle
I make it myself I use the recipe from VWAV with either tempeh or tofu. If you press the tofu and use enough liquid smoke I think it tastes similar but I have not had bacon in over ten years so I might be wrong.
I've tried it with tofu, and with tempeh, but can't get it dry enough or thin enough so that it cooks up crispy.
That being said, I really need to get that book. I've heard so many good things about it.
I wonder if a sliced vegan lunch "meat" pan-seared a little might satisfy that crispy bacon urge...
I've not found a good substitute for bacon (many enjoyable options, but no adequate substitute).
Good luck!
http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=7675.0
This is wonderful.
It is NOT "exactly like bacon," but that's a good thing. Having recently fallen off the wagon and back on again, I can say that with certainty.
Joelle, The people who make GimmeLean also make a bacon type product. It's not bad, but highly processed.
I've tried it with tofu, and with tempeh, but can't get it dry enough or thin enough so that it cooks up crispy.
That being said, I really need to get that book. I've heard so many good things about it.
I think that you need to fry it for longer with a hotter heat, mine ends up real crispy every time.
The Smart Dogs company makes a "Smart Bacon". I love it.
Hey Joelle, glad to see you popping in...
I second Duckaluckys recommendation! I don't have/use liquid smoke (whatever that is) and this "bacon" is positively addictive!
K^2
THree votes for vegweb vegan bacon! Its awesome and will definitely satisfy your craving. Especially when mixed in with the Lettuce, Tomato, and Veganaise. YUM! I like it plain too. Just be sure NOT to use frozen then thawed tofu. Just use it from the fridge and drain it really well.
Hey Joelle, glad to see you popping in...
I second Duckaluckys recommendation! I don't have/use liquid smoke (whatever that is) and this "bacon" is positively addictive!
K^2
ditto to the recipe duckalucky posted. i'm actually planning on making some when i get home from work. i do "bacon" avocado tomato sammies with it and they are so yummers
FYI it is the same recipe as VWAV except the vegweb version uses nutritional yeast and the VWAV uses apple cider vinegar and tomato paste in the marinade
ill bet you could make a decent bacon with seitan...if it was done the right way
ooh..with seitan...now that is a good idea.
This morning I made vegan bacon bits. Pretty good, but 'ya know, it's just bits. I posted the recipe on my blog:
www.justthefood.blogspot.com
I secong that LightLife's Smart Bacon is the best premade one out there.