Fakin Bacon Bits Recipes

EASY TEMPEH BACON

Steps:

• Slice the tempeh in half widthwise (so you have 2 even squares), then thinly slice each square in thirds so you have six very thin squares (it's easiest to do this by placing the tempeh flat on your cutting board and holding the knife horizontally for an even cut). Then slice each square into three rectangular strips. You should have ~18 pieces of tempeh (as the original recipe is written).
• In a shallow bowl, rimmed plate, or baking dish, whisk together the oil, tamari, maple syrup, salt, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne (optional). Taste and adjust flavor as needed. It should be quite salty, smoky, a little spicy, and plenty sweet (even a little too sweet, as it needs to balance the bitterness of the tempeh).
• Add the tempeh and toss to coat (using a pastry brush is helpful for fully coating). Marinate for 10-15 minutes, flipping once for even flavor dispersion.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Transfer tempeh (reserving excess marinade for brushing) to the parchment-lined baking sheet and arrange in a single layer.
• Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven, flip, and brush generously with reserved marinade. Bake for 8-10 minutes more, or until browned and slightly crispy.
• Enjoy immediately or store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (176°C) oven or on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.

FAKIN' BACON BITS

Steps:

• Place the liquid smoke, soy sauce, salt, ketchup, oil and water in a measuring cup.
• Stir and let stand until fully absorbed, about 25-30 minutes.
• Spread over a baking sheet and bake at 250, stirring every 15 minutes until they're dried out, 30-45 minutes.
• Store in the freezer.

HOMEMADE FRESH BACON BITS

Steps:

• Partially freeze your package of bacon so that it holds together easier while slicing.
• Use a sharp knife and cut the frozen bacon into long strips about 1/4 inch wide.
• Turn the bacon and cut the strips into pieces also about 1/4 in wide.
• Sprinkle with pepper.
• Fry over a medium high heat until crisp.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
• You can freeze this for later use by placing the bacon bits in a single layer on a cooking sheet. Once they are frozen, place them in a zip lock bag for use in recipes, salads or baked potatoes. Freezing this way allows you to be able to take out just what you need without thawing the entire bag of frozen solid bacon bits.

FAKEN (VEGGIE BACON)

Steps:

• Slice the thawed tofu into very thin slices (like bacon). In a medium bowl, stir together the yeast, water, maple syrup, liquid smoke, soy sauce, onion powder and garlic powder. Place the tofu strips into the bowl to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
• Heat butter or margarine in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly fry tofu strips until crisp, turning once, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels, and serve immediately.

HOMEMADE VEGAN IMITATION BACON BITS!

Steps:

• Add the liquid smoke, soy sauce, molasses to a measuring cup , then fill with water to get one cup.
• In a microwave safe dish, mix together liquid smoke mixture, TVP and salt.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on high for five minutes. Carefully remove the wrap.
• Preheat a skillet with the oil.
• If using maple extract, add to the reconstituted TVP now and mix well.
• Add reconstituted TVP to the pan and toss to make sure it all gets coated with oil. Pan fry until desired crispness. Stir often. You don't necessarily want to "brown" them, but dry them out. This should take about ten minutes.
• Allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator. The bits should last at least a week. Or you can store in the freezer, they will last a long time!