It's easy to make delicious vegan bacon bits at home using Butler soy curls (dehydrated whole soy beans). Sprinkle these healthy bacon bits on salads, potatoes, casseroles, mac and cheese, or any dish where you want salty bacon flavor! Yield: makes about 3 cups
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a small bowl whisk together the tamari, maple syrup, nutritional yeast, liquid smoke, vinegar, paprika, garlic, onion, and pepper.
Place soy curls in a large bowl. Use your hands to break the soy curls into smaller pieces (this takes a few minutes). Try to get them somewhat similar in size, so they cook evenly. *Alternatively, after coating in the marinade use a food processor to pulse them into large bits.
Pour marinade over broken soy curls, and toss until completely coated and the marinade has been absorbed.
There shouldn't be any excess marinade in the bottom of the bowl (or food processor), but if there is, leave it behind. Spoon onto the prepared pan, spreading in a single layer. If needed, use a second baking sheet so the bits aren't too crowded.
Bake for 18 to 26 minutes, stirring at the 10-minute mark, or until they're just getting crisp. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes so they don't burn.
Cool completely before storing. See Notes below.
Notes
StorageStore bacon bits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week (though, they're likely fine for longer). To freeze, make sure they're in an airtight, freezer-safe container. They contain almost no moisture, so they don't require much time to thaw before using.Oil OptionIf you include oil in your diet feel free to add 1 or 2 tablespoons of olive oil or another neutral oil to the marinade. Obviously bacon is very high in fat, and soybeans are not! A touch of oil adds more richness, if desired. But they're absolutely delicious and crisp even without oil.