Inspired by: @veganonthesavannah
Elevate your everyday avocado toast from simple to sensational with these incredibly easy and flavorful Smoky Coconut Bacon Bits! This clever plant-based recipe, shared by abillion user @veganonthesavannah, transforms humble coconut shavings into crispy, savory, and wonderfully smoky "bacon" that’s perfect for adding an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor to almost any dish.
Are you looking for a quick, homemade vegan bacon alternative? Do you want to boost the flavor of your breakfast or brunch without complex ingredients? This recipe is for you! It's an ideal solution for anyone seeking a dairy-free and gluten-free topping that delivers that satisfying umami kick. Many abillion users have raved about this ingenious idea, with one exclaiming, "Amazing!!" and another praising it as a "Great idea😋." Even if you’re typically not a fan of smoky flavors, this recipe offers flexibility for you to adjust the intensity to your liking.
Why You'll Love This Vegan Bacon Alternative
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and the incredible transformation of ingredients. In just minutes, you'll create a crispy, flavor-packed topping that mimics the savory, smoky notes of traditional bacon, but is entirely plant-based. It's not just for avocado toast; this versatile "bacon" can elevate salads, soups, baked potatoes, and more. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your friends with this surprising and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire!
Crispy, golden smoky coconut bacon bits elevating a perfectly ripe avocado toast.
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- Dried coconut shavings (large flakes work best for a bacon-like texture)
- 1-2 tablespoons Coconut Oil (or other cooking oil)
- A few drops of liquid smoke (such as Martinnaise Liquid Smoke)
- A pinch of Cayenne (for a touch of heat, optional)
- A pinch of Paprika (smoked paprika works best for extra smokiness)
- A pinch of Harissa or any other smoky spice you enjoy
- For serving: Ripe Avocado and your favorite toast
Equipment
- Frying pan or skillet
- Spatula
How to Make Smoky Coconut Bacon Bits
Making these crispy, smoky bits is incredibly easy and quick, perfect for a last-minute flavor boost!
- Heat a frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the Coconut Oil and let it melt.
- Add the dried coconut shavings to the pan.
- Carefully add a couple of drops of liquid smoke. Start with a small amount, as liquid smoke is very potent, and add more if desired.
- Sprinkle in the Cayenne, Paprika, Harissa, or your smoky spice of choice.
- Fry the mixture, stirring frequently, until the coconut shavings turn golden brown and become crispy. This usually takes only a few minutes, so watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Once crispy, remove from heat and let cool slightly. They will crisp up further as they cool.
- Serve immediately over freshly prepared Avocado toast or as a flavorful topping for other dishes.
Variations and Adaptations
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas to customize your smoky coconut bacon:
- Adjust the Spice: For more heat, increase the Cayenne or use hot Paprika. For less, omit the cayenne and choose a milder smoky spice.
- Sweet & Smoky: Add a tiny drizzle of maple syrup during the last minute of frying for a hint of sweetness that complements the smoky flavor beautifully.
- Different Spices: Experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, or a touch of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory twist.
- Beyond Toast: Sprinkle these crispy bits over salads, stir-fries, creamy soups, baked potatoes, or even vegan scrambled eggs for an added layer of flavor and texture. They're a fantastic addition to almost any savory meal!
Tips & Hacks
- Watch Carefully: Coconut shavings can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly. Stay by the pan and stir constantly for best results.
- Even Crispiness: Ensure the coconut shavings are in a single layer as much as possible to promote even cooking and crisping.
- Storage: Store any leftover crispy coconut bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Re-crisp in a dry pan if they lose their crunch.
- Liquid Smoke Control: Liquid smoke is potent. Start with a drop or two and taste. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
Ready to elevate your avocado toast with this game-changing topping? Try this easy recipe and discover a new favorite!
Related Articles
- Looking for more avocado toast inspiration? Check out Creamy Vegan Avocado Toast.
- Curious about other vegan bacon alternatives? Explore abillion Test Kitchen: Vegan Bacon.
- Find more quick and easy plant-based meals like Easy Crispy Vegan Lentils and Rice.
- Discover more breakfast delights with Quick & Easy Vegan French Toast Recipe.
- For another flavorful and versatile topping, see Extra Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas.
