Coconut Bacon!
The first time I ever realized that coconut ‘bacon’ was even a thing was at a restaurant in Philly called the Memphis Taproom when I tasted their vegan sandwich called the Smoked Coconut Club! This sandwich is so incredible and was even featured on the Food Network’s show Diners, Driver-Ins & Dives. Seriously, if you are ever in Philadelphia, try this sandwich, they actually use a smoker to smoke their coconut. Since that experience years ago, I was inspired to make coconut ‘bacon’ myself, however, using smoked flavoring instead of an actual smoker. Since then I’ve added it atop my black bean burgers, put it in my version of Spaghetti alla Carbonara, in Mofongo and even attempted to recreate the Taproom’s Coconut Club.
Ingredients:
2 Cups Coconut Flakes
2 Tbsp Tamari Soy Sauce
2 Tbsp Liquid Smoke (vegan friendly)
1 ½ Tbsp Maple Syrup or Agave
½ Tsp Smoked Paprika
Directions:
-Preheat oven 350 degrees.
-In a large bowl combine all ingredients.
-Place coconut flakes on baking sheet and toast for 10-12 minutes. Shake or flip halfway through so they bake up evenly.
Let them cool.
I’ve ran out of Maple syrup in the past and have made this with Blue agave and it came out okay too. Enjoy!
Spaghetti alla Carbonara – Pictured below.
Vegan Rescue 
I think I need to buy liquid smoke! Never seen it though… what is actually in it?
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It’s a great pantry item to have. Here’s a link to the website of the brand I use. I first saw it browsing in the store and liked that the back labeling said “suitable for vegans” on it.
Thanks for visiting my blog!
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Thank you very much! If anyone in the UK knows where I can get this that isn’t £8+ per 118ml bottle please let me know! 🙂
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Ah, this is exciting! I have to find liquid smoke…looks like a great product!
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Whoa, my boyfriend’s running out of excuses for not being a vegetarian! Pinning this for later 🙂
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Thank you! Definitely, I have some good ones that leave even meat eaters coming back for more. Even my brother the self proclaimed ‘meatetarian’ as he’s calls himself occasionally. Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
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Hi, I was just reading your recipe for vegan mofongo….I was like “Omg Whaaa?!?! My husband is gonna be so happy!!!” Unfortunately he’s allergic to coconut… Any substitution ideas?? Please hallp!! I already told him I was gonna make before reading the whole recipe 🤦smh lol
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Hi! lol I’m sure you can still make it with another bacon substitute. I would just try another vegan friendly bacon, like a soy-based bacon and just chop it up after cooking it. I like LightLife Smart Bacon too and think it would hold up in the recipe. A tempeh bacon would work too! Good luck! 🙂
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What kind of coconut flakes are you using? So many are sweetened and/or dried. Are you flaking it yourself?
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Hi Jacqui – I use the Let’s Do…Organic brand – Coconut Flakes because it’s quicker for convenience but you can certainly flake your own coconut by grating the coconut meat on a box grater. 🙂
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