These vegan bacon bits are made using TVP (soy granule). You can enjoy them in tacos, burritos, salads, sprinkled over pasta, pretty much anything that needs that extra flavor and crunch!
You probably already know that I am a huge fan of TVP and soy granule. If you don’t know what TVP is, then check out this guide on TVP I’ve written a couple of months ago (it also includes all of my favorite TVP recipes!).
I love TVP because
- it can be stored at room-temperature like forever,
- it is inexpensive,
- it expands when cooked, so it doesn’t need much space when storing it
- and it’s super versatile!
I’ve been using TVP and soy granules since the very first start of me going vegan (in 2012). It’s very easy to make formerly meaty recipes vegan by using TVP. This works especially well for Spaghetti Bolognese, Lasagna, and Chili.
It has helped me a lot in the beginning, and I still enjoy using TVP because of the amazing texture and it soaks up flavors really well.
How to make Vegan Bacon Bits using TVP
The ingredients
You will need:
- soy granule / soy crumbs / TVP
- water
- soy sauce
- paprika powder
- dried thyme
- salt
- liquid smoke
- plant-based, neutral oil such as canola oil or sunflower oil
The basic steps
This is how the TVP / soy granule looks like that we are working with today. It is hydrated, so the first step is to rehydrate it and we’re doing this with water, spices, and herbs (to add more flavor!).
Step 1: Add the soy granule, water, spices and herbs to a large pan. Bring it to high heat.
Step 2: Stir to combine. Let it cook until the soy granule has absorbed the water.
Step 3: Then add oil and let it cook further until the soy granule turns brown and gets crispy.
I hope you enjoy these versatile vegan bacon bits as much as I do! Let me know if you give them a try!
If you don’t want to miss out on any new recipes, subscribe to my newsletter, follow me on Instagram and Facebook!
Cheers, Bianca
Vegan Bacon Bits
Ingredients
- 1 cup soy granule
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder mild
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon plant-based oil (sunflower oil or canola oil)
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients (except the oil) in a large pan, stir to combine. Bring it to high heat.
- Once the soy granule has soaked up the water, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir constantly.
- It will take about 10 to 15 minutes for the soy granule to get brown and crispy. You might have to add a bit more oil to achieve that. Then you can use the vegan bacon bits as taco 'meat', in salads, on pasta, or whatever you're craving!
Ilona
Wednesday 15th of February 2023
Sounds good :)
Just one idea: You really want to fry the soy granules with oil before you add any other liquid. I think in Finland (Europe) most vegans have done this at least for some years, I can't remember where I found it out originally. Maybe local veganuary? I have used soy granules for years and this changed the whole thing. Fry it with gentle heat as it burns easily and you don't want that.
Maraia
Tuesday 24th of September 2019
This sounds delicious! Have you tried freezing them?