Gordon Ramsay's Vegan Bacon (recipe test)

Gordon Ramsay shared a vegan bacon recipe on TikTok. Like his eggplant steak recipe, it's gone semi-viral. It's rice paper bacon layered with seasoned, crumbled tofu. Today I'm making the recipe for you, and trying it in a vegan BLT (with homemade vegan aioli).
Blog post with photos and more details → bit.ly/3j7c5Dw
Chapters
Intro - 00:00
Recipe Demo - 00:36
Vegan Aioli - 06:25
Making a BLT - 07:48
Taste Test w/ Eric - 09:17
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[@SarahsVeganKitchen]

I couldn't muster the effort to try Gordon Ramsay's 🍆 eggplant steak 🥩...but I wanted to try his new vegan bacon recipe. 🥓 Have you tried it? If so, what did you think? Are you a fan of rice paper bacon, or do you have a different favorite bacon sub?

[@daniellebarker7667]

Eliminate the spice, add more liquid smoke, turn the tofu + marinade into a fine paste and use only a tiny smear in places on the first layer. Wait to dunk in the marinade until after you stick the two softened layers together well. This fixed it for me.

[@Whitesp0t]

This is the way!

[@user-xx7pg3vw9k]

Before I read your comment that’s what I was thinking. Smear smooth tofu not tofu crumbles. Also needs nutritional yeast and more sweetness and soy sauce instead of all the spices. Paprika is fine but one fourth that amount and salt pepper and that’s it. Cool to know it was better. Thanks for affirming that!

[@Nozarks1]

Good idea. How about sandwiching the tiny smears of tofu between the two sheets, spreading the marinade over them (rice paper is thin and absorbent, then cutting strips with a pizza cutter.

[@leeloooooooooo]

I fell off the wagon for a while and it's so nice to see you still here years later, so chill and confident, keeping the vegan fire burnin 🔥

[@SuperLaura516]

I love your honesty the best and will subscribe just because you’re both so honest.

[@marystestkitchen]

Thank you for your sacrifice 😂 Lightlife tempeh bacon strips are the best imo. Maybe layer that with rice paper bacon for and extra crunch? I think you guys would enjoy it 🤗

[@SarahsVeganKitchen]

Ooh I never would've considered laying a store bought bacon with the rice paper. Might try that! And yeah, Lightlife bacon is so good! It throws me back to when I first went vegan and that was one of the only options haha.

[@WE__BTS]

@Rafi Dwiputra Daniswara why are you on a vegan channel??

[@LH-rz6rb]

It must of been a sacrifice...the eggplant thing was a no-no. (And this is from Gordon Ramsey who raised a pig and then killed it and ate it, while his children looked on, on his TV programme. I won't even give him the time of day.)

[@iamthebadwolf7296]

@Rafi Dwiputra Daniswara very glad I don’t live there then. Tempeh bacon from lightlife is better than real bacon. Real bacon was too greasy, it would make me feel sick to my stomach.

[@JaheimsStrugglingHairline]

Try sweet earth bacon it’s much better

[@Tamara-fb4so]

I've been making your recipes for a while but I haven't watched your KZbin content untill now. I appreciate how easy your recipes are and just need to say, I love your confidence in tweaking chef Gordon's recipes. Thanks!

[@tamcon72]

Regarding the design flaws: I'm a trained cook with a culinary degree and I have found that even the most elite chefs can turn into total amateurs when challenged--and I use that word sarcastically--to make plant-based dishes competently. Case in point. These are the sort of issues Mr. Ramsay would _never_ tolerate in animal bacon, but, standards are dropped for our food because [shrug]. It's insulting. Thanks for trying to remedy this recipe, and giving us suggestions for our own rendition.

[@Emjay_____71]

you don't know him

[@tamcon72]

@@Emjay_____71 Why, does he "live in Canada"? LOL.

[@dugldoo]

Calm, low key, articulate, smooth and well edited. And you and your buddy did a nice review of the results. Good job.

[@elenaayala5209]

Looks amazing and thank for sharing this recipe I’m definitely going to be trying it out I’m so excited to try it out 🙂

[@siobhanmccourt3754]

Cool! Thanks for trying this! I’ve never gone to the effort of trying to recreate bacon because I didn’t used to love it THAT much but this looks like it could be a fun recipe to try on a weekend

[@elenah287]

Another great video! I love the song at the end. ♥️

[@realizedreams6183]

first time seeing your channel. what an amazingg quality videos!!! great job 😊

[@Phaseriffic]

Its always a relaxing, interesting and fun time with you both. Love your videos. =)

[@margarett_b]

I really appreciate the fact you tested it for us ahead of time and because of that were able to adjust the recipe a bit to make it better! I must say, I already saw Mark from Sauce Stache test this concept but this is exactly why I love the fact you shared with us the improved version - he was not impressed with the ratio of work to results ;P Thank you for your time and effort Sarah! . Sending you and Eric lots of love! Stay safe and have a great rest of the week!

[@laniinla2354]

I see all the work you put into the framing and arranging of these shots, it looks wonderful. I love any way you choose to film your videos, but I want you to know we notice. :)

[@Chrissy4281]

I was hoping you did this..really wanted to see a video with your version.

[@Blueskies1180]

Thank you for going through the painful process of experimenting with this recipe! Much appreciated 😊

[@seattlejayde]

Awesome video! Thank you

[@dastin7276]

Excellent. Thank You.

[@MrNioMoon]

Yay! I’m excited to watch this later! 💗

[@SarahsVeganKitchen]

Yay! Thank you!

[@sarahb5464]

Fell off the wagon with the stress/restricted budget/extreme kitchen downgrade/etc that 2020 brought. I ate a record number of BLTs, and they were usually the highlight of those very rough days. So thrilled to see this as I try to get back into taking better care of myself, the environment & and animals in this (slightly) better back half of 2021! Time to re-binge your videos like I did back in the day during my first "transition" phase!

[@hannahm3126]

Love that you and Jasmine & Chris, all had the same great idea! I feel like Gordon is just throwing out the craziest vegan recipes.. for no reason haha but I love watching these

[@505giraffe]

Yes because he hates and has total contempt for vegans

[@xtinkerbellax3]

@@505giraffe A lot of chefs seem to be very angered by vegans lol.

[@joanna759]

I think his daughter is now vegan or so I heard that’s why he’s doing these recipes. Not 100 percent sure though

[@nlwolslegel]

Thank you for sharing this with us! Great video. Also is that shirt thrifted? If not could you tell me where you got it I am in love ❤️

[@kathleenswenning9915]

Your version looked great with less tofu!!!! I watched a bunch of people's versions!!!! Thank you!!!!!

[@SarahsVeganKitchen]

Thanks so much! Yeah, I noticed that too. I think it might be because in the TikTok video demonstrating the recipe, they appear to use a lot of tofu too. I'm not sure why it doesn't match the recipe written on his blog?

[@tammysvegankitchen]

This bacon looks pretty tasty! Great video! The Sammy looked delicious! When you cook your chickpeas do you just store them in the water they are boiled in? Also that aioli is a must try here! I loved how you had your guys song at the end! 🥓🧡🙌😊❣️

[@ArmaniLovesToSing]

Yay new video!! Honestly I'll stick with rice paper or tempeh, less work lol. What camera are you using here by the way? The quality is 10/10

[@SoniaElsie]

Ive never tried making my own vegan bacon!! I keep seeing recipes come up and want to try 😍

[@mystruggletobeadecenthuman5121]

OMG this is the first time I'm this early :D Hi Sarah :) love watching your videos! your food always look mouth watering

[@SarahsVeganKitchen]

thank you sooooo much for the support! means the world to me. 🥰

[@Ca1icoFox]

Every time I see Eric I IMMEDIATELY think of Brooklyn 99 It just happens idk. But my initial mention was for the clarity and well-put-together nature of your videos! Happy 2024, hope this year you make it BIG! :D

[@Pinupred21]

You nailed it! Thank you for trying the recipe 🥓🌱

[@SarahsVeganKitchen]

aw thanks for watching!

[@hannahmatthews7934]

My favorite way to have a bacon replacement for the BLT is toasting some french’s fried onions and it pretty much does what you need. 🤘🏻

[@shellyt556]

Good idea!

[@briceshairdesigns1]

This was a good watch… I might try it

[@nancyplants757]

I've never made rice paper bacon just because I want something with some protein to replace the bacon. But I bet it must be super crispy. I have rice paper in my pantry. I should probably try making this sometime just for giggles.

[@LH-rz6rb]

The rice paper facon is really good, especially the mixtures from The Edgyveg (Candice Hutchinson - if I remember correctly), but I hear you: it's great to have a protein with starch (toast) rather than a starch with a starch. I took The Edgyveg's facon mixture and used Mary's Test Kitchen's fake beef seitan recipe. It does need tweaking but it's quite good. I want to ask her actually how she would do a seitan facon! I am not sure I'd go to the lengths of crumbling tofu on top of rice paper though...?

[@PeiPeisMom]

I clicked on this video because I had hoped Ramsay was using tempeh to make bacon and I just started making my own tempeh. But you demonstrated a most awesome sandwich process, so I'll be making a sandwich just like that with homemade tempeh bacon--thanks for this!

[@renosralphprospecting138]

The zoom in on the piece of tofu that fell freaking killed me lol

[@Britbabe53]

So nice that you can showcase your own music on your KZbin vids now!

[@seciliafeliz]

Your BLT looks legit! Glad I didn't have to try this now and waste my time! Thanks 😊

[@DaiColoriaiSapori]

Wow! Love this vegan version! 😍🤤 yummy recipe! Looks delicious ! Greetings from Italy🥰

[@SarahsVeganKitchen]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@tp3446]

I agree with your review. I just made some today and only the outside is crispy the middle part is chewy. But thanks for testing.

[@donbarile8916]

Interesting. I made some for the first time, before watching this. I used miso paste, Braggs liquid amino, a touch of sesame oil, liquid smoke, nutritional yeast, and a few spices. Between the layers I just sprinkled a little nutritional yeast and baked at 400 for 12 minutes. It came out to my liking. Looked pretty much like bacon with crispy edges. I think there's a million ways to do this, depending on what you green light for your diet. I've cut out all sweeteners, salts and oils, except in this one particular case. I felt the little of that in here, and the rarity of consuming this kind of thing is ok. Yours sure looked good and your presentation was very nice. Thanks for not adding any elevator music and other typical annoyances that so many others like to pepper their videos with. And for the record, Gordon Ramsay is entirely overrated... 😊

[@Fiftynine414]

My favorite bacon marinade is Mississippi Vegan’s recipe. Spot on. I’m going to try it with this rice paper recipe.

[@starbright7415]

This looks great. Thank you for showing a vegan bacon. FYI I love the Well Your World nutritional yeast. It's delicious!

[@SarahsVeganKitchen]

Thanks for the recommendation! I'll have to keep an eye out for that brand.

[@welldonebooks]

i love these types of videos! ive never had rice paper bacon, but i have missed BLTs since going vegetarian and being faux meat bacon at the store doesnt appeal to me (or at least, the ones that look like cartoon bacon rather than the real thing freak me out).

[@el-bov8034]

Nice! How long d’ya reckon that alioli keeps, in the fridge?

[@calmmind7925]

I just stumbled upon your channel for the first time. Thanks so much for this video - I’ve been wanting to experiment with making my own vegan bacon. And, by the way - has anyone ever told you that you look like singer, Brandi Carlisle?

[@theschneemann2574]

When I went vegan 4 years ago, I promised myself that I would avoid meat and dairy replacements... which I have for the most part. That said, the only meat product i still have a hankering for occasionally is bacon (of course!) and my all-time favorite BLT. All time best vegan bacon recipe? Smoked, extra-firm tofu super thinly sliced. The crunch is there, the flavor is there... all around an *almost* perfect replacement.

[@zeebzorb6785]

Holy shit been following you for years. For some reason I had no idea you had a yt until rn

[@intelligentcomputing]

For quick vegan bacon, I like to just use slices of smoked tofu fried in olive and coconut oils. Using two different oils is optional but does improve it IMO. For more salt, just marinade the slices of smoked tofu in Bragg's or soy sauce for a minute or so beforehand.

[@pagangoat666]

Have to try aquafaba at some point, that aioli recipe looks so good. Someone tried Ramsay's vegan burger from his restaurant in London and said that it tasted like it was made by someone who actively dislikes vegans lol That's kind of the feeling I get from a lot of 'top' chefs tbh

[@thadoe4403]

Nice!!

[@robincrowflies]

I love tempeh bacon. I make my own and it doesn't really have the crunch, but it's delicious and has actual nutritional value... Thanks for trying this, though. I was curious.

[@olivialuvzpurplecows]

Great!

[@kittycrawley]

How do you like that new nooch?? It's been in my Amazon cart for a while now but I haven't pulled the trigger...

[@StacyPowerhouse]

The slight ASMR 😌

[@friendlyworm420]

You’re a legend

[@isyt1320]

Sarah, please could you try 'vegan Isaac toast' from Liz Miu in Australia? It's a ham/egg/cheese sandwich but has a savoury kiwi sauce that sounds super bizarre but is apparently incredible. Would love to see you make it and hear your thoughts! Much love and have a great day.

[@crochethooked7796]

Lightlife bacon, slightly charred (AKA burned), are my favorite.

[@deshaesperon5854]

Now I can make this. I like the tofu in it for added protein.

[@jackiehedges320]

sauce stache's daikon bacon is great...you might want to give it a shot

[@shaalijones3484]

Gordon Ramsey is standing on the shoulders of dozens of fabulous, creative, vegan chefs. This is essentially the same bacon that I’ve been making for 15 years. It is maddening that a chef who has had nothing but distain for the vegan community is stealing their recipes for clicks.

[@felicitasdieterle4563]

Hi guys, I like the rice paper bacon-but not in a BLT. For that purpos I use the recipe of your KZbin-Colleague Mind over munch for Tempeh Bacon. It wowed me ! PS: And especialy for a BLT I use Hellman´s Bavonaise . A vegan mayonnaise with bakon flavour, wich supports the banony taste in the sandwich. It´s awwwwwwwwwww !

[@discoqueenmom]

Ive tried rice bacon with out the tofu and liked it, but you need to try coconut meat bacon, thats pretty tasty as well.

[@SarahsVeganKitchen]

Oooh didn't know that was a thing but it sounds promising! I've had coconut meat jerky and reeeeally enjoy it so I can see how it would be good.

[@WhatTheKink]

Hit me back when there’s a recipe for chewy, fatty bacon. 💁🏽‍♀️ I was never into the crispy stuff.

[@xJKBx]

Gordon making these recipes makes perfect sense to me as he is known for hating and trolling the vegan community. It makes sense he has no idea what he is doing lol

[@hannahcook04]

I think the 'soggy' texture might be speaking to how we have bacon in the UK. Like the idea of super crispy bacon is just so unappealing to me, bacon has always been soft. So maybe that's what Gordon was trying to somewhat go for.

[@purpleexplorer2263]

If you're plant based, try the This Isn't Bacon. It's pretty good texture and taste wise :-)

[@jessi1]

esa palta esta perfecta!!! Que cheta jajaja

[@user-xx7pg3vw9k]

I bet it would be better with silken tofu smeared instead of crumble tofu. Honestly marinated baked carrot ribbons are awesome for BLTs

[@tigerdeer]

As a long time vegan it never ceases to amaze me the amount of time people spend trying to imitate meat. 🤷‍♂

[@WooNeful]

I will want to try this!! I wonder if smoked tofu would do the trick without having to add liquid smoke🤔

[@margarett_b]

7:10 Now, that's some good news! I don't have access to JUST egg so this substitution is perfect for me :D

[@natmickan]

It’s probably worth noting that bacon’s very different around the world. Bacon in the UK (where Gordon’s from) does have a ‘squish factor’, as does Australia (but less than the UK because ours in AU is more cured, whereas in the UK bacon starts off quite raw and doesn’t go crispy). My guess is that Gordon’s replicated something in between UK and US bacon? I’m keen to try this one to see if it’s more like the bacon we get here

[@christinedreams8099]

Two ideas for a more realistic fat in vegan bacon. One is to use the I think it’s called methylcellulose that is used in vegan burger recipes a la Modernist Pantry. Second, maybe drizzle some oil between the two rice paper strips? Would love if you tried either and shared results…

[@jwhit9523]

The Gladeholm sweatshirt - my worlds collided!

[@tourmii]

This technique but with the marinate Sauce Stache made for his bread bacon? You should try his bread bacon!

[@clairefisher1088]

The song at the end is yours! Isn't it?

[@AliciaCatTaylor]

My favorite vegan bacon brand is 'Mistaken For Bacon' !

[@purpleexplorer2263]

I just tried the This isn't bacon - I think this is a UK only brand. The texture is virtually unclockable and the taste is pretty good! If you're UK based give it a try :-) it also contains a decent amount of protein and B12 :-)

[@Ross8992]

Any ideas on vegan bacon bits, Sarah? I can live without bacon or a bacon substitute, but it would be good to have a substitute for the bits of ham/bacon in German coleslaw.

[@clockworkhearts4085]

smokey firm tofu fried up crispy would have the right texture

[@abigailchiesa1337]

McCormick’s regular bacon bits are actually already vegan, they use soy flour and various seasonings to imitate the flavor of bacon but there’s no actual bacon in them

[@SarahsVeganKitchen]

I've heard what Abigail said about McCormick bacon bits! Haven't tried them in a long time but they're fairly easy to find, so it might be worth a try? I've made bacon bits out of coconut flakes which I really like, but I'm not sure if they would maintain the right texture in a coleslaw. 🤔 I might work on developing something with super-firm tofu or crumbled tempeh.

[@pinkhope84]

There is a bread bacon thing going viral at the moment.maybe good for this matter? Its supposed to be very good 👍

[@Ross8992]

@@SarahsVeganKitchen I enjoy watching your videos from time to time even if I never make whatever it is you're talking about (though I am using your simple tofu technique). Thanks for putting something positive out there and for being yourself.

[@suprememedjai4433]

why not emit the oil and butter from the marinade and just brush it on once placed on the baking rack. then again once you flip it

[@dwalker6868]

How would it work if you just use the paper one layer?

[@unstoppableotter6156]

Does anyone know of a substitute for tofu? ( for someone who is allergic to tofu (legumes)). Maybe cashews?

[@RM-it1tr]

Definitely seems time consuming but I love blts may give it try.

[@dr.a.m.prince3364]

I made this without the tofu. It was it taste like bacon to me. It depends on your seasoning and the amount you use. I have been eating this for about 2 years now.

[@CaRLaiTJiE]

Can I leave out the maple syrup? I don't really like sweet bacon.

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

I’m not even vegan, but that sandwich looks delicious.

[@heidinsasha]

Commenting for the algorithm, I'm sorry they punish you for taking a break from regular uploads.

[@lilmonster90210]

fun!!!

[@donna7338]

What about this: Mix in McCormick's vegan bacon bits into the crumbled tofu before spreading it between the rice paper strips?

[@dollyr3577]

just seems like so much effort when you can buy it so easily

[@SarahsVeganKitchen]

😂 I agree with you there. I mean I guess it could be a fun project to involve kids in or something?

[@globetrotter5800]

I like the guys opinion on that bacon. When I saw all of the ingredients that you used to make bacon..which didn't make sense ....how could that be a pig- bacon taste? . I'm glad that he said it didn't taste like bacon

[@SuperRand13]

Not sure i'm a fan, but i am glad bigger known chefs are making vegan recipes. Kinda forces the rest of the non-vegan industry to look and consider doing the same!

[@WE__BTS]

What about carrot bacon?

[@honeybdream]

I thought that guy was Reza from the tv show Shahs of Sunset ‼️📺

[@Evelyn55515]

can anyone think of what i could use as a tofu alternative? i have a severe soy allergy, it makes it tricky to be a vegetarian/ vegan sometimes lol really craving a BLT without meat or soy , i know its possible!

[@davidthescottishvegan]

Excellent recipe test Sarah but it's not appealing to me. I did watch the Sweet Simple Vegan recipe test video and they weren't too keen on Gordon Ramsay's vegan bacon recipe because it was too complicated and have said they won't be making it again. Love 🥰the video and love 💕 Sarah&Eric.

[@love2lafalot]

vegan friendly brioche at sprouts ???

[@SteffaniesJourney]

I like rice paper bacon but not sure if I want tofu in it… ijs …. Just leave well enough alone. I will try his sauce to c if I like it better than my own.

[@no-nr6de]

Can someone explain the maple syrup? Sounds odd for bacon? From the uk so sorry if its a thing

[@InBetweenMolecules]

Along with plain, there are several flavors of American bacon sold, including maple syrup bacon. Also, bacon is often eaten with pancakes with syrup. And if some of that syrup ends up on the bacon, it's quite a delicious "accident." Salty/sweet is a common flavor combo in the States.

[@unserhaus684]

it does not need to taste like bacon. It needs to taste good, spicy and crips; maybe a bit like smoky and salty and gives a feeling similar to bacon.