Yes, you read that right—vegan pork rinds made from fried rice paper! This snack is easy to make and fries up in seconds! They’re very crunchy and have the same texture as pork rinds, but they don’t have any meat in them! Feel free to season them however you like! This snack will never get old! For a twist, you can add cheesy nutritional yeast to the fried rice paper and make your own vegan cheese puffs.
As a vegan, pork rinds are the thing that makes me least interested in food. But this fried rice paper tastes great and has the best texture. Seasoned with some salt and smoked paprika these crisps are addictive. If you were a person that enjoyed pork rinds before giving up meat, you will love these![feast_advanced_jump_to].
7 Amazing Pork Rind Substitutes You Likely Didn’t Know Existed
Pork rinds are a popular low-carb and keto-friendly snack enjoyed by many. Their light, crispy texture paired with a salty, meaty flavor makes them hard to resist. However, pork rinds aren’t for everyone. Some people avoid them for dietary, religious or personal reasons. Luckily, many delicious pork rind substitutes exist.
So if you love the crunch of pork rinds but want a vegetarian, vegan or just plain healthier alternative, read on! Here are 7 amazing options to consider:
- Baked Cheese Crisps
Baked cheese crisps provide the same satisfying crunch and saltiness as pork rinds, sans the pork. To make them, simply sprinkle shredded cheese lightly on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes until lightly browned and crispy.
Parmesan cheddar and Gruyère work especially well. Feel free to sprinkle on spices like paprika or cayenne before baking for extra flavor. Baked cheese crisps make a nutritious high-protein snack and are naturally low carb.
- Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas roasted to a golden crisp provide a tasty crunch reminiscent of pork rinds. To make roasted chickpeas simply drain and rinse a 15-ounce can of chickpeas. Pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Toss chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of olive oil spread on a baking sheet and sprinkle with desired seasonings.
Bake at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until browned and crispy. Customize your roasted chickpeas with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin or other spice blends They store well for snacking all week
- Plantain Chips
Both sweet and savory baked plantain chips make a delicious pork rind substitute. To make them, simply peel and slice a plantain about 1/8 inch thick. Place slices on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For a sweet version, sprinkle sliced plantains with cinnamon before baking. For a savory chip, use cumin, chili powder or garlic powder. Let cool completely before snacking for maximum crunch.
- Taro Chips
Looking for a gluten-free, grain-free pork rind substitute? Try taro chips! Taro root contains digestion-friendly fiber and potassium. Peel and slice taro root 1/8 inch thick. Toss slices in 1 tablespoon olive oil and desired seasonings. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes until lightly browned.
Barbecue spice or Cajun seasoning pairs especially well with taro chips. Enjoy their light sweetness and satisfying crisp texture. Just take care not to eat taro raw, as it contains oxalic acid and must be cooked first.
- Jicama Fries
Jicama, a root vegetable with a crunchy texture, makes some fantastic oven-baked fries. Peel and cut jicama into fry shapes. Toss with 1 tablespoon avocado oil, 1⁄4 teaspoon salt and seasoning of choice. Spread on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then flip and bake 15 minutes more until browned.
Sprinkle jicama fries with chili powder and lime juice for a tasty low-carb snack. Jicama contains prebiotic fiber to support good gut health. Roasting concentrates jicama’s natural sweetness while adding crunch.
- Kale Chips
For a nutrient-packed pork rind substitute, try kale chips! Remove the ribs from kale leaves and tear into bite-size pieces. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and desired seasonings. Spread on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake at 300°F for 20 to 25 minutes until crisp but not burnt. Kale chips make a great vehicle for spice blends like barbecue, ranch or nacho flavors. They contain antioxidants like vitamin C and beta carotene. Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
- Bean Chips
Last but not least, bean chips provide fiber, protein and antioxidants along with crunch. Purchase plain bean chips made from black beans, lentils, edamame or other beans. Or make your own by seasoning bean flour, adding water, rolling and cutting into shapes, then baking until hard.
Jazz up store-bought or homemade bean chips using lime juice, nutritional yeast, curry powder or other seasonings you enjoy. Bean chips work well for dipping too. They deliver a wealth of nutrients not found in pork rinds.
The Takeaway
If pork rinds don’t work for your dietary needs or preferences, plenty of tasty alternatives provide a similar light and crispy texture. Baked cheese crisps, roasted chickpeas, plantain chips, taro chips, jicama fries, kale chips and bean chips all make nutritious substitutes.
With a variety of vegetables, beans, cheese and more to choose from, you can easily find a pork rind substitute to satisfy your craving. Experiment with different seasonings to customize flavor and spice. Which will be your new go-to snack? Whip up a batch this weekend and find out!
Are they gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to check the ingredients on your rice paper package. Some brands do add some wheat flour, so double-check to be sure.
Plant-based pork rinds taste best when they are fresh, but you can store them at room temperature for up to 5 days in a bag that keeps air out. There is a way to make them crispy again: put them on a cookie sheet and bake them at 200° F (93° C) for about 5 minutes. If it is wet, they will go sad.
❤️ This recipe is
- quick and easy to make!
- a vegan, soy-free, and gluten-free snack that everyone will love.
- crispy and delicious!
How to make your own Pork RInds | How to use Pork Pellets
FAQ
What is a good alternative to pork crackling?
Are pork rinds healthier for you than potato chips?
How unhealthy are fried pork rinds?
What is a vegetarian substitute for pork rinds?
You can cook a great vegetarian substitute for pork rinds using staple ingredients like tofu, soy, or rice paper if you’re up to the challenge. Alternatively, you can buy these crunchy delights pre-made. Read on to learn which option works best for you. Why Choose a Vegetarian Substitute for Pork Rinds?
What can you substitute for boiled eggs?
For vegans looking for an alternative to a boiled egg, substitute about 2 ounces of firm or extra firm tofu. The texture of tofu is relatively close to an egg while the protein and calorie content is similar. Tofu has no cholesterol and a range of nutrients similar to those found in eggs. For example, substitute chopped firm tofu for boiled eggs in egg salad recipes. For individuals allergic or sensitive to eggs, shrimp is a reasonable substitute. About 8 large shrimp weighing 6 grams each would increase protein from 6 grams to 11 grams, while calories would be reduced, and cholesterol would be cut in half.
Can you use rice paper as a vegetarian substitute for pork rinds?
Apart from its regular use, you can also use rice paper as a vegetarian substitute for pork rinds. Their texture is excellent for achieving the lightness of the meat-based product. Besides that, you can fry them until you hit the desired level of crispiness. Finally, don’t forget to slice them into bite-sized pieces and season them to your liking.
Can I use fried pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs?
Simply crush the pork rinds and mix them right in! They’re an excellent substitute for breadcrumbs. I like to use baked pork rinds whenever possible. Fried pork rinds absorb oil during the frying process and can release that oil back into the dish. Another option would be to use coconut flour.