Make the perfect crispy, smoky tofu bacon with 6 simple ingredients. This easy vegan recipe is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, salads, or as a delicious snack, offering a tasty plant-based alternative to traditional bacon.
Looking fore more plant-based alternatives to traditional bacon? Check out my recipes for Tempeh Bacon, Vegan Bacon, and Eggplant Bacon, all easy to make and full of flavor. Add a tasty and healthy twist to your meals!
This tofu bacon recipe is super easy and so satisfying. With just six ingredients, you can make crispy, smoky strips that taste and feel just like traditional bacon. The tofu soaks up all the marinade, giving it a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors. It’s the perfect addition to any dish, and once you try it, you’ll definitely be hooked!
It’s quick to make and super versatile too. You can use it in breakfast burritos, vegan BLTs, or just sprinkle it on a salad for an extra crunch and flavor boost. And don’t forget, you can always tweak the seasoning to suit your taste. Want it smokier? Just add more liquid smoke or smoked paprika. The recipe is all about making it your own, so feel free to get creative!
Ingredients for tofu bacon
- Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu for this recipe. It maintains its structure well, making it easier to slice into strips and get that crispy texture. While firm tofu can also work, it’s not as sturdy as extra-firm and may release more moisture, affecting the final result. Avoid using soft or silken tofu, as they won’t hold their shape and will become too watery.
- Soy sauce: For a gluten-free option, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari. Tamari offers a similar taste but is made without wheat, making it an ideal choice for those avoiding gluten.
- Maple syrup: If you prefer, you can substitute maple syrup with agave syrup, coconut nectar, or even granulated or brown sugar. These alternatives will provide a similar sweetness and flavor.
- Liquid smoke: This adds a smoky flavor, making the tofu taste more like bacon. If you can’t find it, feel free to leave it out, but keep in mind it won’t have that signature smoky taste. Smoked paprika or a bit of BBQ sauce are great alternatives.
- Smoked paprika: It adds a smoky flavor to the tofu. If you prefer, you can use sweet or hot paprika instead.
- Garlic powder.
Find the full recipe with exact measurements in the recipe card below.
How to make tofu bacon
Step 1: Slice the tofu into thin strips using a sharp knife or mandolin.
Step 2: Mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl to create the marinade.
Step 3: Place the tofu in a bag or bowl, pour the marinade over, and gently toss or stir to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or overnight in the fridge for more flavor. After marinating, you can cook it by pan-frying, air-frying, or oven-baking.
Pan-fry: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated tofu in a single layer and cook for 2-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Air-fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat the basket with oil spray. Arrange the tofu in a single layer, spraying the tops with a little oil, and cook for 6 minutes. Flip and air fry for another 6 minutes until crispy and golden.
Oven-bake: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Place the tofu in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes. Flip and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the tofu is golden and crisp. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the tofu and your oven.
Storage instructions
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the leftovers for up to 1-2 months. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Reheat from the fridge: To reheat, simply pan-fry, air fry, or bake for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Reheat from the freezer: Thaw the tofu bacon in the fridge overnight, then reheat it using the same methods as above (pan-fry, air fry, or bake) until crispy.
Frequently asked questions
You can serve it with a variety of dishes! It makes a great addition to a classic vegan BLT sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo.
You can also serve it alongside scrambled tofu, vegan pancakes, or avocado toast for a delicious breakfast.
For lunch or dinner, add it as a crunchy topping to a fresh salad, or use it as a tasty addition to vegan burgers, vegan burritos, or wraps. It also works well as a snack on its own or with a dipping sauce like BBQ or hot sauce.
The best tofu to make tofu bacon is extra-firm tofu. It holds its shape well, making it ideal for slicing into strips and getting that crispy texture.
Firm tofu can also work, but it’s not as dense as extra-firm, so it might release a bit more moisture and not crisp up as well.
Avoid using soft or silken tofu, as they won’t hold up and can become too watery.
You don't need to press the tofu for this recipe since it doesn't make much of a difference in the end result. It’s not really worth the extra effort, but if you prefer to press it, feel free to do so!
For the best flavor, marinate the tofu for at least 15 minutes. However, if you have more time, marinating it overnight in the fridge will allow the flavors to penetrate even more deeply, giving you a richer taste. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
Yes, you can make tofu bacon gluten-free! Just substitute regular soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
More tofu recipes
Tofu Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 block extra-firm tofu, 14-16 ounces (400-450 g)
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Slice the tofu: Slice the tofu into thin strips with a sharp knife or mandolin.
- Prepare the marinade: Mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl.
- Marinate the tofu: Place the tofu in a sealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over it. Gently toss or stir to coat the tofu evenly. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor. The longer it marinates, the more intense the taste will be. Once marinated, you can cook it by pan-frying, air-frying, or oven-baking.
- Pan-fry: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil (I used olive oil) in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated tofu in a single layer and cook for 2-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Air-fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the basket with spray oil. Add tofu in a single layer, working in batches if needed, and spray the tops with a little oil. Air fry for 6 minutes, flip, and air fry for another 6 minutes until golden brown.
- Oven-bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Place the tofu in a single layer on the sheet, using two sheets if needed. Bake for 20 minutes, flip, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep in mind, the time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the tofu.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
- Freeze for 1-2 months in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Reheat from the fridge by pan-frying, air frying, or baking until heated through and crispy.
- To reheat from the freezer, thaw overnight in the fridge, then use the same methods to heat until heated through and crispy.
Leave a Reply