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Tofu bacon slices on a white background with a finger picking up a slice.
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5 from 1 vote

Tofu Bacon

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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Marinating15 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Kitchen Basic, Side Dish, Snacks
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan
Servings: 4
Calories: 97kcal
Author: Iosune Robles

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
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Slice the tofu: Slice the tofu into thin strips with a sharp knife or mandolin.
    Sliced tofu on a cutting board.
  • Prepare the marinade: Mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl.
    Marinade in a bowl with a mini whisk.
  • 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.
    Sliced tofu marinating in a sealable freezer bag.
  • 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.
    Cooked tofu bacon in a skillet.
  • 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.
    Step-by-step photos showing how to cook tofu bacon in the air fryer.
  • 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.
    Step-by-step photos showing how to cook tofu bacon in the oven.

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 1152mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 246IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg