Tofu Bacon is a delicious, high protein alternative to meat! The tofu is thinly sliced, marinated and baked until crispy. It’s smoky, crispy, chewy and full of flavor!
I have been making Tempeh Bacon for years, but tofu bacon is something I just recently started making, and wow! I’m in love. I know meat-eaters love to hate on tofu based vegan meats, but don’t knock it till you try it! It may not taste exactly like traditional bacon, but my family can’t stop eating it. It’s got that savory, salty, smoky flavor along with being crispy and chewy in places. And the best part about it? No pigs were harmed in the making of this “bacon”.
How to make Tofu Bacon:
I suggest using super firm vacuum packed tofu, if possible, because it will be easier to slice thin and it will be less likely to fall apart. You also don’t need to press it. However, if you must you can use extra-firm tofu, and press it.
Slice your tofu very thin, about 1/8th of an inch. Whisk together the marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Place the tofu slices in a shallow dish or bowl, and then pour the marinade over the top. Move the pieces around gently to coat them the best you can. Let the tofu marinate for about an hour, in the refrigerator. You could also marinate them in the morning before work to prepare for dinner that evening.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and spray a large baking sheet with oil. Place the tofu strips on the baking sheet, saving the marinade for later. Spray with oil and bake for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each piece. I use a fork to gently flip the pieces, but you could use a thin small spatula as well.
Brush on a little more of the marinade, spray with a little more oil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Be very careful at this point not to burn the tofu bacon. You want it to be crispy, even a little blackened in some places, but not overly burnt to a crisp. Check every couple of minutes to make sure this doesn’t happen.
What goes good with tofu bacon?
- This stuff makes a great Vegan BLT! Put it in between bread with lettuce, tomato and vegan mayo.
- Serve alongside Tofu Scramble, Vegan French Toast, Vegan Pancakes, Vegan Waffles or Avocado Toast.
- Crumble and serve with Vegan Corn Chowder.
- Crumble and add to pizza, baked potatoes or salads.
Want more vegan tofu recipes?
Inspired by Mississippi Vegan.
Tofu Bacon
Ingredients
- 16 ounce block super firm tofu*
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten free)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- spray oil
Instructions
- Remove tofu from the package and pat dry with a paper towel. If you don't have the super firm variety, you will need to press your tofu now.
- Slice the tofu very thin, about 1/8th inch thick. Place the tofu slices in a shallow bowl or container that you can marinate in.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the low sodium soy sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup and liquid smoke together until smooth. Pour over the tofu slices and let them marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator (overnight is fine is you prefer).
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and spray a large baking sheet with oil. You could also line with parchment paper, but the oil works better.
- Transfer the tofu strips to the baking sheet, saving the marinade for later. Spray the tops of the tofu slices with oil and bake for 20 minutes. Flip gently (I used a fork), brush a little more marinade on, spray with oil again and bake for 15-20 more minutes.
- Be very careful not to burn them at this point. How long they will take depends on how thin you sliced them. Watch carefully; you want them to be crispy in places but not blackened to a crisp all over. If you prefer a chewy tofu bacon, take them out sooner. For crispier bacon, you may want to bake them a few extra minutes.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately as a side dish, or between bread slices with vegan mayo, lettuce and tomato for Vegan BLT's. Enjoy!
Notes
- To make in an Air Fryer: Place the marinated tofu slices in your air fryer (you will have to do this in batches) and cook at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Check it halfway and then often after that point to make sure it doesn't burn.
- To reheat tofu bacon: It's best reheated in the oven (or air fryer) so it can crisp up again, but a microwave works too. I also eat it cold!
- To make without oil: You can certainly do this, but it won't get as crispy or delicious. I only use spray oil here, and you don't have to use a ton to get results. To make without oil, make sure to use parchment paper, super firm tofu or well-pressed tofu and flip very gently.
Nutrition
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After discovering the amazing mayo recipe on this site, I was determined to make a vegan BLT. That being said, I made made the carrot bacon which was terrible, then an hour later, I made this one. I used tofu in the plastic with no water so I didn’t have to press it.
OMG, I’m in love with this recipe. It has the EXACT flavor and texture of real bacon. This stuff is amazing! I think I liked the pieces I cut thicker better than the thinner ones.
Thank you for an an recipe!!
This was flavorful but way to salty for me even with the low sodium Tamari. I would do it again but using only 1/2 the tamari.
Nora cooks is my favorite site for vegan recipes. Everything turns out great. I’m not a big fan of liquid smoke. Could I use less in this recipe or is there a substitute that would work?
Thank you so much, I’m happy to hear that! You can leave it out and add a little bit of smoked paprika instead for a smoky flavor.
Nora literally always nails it!!! This tofu bacon was spot on and so delicious. I had mine with lettuce, avocado and tomato on a wrap.Â
Almost always, I have a habit of messing with a recipe before I even try it because I think I can do it better but….with Nora Cooks I just do exactly what she says and ?? turns out perfect every time.Â
Thank you SO much for your wonderful feedback and review, Kelsey! It means the world!
glad to have found your site. I’m new at this but will be trying your recipes
Hi Teresa. Welcome to Nora Cooks! I’m thrilled you discovered my site, and hope you enjoy your journey through my recipes! Please reach out with any questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you as you try out the recipes! Happy cooking!