Tofu Bacon (The Best Vegan Bacon Recipe)

Name: Tofu Bacon (The Best Vegan Bacon Recipe)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 16-ounce block super firm tofu. I like Wildwood Organic Super Firm. You can also use a 14-ounce block of extra firm tofu.; 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free); 3 Tbsp. maple syrup; 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (make sure it’s vegetarian); 1 Tbsp tomato paste; 1 Tbsp smoked paprika or paprika; 2 tsp. liquid smoke (optional); 2 tsp. garlic powder; 1/2 tsp. black pepper; Pinch of cayenne

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This Vegan Tofu Bacon has an amazing salty, sweet smoky flavor. It’s crispy, chewy, and perfect alongside your pancakes or making the best vegan BLT.

tofu bacon on white plate with bread on a cutting board and fruit.

First, let’s drop the ‘tude and clear the air about tofu. It doesn’t cause man-boobs, shrunken testicles, or anything else like that. It’s not the boogie man. It’s just a big block of unflavored protein that’s super healthy.

I will admit that on its own it ain’t that great. But, with a little help, and it doesn’t take much, it’s pretty freaking incredible. As you are about to find out.

Ready? Let’s make some Tofu Bacon!

First things first. Is this exactly like bacon? No. Because it’s not bacon! And, that’s a good thing.

But, really. What is bacon? It’s unflavored fat that’s been marinated and cooked. Right? So, all we’re doing is taking a super healthy protein that just happens to have a meaty texture and doing the same thing. And, it tastes amazing!

Toss this vegan tofu bacon on some bread with lettuce and my cashew mayo to make the best vegan BLT sandwiches. It’s also great for topping salads. And, if you love vegan bacon recipes don’t forget to check out my amazing vegan bacon bits.

You’re welcome.

Table of Contents

Why You Will Love this Vegan Tofu Bacon Recipe

chewy and surprisingly crispy
sweet and savory
awesome smoky flavor
full of flavor and tastes amazing
a great source of plant-based high protein
oil-free

Package of tofu and a knife on a cutting board.

What Kind Of Tofu Should I Use?

I’m going to start by saying what type of tofu you should never use to make tofu bacon. DO NOT USE SILKEN TOFU! You’ll end up with a big mess and probably vow to never use tofu ever again. A little dramatic don’t you think? Ok, let’s move on.

Super firm tofu like Wildwood High Protein Tofu is my personal favorite. But, any brand is great for this recipe. Super firm tofu slices really well, has a super meaty texture, and a tofu press is not necessary. You just take it out of the package, pat it with a paper towel, and you’re ready to go.

If you don’t have super firm tofu use a block extra firm tofu. It works very well. Just be sure you press it for at least 20-30 minutes, even longer, before you slice it and marinate it. Getting most of the water out of the tofu helps the marinade absorb and stick a little better.

Remember, you’re wanting to create a chewy, crispy, and savory experience. There should be no such thing as “delicate” tofu bacon.

Sliced tofu and a knife on a cutting board.

Ingredients You’ll Need

extra firm tofu
low sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
pure maple syrup
vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
tomato paste
smoked paprika or paprika
liquid smoke (optional)
garlic powder
black pepper

How To Make Tofu Bacon

Tofu bacon is so easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. And, it’s also cheap and relatively quick.

Start out by slicing your tofu into thin strips. But, not too thin. You’ll find many differing opinions on this issue. However, in my experience, if the strips are too thin they will cook very fast and end up burnt. Yes, charred and crispy tofu bacon is one thing, scorched is another.

And, don’t worry about trying to slice the strips evenly. That’s what gives you a variety of crispiness, chewiness, and thickness.

Sliced tofu in marinade in metal bowl on cutting board.

Now, it’s time to marinate! Place the tofu slices in a small bowl or container, whisk the marinade ingredients together, and pour over the tofu until all the pieces are covered.

I would suggest letting the tofu marinate for at least 1 hour. But, if you are wanting maximum flavor let the tofu slices marinate for several hours. But, overnight is best.

Remember, tofu bacon is all about flavor.

Once your tofu is ready lay the strips out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, bake for 20 minutes in a 375-degree oven.

Remove the tofu bacon from the oven and flip with a fork, baste with some of the leftover marinade, and place back in the oven for 10 more minutes.

Flipping the tofu is important because it helps the tofu bacon to cook and crisp up consistently and evenly.

Now, at this point, you could just call it a day and enjoy this smoky, sweet, and savory creation. But, why stop? I would suggest you take it a step further. Because anything worth doing is worth doing right. Right?

Once you take the tofu bacon out of the oven, preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Then, add several of the tofu bacon strips at a time, coat with a little of the marinade, and pan-fry for a couple of minutes per side.

It’s a small step. But, oh man! Magical. The crispiness, the chewiness, and the flavor are absolutely amazing!

Personally, I love doing this in a cast-iron skillet. But, any good nonstick pan will do.

Yes, this vegan tofu bacon is great for making a vegan BLT. But, it’s absolutely perfect when paired with my Tofu Breakfast Scramble or any of my Vegan Pancake recipes.

More Amazing Smoky Vegan Recipes

If you make this recipe let me know. Leave a comment below with a star rating. And, be sure to share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #shaneandsimple. Follow me on Facebook or Pinterest & be sure to subscribe to my newsletter.