Smoky Tofu Bacon
This easy vegan smoky tofu bacon makes a great addition for burgers, sandwiches, or vegan BLTs. It preps in minutes and can either be baked or fried for an easy vegan alternative to bacon.
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Why make this recipe
If you are craving a smoky bacon flavor, but you want a meatier, gluten-free, higher-protein vegan bacon alternative, this tofu bacon is the answer. It’s smoky, salty, and delicious, and it’s easy to make ahead and keep in the fridge for sandwiches.
I love having this on hand to make tofu BLTs for lunches throughout the week, but I have to make a double batch because my family eats it off the tray as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Tofu: I like to use high-protein tofu for this recipe. It holds together better and allows you to cut it into thinner slices. If you don’t have high-protein tofu, you can use extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed.
- Oil: Any neutral-flavored oil will work. I like to use light olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.
- Bragg’s Liquid Aminos: Or soy sauce for the saltiness and flavor. You can also use soy sauce or Tamari instead. (I don’t recommend coconut Aminos) Use low-sodium soy sauce for less salty bacon.
- Liquid Smoke: For the smoky flavor. I like hickory flavored the best.
- Smoked Paprika: For extra smoky flavor and a nice red color.
- Maple Syrup: Optional for a little added sweetness.
- Garlic Powder: For flavor. You can swap this out for onion powder or use half of each.
- Salt: for a little extra saltiness.
Helpful tools
- A large baking sheet with edges.
- You can line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier clean up, but I find the tofu gets crispier without it.
How to make smoky tofu bacon
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
Step 1 – Slice the high-protein tofu into long, thin slices and place them onto a metal baking sheet in a single layer. Use a paper towel to remove any excess liquid. (Use a tofu press to remove excess liquid if using water-packed tofu.)
Make the marinade
Step 2 – Mix the oil, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a small container.
Step 3 – Pour the marinade over the tofu slices, then brush it with a pastry brush to evenly coat the tofu.
Step 4 – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190° C). Allow the tofu to sit in the marinade for about 15 minutes while your oven is heating up.
Step 5 – Place the tofu in a 375°F (190° C) oven for 15 minutes, then flip it and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until it starts to become slightly crispy on the edges.
Use the smoky baked tofu as you would bacon on sandwiches like a vegan BLT, in veggie burgers, in tofu breakfast sandwiches, in breakfast burritos, crumbled on salads, or on the side with vegan scrambled eggs.
Pro Tips
- Cut the tofu into thin, even strips. If the strips are different sizes, some may burn while others will be undercooked.
- Watch the tofu carefully towards the end of cooking. The thickness of the tofu will determine the cooking time.
- You can also make this tofu bacon in an air fryer. Air-fry it at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate: This crispy tofu bacon will keep well in the fridge for 3 – 5 days in an airtight container.
Freeze: Leftover smoky tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using on a sandwich or reheating. (Freezing the tofu will change the texture a little, but it will still taste great.)
Reheating: Reheat the tofu bacon in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or add a little oil to a frying pan and cook until heated through.
More tofu recipes
- Tofu Deli Meat
- Deep Fried Tofu
- Breaded Tofu
- Tofu Fried Chicken
- Rice Paper Bacon with Tofu Inside
- Homemade Vegan Bacon Bits
Smoky tofu recipe
Smoky Tofu Bacon
Ingredients
- 16 oz high protein tofu, or pressed extra-firm tofu
For the smoky marinade
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon Bragg's Liquid Aminos , or soy sauce or Tamari
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke, hickory flavor
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, omit for lower sodium bacon
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Slice the high-protein tofu into long, thin slices and place them onto a metal baking sheet.
Make the marinade
- Mix the oil, Bragg's Liquid Aminos, liquid smoke, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a small container.
- Pour the marinade over the sliced tofu, then brush it with a pastry brush to evenly coat the tofu.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190° C). Allow the tofu to sit in the marinade for about 15 minutes while your oven is heating up.
- Place the tofu in a 375°F (190° C) oven for 15 minutes, then flip it and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until it starts to become slightly crispy on the edges.
Notes
- Cut the tofu into thin, even strips. If the strips are different sizes, some may burn while others will be undercooked.
- Watch the tofu carefully towards the end of cooking. The thickness of the tofu will determine the cooking time.
- You can also make this tofu bacon in an air fryer. Air-fry it at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.
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