Tofu Bacon is a smoky, savory, vegan bacon made with tofu! Crispy on the edges and full of flavor, it's perfect on sandwiches or salads.
Your sandwiches just got an upgrade! This vegan tofu bacon is smoky, savory, and crispy.
I love making this tofu bacon for my BLTs and club sandwiches. It's incredibly flavorful, packed with protein, and requires minimal prep/active time. It's one of my staples for a good reason!
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Why You'll Love This Tofu Bacon
- Vegan & high-protein - made with tofu for a hearty, protein-packed option
- Crispy & smoky - liquid smoke really brings all that smoky, savory flavor
- Easy to make - the prep is quick baking in the oven or air fryer is simple
- Versatile - use on sandwiches, salads, or breakfast plates
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Super Firm Tofu: super firm tofu is a vacuum-packed tofu that does not require any pre-pressing. Super firm tofu is ideal so the bacon does not fall apart, but extra firm tofu will work as well. Slice the tofu thinly to get crispy bacon pieces, or thicker if you'd like to eat more tofu per sandwich.
- Soy Sauce, Liquid Aminos, or Tamari: I typically use soy sauce, but tamari and liquid aminos also work, and are great gluten-free options
- Maple Syrup: you can sub date syrup for a completely fruit-sweetened dish. Agave also works
- Tomato Paste: I recommend using tomato paste because it's thick and helps create a better coating on the tofu, but in a pinch you can use ketchup
- Liquid Smoke: this gives the 'bacon' that smoky flavor you'd expect from real bacon
Pro Tip: marinate overnight for the best flavor
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1. Slice the tofu into thin rectangles. I like to cut my block into four quarters, then thinly slice each quarter.
Step 2. In a small bowl mix the maple syrup, liquid aminos, tomato paste, and liquid smoke.
Step 3. Place the tofu strips in a container and pour over the marinade. Allow to soak for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
Step 4. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F or oven to 400°F. If using the oven line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the tofu strips in a single layer on the baking sheet. Air fry for 20-30 minutes or oven bake for 30 minutes, until brown and crisp.
Pro Tip: pour any leftover marinade over the tofu slices before cooking
Serving Suggestions
Use on vegan BLTs, vegan club sandwiches, or crumbled over salads.
Pro Tip: reheat in the air fryer for the best crispy bacon texture
FAQ & Expert Tips
There are many types of air fryers out there, so be careful when making this recipe for the first time. You may need to air fry for more or less time. My air fryer tends to take longer to cook food, because it is an oven-style air fryer. I adjust the recipe times accordingly to accommodate more quick-cooking air fryers.
I recommend super firm tofu - it's usually found in a vacuum packed plastic. It does not need any pressing and creates the best texture.
I've made this recipe many times with extra firm tofu and it works well too.
Yes! This tofu bacon keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in the air fryer for best crispiness.
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for this tofu bacon. Thank you for healthier versions of our favorite foods. Amen.
More homemade vegan meat substitutes
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📖 Recipe
Vegan Tofu Bacon
Equipment
- Air Fryer optional
Ingredients
- 1 16 Ounce Block Super Firm Tofu sliced into thin rectangles
- ¼ Cup Soy Sauce Liquid Aminos, or Tamari
- 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 Teaspoon Liquid Smoke
Instructions
- Slice the tofu into thin rectangles. I like to cut my block into four quarters, then thinly slice each quarter.
- In a small bowl mix the maple syrup, soy sauce, tomato paste, and liquid smoke.
- Place the tofu strips in a container and pour over the marinade. Allow to soak for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F or oven to 400°F. If using the oven line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the tofu strips in a single layer on the baking sheet. Air fry for 20-30 minutes or oven bake for 30 minutes, until brown and crisp.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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