Making vegan tofu bacon from scratch has never been easier! This smoky and utterly delicious vegan bacon alternative is something you can easily whip up at home – and trust me, you won’t miss the real thing.
Are you following a vegan diet but still craving that crispy, smoky goodness of bacon? I get it! The good news is, you can make an incredibly tasty vegan alternative right in your kitchen. I’m going to show you how to turn a simple block of tofu into irresistible tofu bacon strips, ready in just one hour!
Wait, vegan bacon? Isn’t that a contradiction? Absolutely not! Most vegans don’t give up animal products because they don’t like them—it’s about animal welfare, the environment, and health. Bacon is undeniably tasty with its smoky flavor, so why not make a delicious plant-based version? 🙌
But here’s the thing: this tofu bacon recipe isn’t just for vegans. I recommend everyone give it a try! It’s perfect for making a classic tofu B(T)LT sandwich, or to use anywhere you’d normally add bacon. So let’s dive in and get cooking!
Why Homemade Tofu Bacon? Sure, you can buy vegan bacon alternatives at the grocery store, but there’s something special about making it yourself. Homemade tofu bacon is super easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. Plus, you have full control over the ingredients, which is always a win.
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Ingredients
See recipe card for measurements.
- Extra Firm Tofu: The base for this recipe!
- Soy Sauce: Adds that umami (savory) flavor, which is key to making tofu taste rich and flavorful. Substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps crisp up the tofu while it bakes
- Maple Syrup: Balances the smoky and savory flavors in the marinade. It also caramelizes slightly during baking, which gives the tofu a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly sticky texture—just like bacon!
- Liquid Smoke: The secret ingredient that gives this tofu bacon its characteristic smoky flavor. It’s made by capturing smoke from burning wood, which is then condensed into liquid form. This ingredient is what makes the tofu taste like it’s been cooked over an open flame, mimicking the smoky, rich taste of real bacon. It’s a must-have for this recipe! I love to use this liquid smoke hickory!
- Dijon Mustard, Ground Smoked Paprika, and Garlic Powder: To taste!
Visual Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow this easy, step-by-step guide (with plenty of extra tips!) to make your own tofu bacon. If you’re a visual learner, make sure to check out the recipe video below!
- Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu in a paper towel and press to remove excess water (or use a tofu press). Slice the tofu thinly and place the slices in a deep bowl, baking dish, or Tupperware.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oil, maple syrup, liquid smoke, mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Marinate the tofu: Pour the marinade over the tofu slices and let them soak for at least 15 minutes. → If you have time, marinate the tofu overnight in the fridge for extra flavor!
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 355°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the tofu slices in a single layer. Drizzle with half of the remaining marinade.
- Bake: Bake the tofu for 20 minutes, then take the sheet out, flip the slices, and drizzle with the remaining marinade. Bake for another 15 minutes, or until the tofu is a deep, dark brown.
- Serve: Enjoy the tofu bacon warm or cold! It’s perfect for making vegan BLT sandwiches, adding to salads, or as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some delicious and creative serving suggestions for tofu bacon:
- Vegan BLT Sandwich – The classic Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato sandwich becomes a vegan delight with tofu bacon.
- Swap out mushrooms for tofu bacon in this vegan carbonara recipe.
- Add it to your salads for a smoky, crispy element.
- Use it as a topping on your favorite homemade or store-bought vegan pizza.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge.
More Vegan Alternatives You’ll Love:
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📖 Recipe
Vegan Tofu Bacon
email me this recipe 💌
Plus, enjoy weekly doses of recipe inspiration as a bonus!
Ingredients
- 9 oz extra firm tofu
Vegan Bacon Marinade
- 3 tbsp soy sauce, or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp ground smoked paprika, or regular ground paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Wrap the tofu in a paper towel and press to remove excess water (or use a tofu press). Slice the tofu thinly and place the slices in a deep bowl, baking dish, or Tupperware.
- In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients for the marinade. Pour the marinade over the tofu slices and let them soak for at least 15 minutes. → If you have time, marinate the tofu overnight in the fridge for extra flavor!
- Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the tofu slices in a single layer. Drizzle with half of the remaining marinade.
- Bake the tofu for 20 minutes, then take the sheet out, flip the slices, and drizzle with the remaining marinade. Bake for another 15 minutes, or until the tofu is a deep, dark brown.
- Enjoy the tofu bacon warm or cold! It’s perfect for making vegan BLT sandwiches, adding to salads, or as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Portion Size: This recipe makes enough for about 4 BLT sandwiches, but feel free to double it if needed!
- Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Tofu Flexibility: No need to stress if you don’t have exactly 9 oz of tofu. A little more or less works just fine.
- Liquid smoke is crucial for that signature smoky bacon flavor and can’t be substituted.
Equipment
Nutrition
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i’ve made this recipe countless times and it is always terrific! I’ve also shared it many many times because so many people love it!
Hi Carol, Your comment made my day! Thank you so much for taking the time to share it — I truly appreciate it. ❤️
I loved this recipe! Very simple and tasty. Made BLT sandwiches that was a big hit with the family! Definitely adding this to me favorites collection. Thank you for the recipe!
Happy to hear, Lisa! 🥰
My family loved this! I have made this so many times and everybody always loves it and ask for the recipe!
Well, that’s great! 🤩 Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Carol! 🥰
I have made this recipe many times and each time everyone loves it and wants the recipe!!! Thank you!
Happy to hear, Carol! 🥰
excellent recipe! I have referred so many people to this pin!
Thank you for your Feedback, Carol! Happy to hear! 💕
We usually eat tofu in different way, now I am in love with this vegan BLT sandwich , we put this recipe in our weekly meal
Delich!!!
This makes me so happy! Glad it’ll be making it into your weekly meal plan! 😍😍😍
I have made this recipe a couple of times and love it! Relatives have loved it as well! Many times, I alter recipes, but this one was perfect as written! I am going to make it again right now and make a vegan BLT!
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, Carol! So glad you like this recipe so much! 💕