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Making vegan tofu bacon from scratch has never been easier! Tofu bacon is a smoky and utterly delicious vegan bacon alternative you can easily make at home!
Are you following a vegan diet yet still craving the mouthwatering taste of bacon? That’s very understandable. The good news is, you can prepare a very delicious vegan alternative to bacon at home.
I am going to show you how to turn a block of tofu into irresistible tofu bacon strips. This vegan bacon recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared in precisely one hour.
But let’s stop for a second. Vegan and bacon? Huh? Isn’t that a contradiction? No. Most vegans don’t give up animal products because they don’t like them. It’s almost always because of animal welfare, environmental impact, and health aspects.
Therefore, it’s only understandable that one misses the taste of bacon. And to be honest, bacon IS very tasty with its intense smoky flavor. So if you can easily prepare a vegan alternative, why shouldn’t we cheer on that? High-five my beloved tofu bacon!
I am not quite there yet. This vegan bacon substitute is not only for strict vegans, I approach everybody to include it now and then to make a good old tofu B(T)LT sandwich!
You can already buy vegan bacon alternatives at the grocery store, yet I still find it more sympathetic to prepare it at home. Homemade tofu bacon is just super easy to make and utterly delicious.
Liquid smoke
All of the recipe ingredients are everyday produces, expect of one: Liquid Smoke! You need that one for the typical smoky bacon taste. Liquid smoke is an essential ingredient of this recipe and can’t be replaced.
I love cooking with liquid smoke hickory, and it’s especially handy for vegan recipes. I would say it’s worth buying! Note that liquid smoke doesn’t taste pure, you can only use it in connection with recipes.
More recipe ideas using liquid smoke hickory:
Tofu Bacon
Obviously, tofu is the basic ingredient and only needs a few steps for deliciousness: Cut it into fine slices, marinade in a smoky sauce, and bake! The baked tofu slices are dark brown, rich in protein, and have a delicious smoky flavor.
The vegan bacon seasoning adds a good deal of taste, just as it should be. It’s made with soy sauce, oil, maple syrup, liquid smoke, mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
You can use it to make vegan sandwiches, vegan pasta carbonara, or to substitute bacon in any recipe of your choice. My favorite way to use: Vegan BLT Sandwiches.
Convinced? Then let’s hop to the recipe! By the way, I have been able to convince non-vegans of the taste of this veggie bacon! 😉
Vegan Tofu Bacon Recipe
Read through this visual step-by-step guide with lots of extra tips!
→ Make sure also to check out the recipe video to see how easy it is!
The exact quantities and everything else you need to know for the recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
- Cover the tofu in a paper towel and press to remove excess water (or use a tofu press). Slice the tofu very thin, and place the slices in a deep bowl, baking dish, or tupperware.
- Mix all the ingredients for the marinade in a small bowl.
- Pour over the tofu and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. → Feel free to marinate the tofu overnight in the fridge.
- Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the tofu slices in a single layer on it. Drizzle with half of the remaining marinade.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Take the baking sheet out of the oven, gently flip the tofu using two forks, drizzle with the remaining marinade.
- Bake for another 15 minutes until very dark brown.
- Use the warm tofu bacon to make vegan BLT sandwiches or to substitute bacon in any of your preferred recipes. → Tofu bacon can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Recipe FAQ
How long can I store the tofu? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge.
Are you looking for gluten-free vegan bacon? Substitute soy sauce with tamari (gluten-free soy sauce).
Can I replace liquid smoke? As it gives the desired smoky taste, I think it is an important element of this recipe. Try to replace it with smoked salt, although this does alter the taste of this recipe.
More Vegan Basic Recipes You’ll Love:
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📖 Recipe
Vegan Tofu Bacon
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Ingredients
- 9 oz (260 g) 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
- Cover the tofu in a paper towel and press to remove excess water (or use a tofu press). Slice the tofu very thin, and place the slices in a deep bowl, baking dish, or tupperware.
- Mix all the ingredients for the marinade in a small bowl. Pour over the tofu and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. → Feel free to marinate the tofu overnight in the fridge.
- Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the tofu slices in a single layer on it. Drizzle with half of the remaining marinade.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Take the baking sheet out of the oven, gently flip the tofu using two forks, drizzle with the remaining marinade and bake for another 15 minutes until very dark brown.
- Use the warm tofu bacon to make vegan BLT sandwiches or to substitute bacon in any of your preferred recipes. → Tofu bacon can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored for up to two days in the fridge
- It’s enough to make 4 BLT Sandwiches. The recipe can easily be doubled.
- Don’t worry if you don’t have exactly 9 oz tofu. You can prepare the recipe with a little less or more tofu.
- Liquid Smoke is essential for a smoky bacon taste and can’t be replaced!
- Gluten-Free Tofu Bacon? Use Tamari, also known as gluten-free soy sauce.
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! 💕