If rice paper bacon isn’t your thing then I have another great vegan “bacon” option for ya! This smoky tofu bacon is made by marinating thinly sliced tofu and baking it until chewy.
I got the idea for tofu bacon from Baconish, a cookbook I reviewed a couple of years ago. The original recipe calls for actual smoked tofu, but I’ve adapted it to use regular tofu because I know not everyone can easily find the smoked sort. If you can find it, though, SoyBoy brand (yep, that’s the name) is pretty awesome.
I also dialed down the maple syrup a little bit from the original. We did 30 days of no added sugar for the month of June, and ever since then, I’ve noticed a change in how I feel when I add very much sweetener to things… I’m still totally indulging in treats here and there, but also feeling a little more conscious of added sugar intake, even the less refined sort.
Making tofu bacon is as easy as pressing and slicing tofu, mixing up a marinade, and sticking it in the oven. While my classic RPB is more crispy, this tofu bacon is more of the chewy variety, and it STAYS chewy when added in advance to a a sandwich (recipe coming soon!) or the like.
Not a fan of naming vegan things “bacon”? I’m unperturbed by your objection ;). I am well aware this doesn’t look or taste like the more disagreeable form of bacon that you may be familiar with. It’s chewy, savory, and smoky, and I love that. Identical resemblance was never my goal.
Tofu bacon about to be featured in a pretty dope sandwich.
You are going to need liquid smoke to make this tofu bacon. I’ve gotten comments before suggesting liquid smoke is an unnatural ingredient to be avoided. I’ll leave that decision up to you – but please be advised that it is NOT a chemical flavoring but actual smoke that has been captured in vapor. The same smoke that would have been used to make the smoked paprika in your spice rack. This recipe will not be the same without it so omit it at your own peril.
Smoky Tofu Bacon
Ingredients
- 8 oz extra-firm or super-firm tofu
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Drain the tofu. If not using vacuum packed super-firm tofu, wrap it in a clean towel and stack a heavy object (like a cast iron pan) on top of it to press out excess liquid. (Or, use a tofu press if you've got one). Leave the tofu to press while you measure out the other ingredients.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a metal rack on top of a baking sheet and lightly grease it. (If desired, put a piece of parchment on the baking sheet to catch drips, for easy cleanup).
- Whisk together the remaining ingredients in a medium sized bowl.
- Cut the tofu into thin strips, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Take each tofu slice and dip it fully into the marinade, then place it on the prepared baking rack. Repeat until all of the tofu slices are dipped, spacing them out evenly on the rack. Set aside the excess marinade.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Gently flip over each piece of tofu. Brush or dab the tops of each tofu piece with some of the remaining marinade. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until browning around the edges and starting to take on a firm texture - it can burn quickly so keep a close eye on it. Remove from the oven, let cool, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Baconish.
I'm Shannon, the writer and photographer of Yup, it's Vegan! I'm a morning person based in Baltimore, USA. My mission is to create healthy plant-based recipes that anyone would enjoy, using seasonal produce with inspiration from global flavors.
Iwoye Dol says
RIDICULOUS to call this or any other vegan food bacon. You may not wish to eat bacon but please do not insult those of us who do eat it or pigs by calling this bacon. Its is however delicious smokey slices of vegetables which I thoroughly enjoyed making and eating.
Shannon @ Yup, it's Vegan says
I get these types of comments all the time, and my perspective is that people are intelligent enough to figure out on their own that tofu bacon isn’t meat. It’s crazy to me to consider this name insulting to meat eaters and I just don’t subscribe to that logic at all. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe!
VEE says
what a strange comment. imagine getting offended over a simple food word like that. i’ve been vegan for over 8 years, surrounded by non vegans and i have never heard such a ridiculous statement in my life…
also, lovely simple recipe, trying it this morning (:
Angelica says
What a silly goose. The word bacon, as with many words, isn’t reserved for only one specific product, meaning or use. There rightly isn’t a trademark on the word either. Eat strips of Smokey soy bean curd or bacon or what ever you want to call the matter you ingest and are nourished by. May all be happy, healthy and free.
Viola Simmons says
I’m preparing a tofu recipe that is going to include the liquid smoke. However what brand would you use to prepare your tofu?
Susan Parran says
For the liquid smoke, I use Wright’s. It comes in hickory, mesquite, and applewood. Amazon and Walmart both sell it, but so do most grocery stores. It’s in the same aisle as the herbs and seasonings.
Anna says
Dear Shannon,
i just want to thank you for your honesty- you didn’t hide the reason behind your absence on the blog. Instead, you openly admitted to struggling with mental issues. It’s bold and I am sure it took alot of courage:) My daughter has been diagnosed with depression connected with borderline so I can imagine what you are going through. I do keep my fingers crossed for you and sending you positive vibes.
Diane says
I loved the flavor, the marinade is perfect. I had to cook the tofu for almost 40 minutes. I did 10 and 10, then clocked a few minutes at a time to make sure I didn’t burn it. The slices were pretty thin, perhaps I did not cut them thin enough to cook in 20 minutes.
Anne says
Hi! How would you change this recipe to get fully crispy bacon strips please?
Thanks 🙂
Ana says
Look into Gordon Ramsay ‘s tofu bacon strips recipe. I think that’s what you’re looking for.
Gabrielle says
Made a perfect vegan BLT!
Nikki says
Loved this recipe! Used extra firm smoky tofu (Sainsbury’s sell this) and left out the liquid smoke. Came out perfectly.
Laura Burnham says
The flavor was awesome, sadly my tofu didn’t hold up and crumbled. I will keep working with it or use the mix with tempeh. Either way I now have tasty bacon bits/crumbles.
Alisha Lavinia says
Try tofu skin! Holds together and is nice and thin!
Dyan says
Tablespoon of liquid smoke or teaspoon?
Carolyn says
Tbsp-tablespoonful
Kristen Hobar says
Loved this recipe! Unfortunately, I did not have vegan mayo so I used a mashed avacado spread. They were delicious! Will definitely be making these again soon!
Thanks for sharing!
Terri says
I’ve never been a fan of tofu…. till this recipe 😍 I made it exactly as per the recipe using smoked tofu….
it was absolutely luvverly….. and when cold it was firmer and even better in my opinion…
definitely on my list now…
thank you 😍
Kay Watson says
Yes me too. I didn’t enjoy tofu till I tried this.
Now going to make a second batch and use it in wraps.
Kiley says
Can we please talk about how perfect and satisfying Soy Boy smoked tofu is???? I’m so sad that I can’t get it here in Chicago. It is perfect in every way!!
Shannon @ Yup, it's Vegan says
Couldn’t agree more, it’s fantastic!!
Linda Hoffa says
I freeze mine then it’s ready when I need some for garnish, sandwiches or with breakfast tofu scramble. It thaw super quick and holds it’s crunch.
Amy says
Now to find a bacon cookie cutter…
Ranna says
How long does this keep in the fridge for?
Thanks can’t wait to try it!
Shannon @ Yup, it's Vegan says
It should keep in the fridge for a week or so, although depending on you’re using it you might want to re-crisp it in the oven or a pan.
Donna says
I made this today. Was good on Dave’s killer bread, power seed w/ spinach avocado, onion and tomato. Will make again. I omitted the oil and used my air fryer.
Anne says
Would you still use liquid smoke if you found smoked tofu in the recipe? Thanks 🙂
Anne says
Whoops – I should have re-read my comment before sending. It’s not clear at all. Sorry. I just wanted to know if liquid smoke is still necessary if you’re using smoked tofu as suggested?
thanks!
Shannon @ Yup, it's Vegan says
Hey Anne! You can skip the liquid smoke if using smoked tofu – but I do recommend still using both for the best smokey flavor. Optional though!
Kara says
THis was easy and great!! I used it on BLTs with fresh summer tomatoes from the garden. Yum!
Aidan says
Surprisingly good for tofu.