Smoky, salty, crunchy, and chewy; our vegan tofu bacon is all that. It’s a tasty high protein meat alternative that you can use to make a BLT sandwich or to serve next to pancakes or French toast.
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Hi there! We’re Linda and Alex, the mother daughter duo and creators of Veganosity. Thanks for visiting us, we’re so happy you’re here. If you’re looking for Southern inspired vegan comfort food recipes, you’ve come to the right place.
We love vegan comfort food and we’re really good at making it. Take a tour through our site and you’ll find all of the recipes that scream, stretchy pants required!
The good news, they’re all plant-based recipes, so you don’t need to feel guilty eating them. Now sit back, relax, and eat happy. ?
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lick on the titles to check them out. GREAT VEGAN BBQ WITHOUT A GRILL
SMOKY MAPLE TOFU BACON
We know that this recipe is going to get bacon connoisseur’s undies in a twist, and that’s fine.
Our mission is to make plant food taste like the food we used to eat. No animals harmed.
Does our vegan bacon recipe taste exactly like bacon made from pigs. Of course not.
Is it a close enough version that will satisfy the craving for salty, smoky, crunchy, and chewy food? Absolutely!
Homemade tofu bacon is pure comfort food in plant form, and we know that you’re going to love it.
VEGAN BACON INGREDIENTS
This vegan tofu bacon recipe is super easy and calls for only 6 simple ingredients.
- Extra-firm tofu
- Vegetable oil
- Tamari or soy sauce
- Liquid smoke
- Vegan Worcestershire sauce
- Maple syrup
We recommend using the firmest tofu you can find and pressing all of the liquid out of it before slicing the tofu about a quarter of an inch thick.
The thinner it is the crispier it will get.
IS LIQUID SMOKE GOOD FOR YOU?
There are many debates about the safety of liquid smoke.
Some say it’s bad for you and some say otherwise.
We like to go with what scientists say, and not the mainstream.
Here’s what we know.
- Liquid smoke is not made with chemicals.
- The flavor comes from the water vapor of smoke that is trapped in a tube.
- Smoked paprika is flavored with it and so are other smoky flavored ingredients.
- It adds a wonderful smoky flavor to food, and you don’t need a lot to get that flavor.
If you’re not okay with using it, feel free to leave it out. Just know that the flavor of this recipe will be seriously compromised.
IS SOY BAD FOR YOU?
This is another topic that’s been hotly debated. Here’s what we know.
Soy contains phytoestrogens, which are totally different than the estrogen people get from eating estrogen from animals.
Studies on phytoestrogen have shown that it’s actually good for fighting cancer and improving bone strength.
If you look at Asian populations, who eat the most amount of soy, you’ll find that they have the lowest cancer rates.
While Western countries, who consume the biggest amount of dairy and meat, have the highest cancer rates.
Food for thought.
HOW TO MAKE TOFU BACON
STEP ONE
Press the excess water out of a block of extra-firm tofu.
Slice it into 1/4 inch thin strips.
STEP TWO
In a wide shallow bowl, whisk the oil, tamari, liquid smoke, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and maple syrup until completely combined.
Place the tofu strips in the bowl and make sure that both sides are covered in the marinade.
STEP THREE
Line the tofu bacon strips up evenly on a baking sheet (line with parchment paper for easy clean up), and pour or brush with the remaining marinade.
Bake the tofu for 8 to 10 minutes and flip. Bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and nicely browned.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH TOFU BACON
Everything’s better with tofu bacon.
We love it as a side to any of our delicious vegan breakfast recipes, such as potato pancakes or a Mediterranean Tofu Scramble.
It’s also great crumbled into our spaghetti with vegan bacon and peas or on our spicy black bean & quinoa burgers.
MORE TOFU COMFORT FOOD RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
CHILLED SMOKED TOFU & SESAME RICE NOODLE SALAD
Make our healthy vegetable pot pie recipe and let us know what you think. We love to hear from you! And, don’t forget to take a picture of your gorgeous creation and tag us @veganosity on Instagram.
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VEGAN TOFU BACON
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu pressed
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke
- 1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce we use Annie’s or Wizard’s brand for gluten-free
- ½ tsp pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400˚F (204˚C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Press the water out of the tofu and thinly slice, approximately a 1/4 inch thick.
- In a large shallow bowl, whisk the 1 tbsp vegetable oil, ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce, 1 tbsp liquid smoke, 1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce, and the ½ tsp pure maple syrup until fully combined.
- Dip the tofu strips into the marinade, making sure both sides are covered.
- Place the strips evenly on the baking sheet and pour or brush the excess marinade on top of the strips.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes and flip. Bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until crispy and nicely browned.
Notes
Nutrition
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Kathy says
Trying not to use oil - could you sub the oil in the marinade with water or veg broth or just leave it out?
Linda Meyer says
Hi Kathy, you can omit the oil, it just won't get as crispy.
Christine @ Run Plant Based says
This looks wonderful and so versatile for many recipes. Thanks!
Linda Meyer says
Thank you! We hope you try it soon. 🙂
Lina says
Would it make a difference if I let the tofu marinate for a couple of hours if I have the time vs just dipping it in the marinade?
Linda Meyer says
Hi Lina, you can definitely let it marinate. Happy New Year!
Lina says
Thanks so much, didn't know if that would make it too smoky/salty, I've only started working w tofu! Gonna make it this week and will come back to review and comment!
Linda Meyer says
Thanks, Lina!
Marna says
Excellent recipe, very easy and quick! Really no marinading needed! At first, I was worried about the smokiness but I trusted and it was spot on. I was in a fix for a fast lunch....voila...bacon lettuce and tomato sandwiches. huge it with the guys!
Linda Meyer says
Hi Marna! Thank you, we're so happy you enjoyed it and appreciate that you took the time to let us know. 🙂
Janine Heyns says
Trying this deliceous recipe all the way from Israel.
Linda Meyer says
Hi Janine! That's fantastic, enjoy!! 🙂
Nina says
This is really delicious. I think the liquid smoke is key. Making my second batch now. 🙂
Linda Meyer says
Thank you, Nina! We're so happy you like it, and yes, liquid smoke is definitely key to making it taste like bacon.
Nancy says
This marinade is quite tasty. It was good with the tofu, but I had a lot of marinade left over so I decided to soak some soy curls in the marinade. Then I promptly forgot about them for a couple of days. Found them, fried them up in just a little bit of oil, and wow- the best "bacon" i have tried so far!
Linda Meyer says
Thank you, Nancy! Wow, that's a great idea, and we can't wait to try this. We have soy curls in our pantry to try it this week.