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This tofu bacon is an absolute game-changer! It’s one of our favorite vegan bacon substitutes – it’s easy to make with ingredients you have on hand and begging to be turned into a hearty vegan BLT sandwich. All you need is 10 ingredients!

close up Tofu Bacon on white plate

What is vegan bacon made from?

The best part of a vegan diet is there are an infinite number of options to choose from when it comes to finding your perfect vegan bacon substitute. To make good vegan bacon, you need two things: a plant-based ingredient that mimics the texture of bacon and a mixture of seasonings to mimic the flavor of bacon.

This smoky tofu bacon is perfect for tofu lovers, is naturally high in protein, and has a realistic meaty texture.

Or, if you’re open to exploring different vegan bacon recipes, check out these:

ingredients for tofu bacon on blue table

Ingredients You’ll Need 

  • Super firm tofu: The difference between super firm tofu and extra firm tofu is simply how much water they contain. The less water content, the firmer the tofu is. Super firm tofu is the firmest, least watery tofu you can purchase and does not require any pressing. Extra-firm tofu will work as well, just press it first. Learn how to press tofu without a tofu press in this simple tutorial!
  • Tamari: Adds umami, saltiness. We recommend using full-sodium, but if you are sensitive to salt, you can use a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. Liquid aminos is another good option.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Balances the saltiness and smokiness with acidity. If needed, white vinegar will work well, too!
  • Oil: Any neutral cooking oil with a higher smoke point will work well. We used avocado oil, but olive oil, vegetable oil, or refined coconut oil can be substituted. Avoid using oils with strong flavors, like unrefined coconut oil, unless you don’t mind that flavor lingering in the flavor of your vegan tofu bacon.
  • Maple syrup: Adds a light sweetness that compliments the salty, smoky flavors.
  • Liquid smoke: Essential to adding a smoky flavor to make your bacon taste just like the real thing. A little goes a long way but is highly recommended.
  • Spices: A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and ground black pepper is all you need.

Equipment Needed

How to Make Tofu Bacon 

  1.  Prep the tofu. Remove the block of tofu from the package and drain. Lightly pat away any excess moisture using a clean tea towel or paper towel. Slice thin horizontally, about 1/4th to 1/8th inch thick, then slice vertically in half so you have long rectangular strips. Set aside while you prep the marinade. 
  2. Whisk together the simple marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the tamari, apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, maple syrup, liquid smoke, and spices.
  3. Coat the tofu. Add in half of the tofu and toss very gently. Once well coated, arrange the tofu in a single layer on a large, greased baking sheet. Repeat these steps with the second half of the tofu.
  4. Drizzle and bake. Drizzle the excess marinade on top of the tofu and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. flipping halfway through.
  5. Serve. Allow the tofu bacon to cool slightly then serve immediately as desired.

Serving Suggestions 

Tofu bacon isn’t just for breakfast! Although we love enjoying bacon on the side of breakfast classics such as Vegan Buttermilk Pancakes, Rye Waffles, Vegan Strata, Breakfast Potato Hash, Tofu Scramble, and Vegan Eggs Benedict, the options don’t stop there!

Here are some of our favorite ways to use vegan bacon, both cold and warm:

close up Tofu Bacon on vegan BLT sandwich

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. If freezing, allow the bacon to cool completely on the baking sheet, then stick the baking sheet in the freezer to freeze the bacon until solid, about 1 hour. This will help prevent the tofu bacon strips from sticking together in your freezer bag or container.

Reheat leftovers in the oven, in a large skillet, or even in the microwave!

close up Tofu Bacon on white plate

Recipe FAQs

Can vegan bacon be eaten raw?

Technically, yes! All of the ingredients in this vegan tofu bacon recipe are safe to consume raw, including tofu. For the best flavor, you will want to bake it. This is going to allow the tofu slices to absorb all of the marinade and become nice and crispy.

Can I make this vegan bacon oil-free?

We have not tested an oil-free version of this recipe. You may be able to omit the oil – if you give it a try and it works well for you, we would love to know.

Can I make this tofu with another variety of tofu such as silken tofu?

Unfortunately, this will not work well. In order for the tofu to be sliceable and have a meaty texture that holds up when baked, it needs to be at least extra firm tofu. Silken tofu is very, very soft and custard-like. Instead, use silken tofu for recipes such as Silken Tofu Chocolate Mousse or Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip.

Is this vegan bacon gluten-free?

Yes! If you use tamari instead of soy sauce, this tofu bacon recipe is 100% gluten-free and vegan.

close up Tofu Bacon on white plate

More Vegan Tofu Recipes You’ll Like:

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close up Tofu Bacon on white plate

Tofu Bacon Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Sweet Simple Vegan
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: About 16 slices
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This tofu bacon is an absolute game changer! It’s one of our favorite vegan bacon substitutes – it’s easy to make with ingredients you have on hand and begging to be turned into a hearty vegan BLT sandwich. All you need is 10 ingredients!


Ingredients

  • 1 (16-ounce) block super firm tofu * (see notes)
  • 3 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce if not gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoons maple syrup 
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke 
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Equipment Needed


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a large baking sheet.
  2. Remove the tofu from the package and drain. Slice thin horizontally, about 1/4th to 1/8th inch thick, then slice vertically in half so you have long rectangular strips. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Add in half of the tofu and toss very gently. Arrange the tofu on the baking sheet. Since they are not going to expand, they can be fairly close together. Add the second half of the tofu to the liquid, toss, and arrange them on the baking sheet. 
  4. Drizzle the remaining liquid onto the tofu. Place into the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until crisp, flipping halfway through.
  5. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Side
  • Method: Oven

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links, which simply means that we earn a commission if you purchase through those links, but your price remains the same. Thank you for supporting Sweet Simple Vegan!

Meet The Bloggers

hey there! we’re jasmine & chris.

Hi, we’re Jasmine and Chris! We share fresh and fun recipes to show you that vegan cooking is easy, approachable and delicious. When we’re not blogging, you will probably find us enjoying live music, tending to our backyard garden or playing with our dogs Berry and Louie

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8 Comments

  1. I use this recipe all the time for lunches. My kids, husband and non vegan family members love it. Win for me!






  2. I am making this as I write this. I can’t wait to taste them. Can leftovers be frozen? If so, will it change the texture? How would you reheat?

    1. We haven’t tried freezing it, but it should work! I would just allow it to thaw first and then reheat in a pan or microwave from frozen. We can’t guarantee results though!

  3. I’ve been looking for a good vegan bacon substitute and this recipe for tofu bacon is a game changer! It’s easy to make and the perfect addition to my breakfast routine. Plus, the texture and smoky flavor are spot on. Highly recommend trying it out!