Description
This Vegan Tofu Bacon recipe offers a delicious, plant-based alternative to traditional bacon with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Perfectly marinated and baked to crispy perfection, it’s ideal for adding a crunchy, flavorful punch to sandwiches, salads, or breakfast plates.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu Bacon
- 9 oz extra firm tofu
- 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 paprika)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Wrap the extra firm tofu in paper towels and press it for 15–20 minutes to remove excess moisture. This step is essential to help the tofu absorb the marinade better and achieve a crispy texture.
- Slice the tofu: After pressing, slice the tofu thinly into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and maximize surface area for the marinade.
- Mix the marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vegetable oil, maple syrup, liquid smoke, dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Marinate the tofu: Place the tofu slices into the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Let the tofu soak for at least 15 minutes, though marinating overnight will yield the most flavorful results.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 355°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Arrange and bake the tofu: Lay the marinated tofu slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the top for extra flavor. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Flip and continue baking: After 20 minutes, flip each tofu slice, drizzle with any remaining marinade, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the tofu is crispy and golden brown.
Notes
- Pressing tofu is crucial for removing excess water to ensure better marinade absorption and a crispier final texture.
- For gluten-free variation, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Marinating the tofu overnight will provide more intense flavors.
- Keep an eye on the tofu during the final baking phase to avoid burning, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Use a thin slicing knife or a tofu slicer for uniform slices that cook evenly.
