Easy Tofu Bacon Recipe

Slices of tofu bacon piled on a sandwich with lettuce and tomato slices.

Print Recipe

4.93 from 14 votes

We make our own bacon out of one of our most beloved staples: tofu. When baked together with our special smoky bacon marinade, this easy tofu bacon becomes reminiscent of traditional bacon—but without harming a soul.

Prep Time8

Cook Time30

Total Time38

Course: Side

Cuisine: American

Diet: Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: slices

Calories: 22kcal

Author: Michelle Cehn

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
1 16-ounce block extra-firm tofu, pressed (we highly recommend vacuum-sealed tofu)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
½ tablespoon liquid smoke

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a 9 × 9inch baking pan with the oil.
Cut the tofu block in half lengthwise (you will be using only half, so return the other portion to the fridge to use in another recipe). Cut the tofu lengthwise into thin strips about ⅛-inch thick, or as thinly as possible. Optionally, you may then cut these strips in half lengthwise. Place the tofu in the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Flip and bake for 5 more minutes.
While the tofu is baking, in a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, maple syrup, and liquid smoke.
Remove the pan from the oven and pour the liquid blend over the tofu. Return the tofu to the oven, bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake for 5 more minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Notes

Storing Tofu Bacon: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight zip top bag in the fridge. This tofu bacon will keep for up to a week. To reheat, toss it back into the oven at 350 for 5 – 8 minutes, or the air fryer at 370 degrees for 3 – 5 minutes, until crispy and hot.
Air Fryer Alternative: If you don’t want to heat up the whole oven, the air fryer is a great option. You’ll need to cook it in two or three batches, since it’s a smaller space. Arrange the tofu in a single layer and cook at 400 degrees for 15 – 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check frequently to make sure it doesn’t burn.

Nutrition