Tofu and bacon don’t necessarily seem synonymous. But let me tell you…this vegan smoky tofu bacon is super savory and the perfect addition to sandwiches or brunch. This smoky tofu recipe calls for thinly sliced, marinated, and baked tofu which makes crispy, savory, and flavorful plant-based bacon slices.
why we love this smoky tofu recipe
This smoky tofu recipe is by far one of my most used recipes over the years. It’s just SO versatile. What makes these tofu bacon strips so delicious is the marinade. Because the tofu is thinly sliced, each strip is packed with so much savory, umami, and smoky flavor. I love making vegan BLTs with this tofu bacon, adding it to stuffed peppers, or just serving it alongside pancakes or waffles for brunch.
why this recipe works
This recipe calls for extra or super firm tofu, which when marinated for at least an hour and then baked becomes super flavorful and crispy. This smoky tofu recipe gets its smoky flavor from liquid smoke, smoked paprika, and the Chinese 5 Spice. This allows us to have that hickory smoked flavor without the hassle of smoking the tofu outdoors.
the smoky tofu ingredients
This recipe packs as much flavor into the tofu as possible. This marinated tofu only uses 9 ingredients plus some spices.
You’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- Extra Firm or Super Firm Tofu
- Olive Oil
- Sesame Oil
- Liquid Smoke
- Agave Nectar
- Vegan Worcestershire
- Soy Sauce
- Garlic
- Smoked Paprika
- Chinese 5 Spice
- Salt
equipment and tools
This recipe is super simple thanks to the bottled liquid smoke. To marinate the tofu, you’ll need a large shallow bowl, and to bake the tofu you’ll need a baking sheet. If you’d like to make clean up a bit easier, you’ll also want to use some parchment paper.
how to prepare the tofu
extra firm tofu
This recipe calls for extra-firm or super firm tofu. You don’t want to use silken tofu for this vegan bacon. Extra-firm tofu is tofu that has extra liquid removed. The texture is more ‘meat-like’ because there is less liquid in it and subsequently, the tofu gets crispier when baked. It’s important to drain and press the block of tofu prior to placing it in the marinade. This will help the tofu absorb more flavor.
To press the tofu, you can use a tea towel or paper towels to pat any excess liquid out of the block. Then, slice the tofu into strips that are about 2 inches long and about 1/8th of an inch thick.
tips for marinating tofu
The trick to getting super flavorful tofu is how long you marinate it and how thinly you slice it. The thinner the tofu is sliced, the faster the marinade can seep inside of it. Let’s say you have the best-tasting marinade. If you throw it on the tofu right before baking it, the tofu will have some flavor, but not as much as it could have. Likewise, if the tofu is cut into thick or large pieces, there will be less exposed surface area per block of tofu and the result will be less flavorful tofu. Marinating the tofu for an hour prior to baking helps create a full-bodied flavor.
how to make the smoky tofu bacon
Once the tofu is prepared and sliced, the marinade is ready to be made!
Below are the simple steps you’ll need to complete to make this savory tofu marinade!
- In a large shallow bowl or container, mix all of the marinade ingredients together.
- Place the tofu in a single layer in the marinade. Next, flip the pieces over so they are completely covered in the marinade.
- Then, cover the container, and let the tofu marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge.
baking the tofu
Next up is baking the tofu!
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drizzle 1-2 tbsp of olive oil on the pan.
- Place the marinated tofu on the pan in a single layer. Rub the olive oil onto the tofu, making sure there is oil coating each piece.
- Bake for 18-23 minutes (depending on how crispy you like your ‘bacon’), flipping halfway through.
air frying the tofu
What’s great about this vegan bacon recipe, is that it can also be air fried! Air frying will make the tofu extra crispy. To air fry the tofu, preheat the air fryer to 375F. Air-frying will take much less time, so decrease the baking time to about 10-15 minutes or until the tofu is crispy.
smoky tofu bacon tips & tricks
This easy tofu recipe uses liquid smoke to get a smoky flavor. I’m using Hickory flavored liquid smoke by the brand Colgin.
Liquid smoke is available at most grocery stores. It can be found in the same aisle as ketchup, BBQ sauces, and other condiments. If you’re not able to find it in your store, it is available online.
This recipe uses extra-firm or super firm tofu. You do not want to use silken tofu for this tofu bacon. Extra-firm tofu gives this recipe a ‘meat-like’ texture.
Yes! This smoky tofu bacon can be air-fried. The temperature and time will need to be decreased if you choose to air fry the vegan bacon instead of bake it. Preheat your air fryer to 375F and cook the tofu for 10-15 minutes (flipping halfway) or until it is crispy.
Looking for more Tofu Recipes?
Did you make this Smokey Tofu Bacon? I’d love to know! Leave a rating and comment below!
Smoky Tofu Bacon
This vegan smoky tofu bacon is super savory and the perfect addition to sandwiches or brunch. This smoky tofu recipe calls for thinly sliced, marinated, and baked tofu which makes chewy, savory, and flavorful plant-based bacon slices.
Ingredients
Tofu Marinade
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 tsp agave nectar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, vegan
- 6 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 1/4 tsp Chinese 5 Spice
- 2 tsp brown sugar
Other
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 15-oz block extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
- Vegetable Oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- In a large shallow bowl or container, mix all of the marinade ingredients together.
- Make sure the tofu has been drained and pressed to remove excess liquid. Then, thinly slice the block into pieces that are 2” long and about â…›” thick.
- Place the tofu in a single layer in the marinade. Flip the pieces over so they are completely covered in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl, and let the tofu marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge.
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drizzle 1-2 tbsp of olive oil on the pan.
- Place the marinated tofu on the pan in a single layer. Rub the olive oil onto the tofu, making sure there is oil coating each piece.
- Bake for 18-23 minutes (depending on how crispy you like your ‘bacon’), flipping halfway through.
Notes
- Air Fryer Instructions: preheat the air fryer to 375F. Air-frying will take much less time, so decrease the baking time to about 10-15 minutes or until the tofu is crispy.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 105Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 149mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 10g
Nutritional info is an estimate.
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