Tofu Bacon Recipe (Baked or Fried) (2024)

Updated: by Vera Morgan · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

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Tofu Bacon: tofu marinated in a sweet, salty, smoky, tangy sauce and baked to crispy chewy perfection! Easy, Crazy good, protein rich and gluten free.

Tofu Bacon Recipe (Baked or Fried) (1)

Wait until you guys try my bacon recipe made with tofu!! Yup vegan tofu bacon! It really tastes a lot like real bacon! Not kidding! You're gonna love it, it’s simple, delicious and it’s ready in no time! And makes the perfect Vegan BLT Sandwich you’ve been missing!

Tofu Bacon Recipe (Baked or Fried) (2)

Or enjoy along side yourtofu scramble, vegan waffles, pancakes and breakfast fries in the morning or on avocado toast, mmm. Super tasty in a wrap too with grilled or fresh veggies. Yum! Lots of ways to enjoy this meatless bacon!

So there are quite a few vegan bacon recipe options out there, rice paper, tempeh, seitan and even coconut or mushroom bacon! Tofu is the easiest to make and my favourite! The flavour is top notch! and the chew is bang on! Don’t even bother with store bought!!

And I always have tofu on hand in my fridge and I mean always!! It’s my main source of protein I love it!

What’s the best tofu for tofu bacon?

I mostly use super firm (pre pressed) tofu for this recipe but if you have smoked tofu it is also a delicious choice!! I have used extra firm tofu but it can be more finicky to cut thin and can fall apart in the marinade if you’re not careful. Having said that try it if you like just press it first!

Ok guys this recipe is so easy!! You marinate the tofu and either bake it or fry it! Thats it!! Oh and try not to eat half of it right away when it’s done!! Uh yah that’s the hard part haha

So here’s My Vegan Canadian Bacon Recipe EH!🇨🇦 Lol!

Tofu Bacon Recipe (Baked or Fried) (3)

How do you make tofu bacon?

Slice the tofu into ⅛ inch slices and add to a large ziplock bag or shallow dish like a pie plate. (the thinner you cut the tofu the faster it cooks ⅛ of an inch is perfect or slightly larger but no thinner than ⅛ of an inch)

Whisk all the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl. Heat in the microwave or small pot until just simmering, you want it really hot. Pour the marinade over the tofu, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Let cool then remove the air from bag and seal. Marinade tofu for 30 minutes to 1 hour or overnight if you wish, turning the bag a few times. (I also have quick marinade option)

Preheat oven to 400° Spray a large non stick baking sheet with cooking spray (no parchment paper)

Place the tofu one by one on the baking sheet. Baste each one with a little more marinade. Spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 10 minutes.( For pan fried method see Notes*)

Remove from the oven, flip the tofu pieces over using a fork. Baste with more marinade and spray with more cooking oil. Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes or longer. Watch carefully so they don’t burn. I usually remove mine after 15-16 minutes total cooking time. (Depends on how thick you sliced the tofu).They will firm up as they cool.

Enjoy! Try not to eat them all straight from the pan!! 😊 For full ingredients and instructions see recipe card below.

Tofu Bacon Recipe (Baked or Fried) (4)

Tofu Bacon Recipe (Baked or Fried) (5)

OK GUYS LETS MAKE SOME TOFU BACON, IT'S

gluten free

the perfect addition to so many dishes

easy

full of protein

addicting

kid friendly

umami!

super satisfying

Enjoy guys! Happy day to you! feel free to leave a comment and a rating below. I would love to hear from you.

Follow me on PINTEREST and INSTAGRAM for more tasty Plant Based Vegan Recipes❤️

WANT MORE VEGAN TOFU RECIPES? CHECK THESE OUT!

  • Vegan Orange Chicken
  • Best Vegan Chicken Nuggets (Tofu) (Oven Baked)
  • Tofu Stir Fry Recipe (Chinese)
  • Balsamic Marinated Tofu
  • Vegan Egg Salad Sandwich

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Tofu Bacon Recipe (Baked or Fried) (6)

Tofu Bacon Recipe (Baked or Fried)

★★★★★5 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Verna
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 Servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

Tofu Bacon: tofu marinated in a sweet, salty, smoky, tangy sauce and baked to crispy chewy perfection! Easy, Crazy good, protein rich and gluten free.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 package super firm tofu, pre pressed, (for more options see notes*)
  • cooking oil spray

Bacon Tofu Marinade:

  • ⅓ cup Tamari (haven't tried soy sauce or Lite Tamari with this recipe)
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 3 teaspoons liquid smoke, I use hickory flavoured
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
  • ½ teaspoon Chili Powder
  • ¼ teaspoon granulated onion
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin

Instructions

  1. Slice the tofu into ⅛ inch slices and add to a large ziplock bag or shallow dish like a pie plate. (the thinner you cut the tofu the faster it cooks ⅛ of an inch is perfect or slightly larger but no thinner than ⅛ of an inch)
  2. Whisk all the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl. Heat in the microwave or small pot until just simmering, you want it really hot. Pour the marinade over the tofu, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Let cool then remove the air from bag and seal. Marinade tofu for 30 minutes to 1 hour or overnight if you wish, turning the bag a few times. (For quick marinade version see Notes*)
  3. Preheat oven to 400° Spray a large non stick baking sheet with cooking spray (no parchment paper)
  4. Place the tofu one by one on the baking sheet. Baste each one with a little more marinade. Spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 10 minutes.( For pan fried or air fryer method see Notes*)
  5. Remove from the oven, flip the tofu pieces over using a fork. Baste with more marinade and spray with more cooking oil. Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes or longer. Watch carefully so they don’t burn. I usually remove mine after 15-16 minutes total cooking time. (Depends on how thick you sliced the tofu).They will firm up as they cool.
  6. Enjoy! Try not to eat them all straight from the pan!! Step by step photos in a above post 🔼
  7. Delicious in a vegan BLT with avocado, or with tofu scramble and breakfast fries. Also great in a wrap or chopped in salads likecaesar salad! Lots of choices! Super Tasty!!

Notes

  • Tofu options: I mostly use super firm (pre pressed) tofu for this recipe I like the consistency the best but if you have smoked tofu it is also a delicious choice!! I have used extra firm tofu but it can be more finicky and can fall apart in the marinade if you’re not careful. Having said that try it if you like just press it for at least 20 minutes first!
  • Quick marinade (this works well): add sliced tofu strips to a non stick shallow pan pour over marinade and simmer on medium to medium low heat for 7 minutes. Basting as you go. Continue from Step 3.
  • Pan Fried Tofu Bacon: add marinated tofu to a non stick pan with some oil. Cook in batches over medium to medium low heat for a few minutes on each side. (Baste as you go), until you’re happy with the texture.
  • For oil free:I prefer using my cooking oil spray but it will work without oil, just won't be as crispy. Make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Air Fryer Method: My daughter does this❤️ Add marinated tofu to air fryer in batches. Spray with cooking oil spray (opt) Cook at 400° for 13-20 minutes. Watch carefully from 13 minutes and on to prevent burning.
  • To reheat Tofu Bacon: add a little reserved marinade and warm in the oven or microwave for a few minutes.
  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes (doesn't include marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 20 Minutes
  • Category: Breakfast & Baking, gluten free, Snacks & Sides,
  • Method: Oven or stovetop
  • Cuisine: Canadian, American

Keywords: tofu bacon, vegan bacon, meatless bacon, smoky, sweet, recipe,

Tofu Bacon Recipe (Baked or Fried) (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to fry or bake tofu? ›

It sticks, and the crispy bits end up sticking to the pan, which is a tofu tragedy. Plus, it requires more oil, and you don't need to use a lot of oil to get crispy tofu. When you bake your tofu, you give it time to develop crispy edges and warm, pillowy insides. It's simply the best.

How is tofu best cooked? ›

Baking is my go-to method for how to cook tofu. It yields flavorful, firm cubes that are perfect for adding to a stir fry, salad, or bowl!

Why is my fried tofu not crispy? ›

If your crispy tofu isn't getting crispy, it could be because there is too much moisture in the tofu. Another issue could be the oil isn't hot enough to fry the tofu. Or you forgot to add the corn flour. These three reasons can cause your tofu to be soggy or not crisp up as much as you'd like.

Is tofu bacon healthy? ›

They tend to be high in sodium, but are generally healthier than animal-derived meat when eaten in moderation, as part of a balanced diet. In other words, don't base all of your meals around vegan bacon, but do enjoy it on a breakfast sandwich.

Is baked tofu healthier than fried? ›

Baked, Not Fried.

A lot of restaurant-style tofu is deep-fried, which is how it gets that irresistibly crispy, chewy texture. My method for baking tofu produces tofu that's chewy, but it's cooked in the oven, making it much healthier.

How do you keep tofu crispy after frying? ›

Drying the tofu thoroughly ensures that it crisps up quickly. Using a batter for the tofu ensures that it stays crispy even after getting tossed in sauce. Cooking each component of the stir fry in stages and combining them at the end facilitates even cooking and browning.

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

What is the healthiest way to eat tofu? ›

Healthier - For starters, broiling tofu is a healthier method of cooking than frying, and it requires less oil to create crispier cubes. Easy - It's also really easy to make.

Do I need to soak tofu before cooking? ›

Many cooking experts champion a quick soak as a way to give the protein more texture and flavor. “Simmering cubed tofu in salted water for 60 seconds pulls out excess moisture and tightens the proteins on its surface,” Lukas Volger told Bon Appétit in 2021.

Why is my baked tofu rubbery? ›

Why does tofu get rubbery? Because it was probably overcooked, it was probably exposed to too much heat. I don't know if it was roasted baked air fried or sauteed, but when it becomes, uh, overcooked, it's gonna get very, very tough.

Should you salt tofu before frying? ›

Step 1: Salt the block of tofu. Generously sprinkle the block of tofu with salt. Salt draws out moisture, and helps pull the liquid out to make the tofu as firm as possible. Make sure you are using extra firm or super firm tofu.

Can you coat tofu in flour instead of cornstarch? ›

Substitutions: If you prefer not to cook with cornstarch, you can substitute in an equal volume of all-purpose flour or potato starch. Tofu: This recipe can also be made with medium-firm tofu, but you'll need to be a bit more gentle while pressing and coating it.

Is there a downside to eating tofu? ›

Incorporating tofu into your daily meals and snacks can bring several health benefits. Those benefits include brain health promotion, ease of menopause symptoms, and heart disease prevention. However, eating tofu has some risks, as it might lead to digestive issues or interact with certain medications like MAOIs.

Is tofu healthier than eggs? ›

In case you're wondering which is healthier, eggs or tofu, the match-up is surprisingly close. If you compare them per serving (1 egg to a 3.5-ounce serving of tofu), the tofu has a similar amount of calories and slightly more protein. Here's how they stack up: Calories: egg = 78 | tofu = 70.

What is the healthiest bacon to eat? ›

Turkey bacon has fewer calories, with 30 calories per thin slice, compared to pork bacon, which has about 43 calories per slice. It's lower in fat, too, – 2.1 grams per slice, compared to pork bacon's 3.1 grams per slice.

Does fried tofu taste good? ›

It's really that good. Not only can this golden tofu make a great snack, but it's the perfect topping for salads, wraps, or pasta if you want to add a punch of protein. With a thin & crispy outer shell and soft interior, this vegan & gluten-free fried tofu recipe truly is a winner!

Does cooking tofu destroy nutrients? ›

It also contains trypsin inhibitors, which interfere with the digestion and absorption of protein. Fortunately, this should not be much of a concern for most people, as soaking, sprouting, cooking and fermenting tofu can significantly slash the antinutrient content.

What type of tofu is best for baking? ›

Tofu: One block of tofu, either firm or extra-firm. I also strongly recommend buying organic tofu, if it's available. Oil: Olive oil, or whatever your preferred cooking oil may be. Cornstarch: This is the magic ingredient that helps make tofu (as well as many other foods) extra-crispy in the oven.

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