Tofu Bacon Recipe (Baked or Fried) (2024)

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

Jump to Recipe

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

Print

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? ›

Baked, Not Fried.

My method for baking tofu produces tofu that's chewy, but it's cooked in the oven, making it much healthier.

Why is my baked tofu not crispy? ›

Why won't my tofu get crisp? This could likely be a result of not drying out the tofu enough to drain out the extra moisture. It's also possible that your oven temperature is not hot enough. Make sure it's preheated and heat the pan in the oven for extra crispness.

What is the best way to cook tofu? ›

Pan-fried tofu gets a nice crisp texture outside, but stays soft inside," she says. Gently press the tofu, marinate, and coat in cornstarch (see above). Add to a wok or pan preheated with cooking oil and let fry for one to two minutes so it crisps on the bottom. Flip and let cook for another one to two minutes.

Can you fry tofu in bacon grease? ›

The short answer is yes. It may strike some as counterintuitive, but bacon and tofu is a great combination that's popular in many Asian dishes. A shorter answer would be: fry the tofu in bacon grease or with ground pork instead.

Can you eat tofu without frying it? ›

Yes, it's safe to eat raw firm tofu. It has a mild taste and a somewhat spongy texture. To enhance its flavor, you can marinate or season it. Try slicing it into cubes or strips, then marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and your choice of herbs or spices.

What type of tofu is best for baking? ›

While medium-firm tofu is rougher than soft, it still has a decent amount of moisture and will break up during vigorous cooking. This texture is great for baking, braising and boiling.

What happens when you bake tofu? ›

In this 3-ingredient baked tofu recipe, everyday tofu is transformed into golden, satisfyingly crunchy nuggets using simple seasonings and the oven! It's one of the best tofu recipes you can turn to whenever you want to add a simple and delicious plant-based protein to your meals.

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.

What not to do with tofu? ›

The 8 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Cooking Tofu
  1. You bought the wrong kind. ...
  2. You didn't remove the liquid. ...
  3. You cut it too large. ...
  4. You used oil in your marinade. ...
  5. You breaded it. ...
  6. You didn't cook it long enough. ...
  7. You used the wrong pan. ...
  8. You didn't store it well.
Apr 13, 2018

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.

How to prepare tofu for beginners? ›

Cut tofu into cubes. Step 2: Place those cubes in a bowl, and toss gently with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Step 3: Arrange tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with some olive oil and salt. Step 4: Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes, or until as crispy as you'd like.

How to cook tofu like a pro? ›

Baking tofu is a hands-off way to make it crispy.
  1. Press the tofu to eliminate as much water as possible, at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
  2. Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes to infuse it with flavor. ...
  3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  4. Pat the tofu dry. ...
  5. Cut the tofu into cubes or planks.
May 11, 2022

Is tofu bacon good for you? ›

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.

Why is my fried tofu soggy? ›

You're not pressing out excess moisture.

Before frying, tofu should be pressed to eliminate any excess water. Sometimes, in a hurry to get dinner done, I skip this step. But I always regret it. The still-sort-of-wet tofu never gets as golden brown or as crisp.

Should I coat tofu before frying? ›

Key Steps for Crispy Tofu

Slice or cube the tofu after pressing. Coat the tofu in starch before frying. Arrowroot powder is a fine white powder, similar to cornstarch. It is gluten-free and a good choice if you are sensitive to corn-based products.

Does fried tofu taste good? ›

Fried tofu or pan-fried tofu is crisp, tender, flavorful, and ready in just 15 minutes. It's a protein-rich add-in for salads, wraps, stews, and curries, and it's delicious as a snack.

Does cooking tofu destroy nutrients? ›

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. Finally, soy contains goitrogens, which are compounds that can interfere with the production of thyroid hormones.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated:

Views: 6051

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.