Smoky Maple Vegan Bacon

Here’s a fantastic recipe for Vegan Bacon made with tofu! This tofu bacon is crispy, smoky, and savory—perfect for sandwiches, salads, or just snacking.

Yield: 6-8 Servings

Ingredients:

1 block (14 oz) super firm tofu
3 tablespoons olive oil (or any neutral oil)
1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or agave syrup)
1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke

Instructions:

1. Slice the Tofu:

Slice the tofu into thin strips (about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick) with a mandolin (and cut resistant gloves) or knife to resemble bacon slices. If you prefer it crispy and a bit more “bacon-like,” slicing it thinner will help achieve that effect.

2. Prepare the Marinade:

In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and liquid smoke. Whisk everything together until smooth.

3. Marinate the Tofu:

Place the tofu strips on a baking sheet (preferably lined with a silicone mat) and lightly brush with marinade. Flip the strips and brush the other side. Let the tofu marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to an hour). The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will absorb.

4. Cook the Tofu Bacon: You can either bake or pan-fry the tofu bacon:

To Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the marinated tofu slices in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until the tofu is crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.
To Pan-Fry:
- Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add a little oil to the pan.
- Add the marinated tofu strips in a single layer.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully with tongs or a spatula to avoid breaking the strips. If you want extra crispiness, you can press the tofu slightly with a spatula while cooking.

5. Serve:

Once your tofu bacon is crispy and golden, remove it from the pan or oven and place it on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Serve immediately on a sandwich (like a vegan BLT), crumble it over a salad, or enjoy it as a snack.

Tips:

Extra Crispy Option: For an extra crispy texture, you can sprinkle the tofu strips with a little cornstarch before cooking. This helps create a crunchier exterior.
Storage: Leftover tofu bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a skillet to restore its crispiness.
Make It Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Other Flavor Variations: You can experiment with adding different spices to the marinade, like cumin, or chili powder.

This Vegan Tofu Bacon is a fantastic plant-based alternative to traditional bacon, with all the smoky and savory flavors. It’s great for breakfast, as a topping for salads, in wraps, or in any dish that calls for bacon! Enjoy!