Vegan Tofu Bacon Recipe (Vegan Bacon Substitute) | Aline Made (2024)

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Making vegan tofu bacon from scratch has never been easier! Tofu bacon is a smoky and utterly delicious vegan bacon alternative you can easily make at home!

Are you following a vegan diet yet still craving the mouthwatering taste of bacon? That’s very understandable. The good news is, you can prepare a very delicious vegan alternative to bacon at home.

I am going to show you how to turn a block of tofu into irresistible tofu bacon strips. This vegan bacon recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared in precisely one hour.

But let’s stop for a second. Vegan and bacon? Huh? Isn’t that a contradiction? No. Most vegans don’t give up animal products because they don’t like them. It’s almost always because of animal welfare, environmental impact, and health aspects.

Therefore, it’s only understandable that one misses the taste of bacon. And to be honest, bacon IS very tasty with its intense smoky flavor. So if you can easily prepare a vegan alternative, why shouldn’t we cheer on that? High-five my beloved tofu bacon!

I am not quite there yet. This vegan bacon substitute is not only for strict vegans, I approach everybody to include it now and then to make a good old tofu B(T)LT sandwich!

You can already buy vegan bacon alternatives at the grocery store, yet I still find it more sympathetic to prepare it at home. Homemade tofu bacon is just super easy to make and utterly delicious.

Liquid smoke

All of the recipe ingredients are everyday produces, expect of one: Liquid Smoke! You need that one for the typical smoky bacon taste. Liquid smoke is an essential ingredient of this recipe and can’t be replaced.

I love cooking with liquid smoke hickory, and it’s especially handy for vegan recipes. I would say it’s worth buying! Note that liquid smoke doesn’t taste pure, you can only use it in connection with recipes.

More recipe ideas usingliquid smoke hickory:

• Vegan BBQ Sacue
• Vegan Carbonara

Tofu Bacon

Obviously, tofu is the basic ingredient and only needs a few steps for deliciousness: Cut it into fine slices, marinade in a smoky sauce, and bake! The baked tofu slices are dark brown, rich in protein, and have a delicious smoky flavor.

The vegan bacon seasoning adds a good deal of taste, just as it should be. It’s made with soy sauce, oil, maple syrup, liquid smoke, mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

You can use it to make vegan sandwiches, vegan pasta carbonara, or to substitute bacon in any recipe of your choice. My favorite way to use: Vegan BLT Sandwiches.

Convinced? Then let’s hop to the recipe! By the way, I have been able to convince non-vegans of the taste of this veggie bacon! 😉

Vegan Tofu Bacon Recipe

Read through this visual step-by-step guide with lots of extra tips!

→ Make sure also to check out the recipe video to see how easy it is!

The exact quantities and everything else you need to know for the recipe can be found in the recipe card below.

• Cover the tofu in a paper towel and press to remove excess water (or use a tofu press). Slice the tofu very thin, and place the slices in a deep bowl, baking dish, or tupperware.

• Mix all the ingredients for the marinade in a small bowl.

• Pour over the tofu and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. → Feel free to marinate the tofu overnight in the fridge.

• Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the tofu slices in a single layer on it. Drizzle with half of the remaining marinade.

• Bake for 20 minutes. Take the baking sheet out of the oven, gently flip the tofu using two forks, drizzle with the remaining marinade.

• Bake for another 15 minutes until very dark brown.
• Use the warm tofu bacon to make vegan BLT sandwiches or to substitute bacon in any of your preferred recipes. → Tofu bacon can be enjoyed warm or cold.

Recipe FAQ

How long can I store the tofu?Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge.

Are you looking for gluten-free vegan bacon?Substitute soy sauce with tamari (gluten-free soy sauce).

Can I replace liquid smoke?As it gives the desired smoky taste, I think it is an important element of this recipe. Try to replace it with smoked salt, although this does alter the taste of this recipe.

More Vegan Basic Recipes You’ll Love:

• Vegan Tuna
• Vegan Mayo
• Vegan Parmesan Cheese
• Vegan Feta Cheese
• Cashew Cream

Did You Try This Recipe?

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