No need to buy pricy vegan bacon at the grocery store when you can make this tofu bacon recipe at home! It’s easy, flavourful, and budget-friendly too. 

Plate with vegan scramble, broccoli, and tofu bacon

I love the convenience of store-bought vegan foods, but the cost can really add up! I’ve found it’s much more economical to make my own when I have the time, and it also lets me control the ingredients I use. This tofu bacon is made with thinly sliced tofu marinated in a sweet, savoury, smoky blend of seasonings—similar to how I make tempeh bacon. It’s fabulous for breakfast, layered onto a sandwich for lunch, or crumbled onto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese for dinner. (My family loves it so much, we might just have all three in a single day!)

What Makes Tofu Bacon So Irresistible

Here are some of the reasons we can’t get enough of this homemade tofu bacon.

  • That smoky flavour. I think it’s the smokiness that makes bacon so delicious and this vegan bacon gets that rich flavour from the addition of smoked paprika. 
  • Wholesome ingredients. A lot of vegan alternatives have long lists of ingredients, but when you make this plant-based bacon yourself, you know exactly what’s in it! 
  • So many ways to use it. Tofu bacon can be used in countless ways! It’ll jazz up your burgers, add some flavour to veggies, and give your breakfast a protein boost.
Ingredients for Vegan Tofu Bacon.

Notes on Ingredients

The ingredient list for this tofu bacon is short and sweet! Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

  • Firm tofu – You can use extra-firm tofu if you want your bacon chewier.
  • Soy sauce – Or tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • Barbecue sauce – I love my Roasted Strawberry Barbecue Sauce, but any kind you have on hand will work!
  • Maple syrup – The flavour of maple syrup is divine, but date syrup would also work.
  • Smoked paprika 
  • Garlic powder – This adds a savoury element to the flavour.
  • Olive or avocado oil spray

How to Make Tofu Bacon

This is just a brief overview of the process; the recipe card at the bottom of the page has the full instructions for making tofu bacon.

Thin tofu slices on paper towels
Slice and pat the tofu dry.
Overhead view of marinade for tofu bacon
Mix the marinade.
  • Prep the tofu. Cut it into thin slices and then pat it dry.
  • Make the marinade. Whisk together all of the ingredients in a shallow bowl that will fit all the tofu.
Overhead view of tofu bacon in marinade
Marinate the tofu.
Overhead view of tofu bacon before cooking
Bake.
  • Marinate the tofu. Add the tofu slices to the marinade and turn them to coat. Marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes, or up to overnight.
  • Bake. Set the tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet coated with oil. Spray the tofu with oil, then bake at 375ºF for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the tofu is nicely browned.
  • Serve. Let the tofu cool for 2 to 3 minutes, then serve as desired.
Overhead view of tofu bacon on pan

Tips and Variations

Follow these tips for perfect tofu bacon!

  • Press the tofu. Although it’s not a must, if you have time, press the tofu for 30 minutes before slicing it. Then when you pat the tofu dry, there won’t be as much liquid to absorb. The drier the tofu, the chewier and crispier it will be!
  • Make it extra smoky. Add a (very small) splash of liquid smoke to the marinade. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it! 
  • Cut the tofu evenly. For the best results, cut the tofu as evenly as possible so that each strip cooks at the same rate.
  • Add a kick. A pinch of cayenne will make your tofu bacon spicy!
Vegan tofu bacon on parchment-lined pan

Serving Suggestions

I’m sure you have plenty of ideas for using this vegan bacon, but here’s some additional inspiration!

Vegan tofu bacon on parchment paper

How to Store and Reheat

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover tofu bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Place the bacon slices in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • To reheat: Reheat tofu bacon in a nonstick skillet, in a 375ºF oven, in the air fryer, or in the microwave. The microwave is the last option I’d choose, as it won’t be as crispy that way.

More Creative Ways to Use Tofu

Plate with tofu bacon, vegan scramble, and broccoli

Enjoy friends! If you make this tofu bacon recipe, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!

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Overhead view of tofu bacon on parchment paper

Tofu Bacon

Servings: 4 -6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 24 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
No need to buy pricy vegan bacon at the grocery store when you can make this tofu bacon recipe at home! Easy, flavourful, and budget-friendly.
5 (from 3 ratings)
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Ingredients

  • 7 ounces firm tofu, ½ from a 14-ounce block, 198 g
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, 45 ml
  • 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce, 15 ml
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 15 ml
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 g
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 3 g
  • Olive or avocado oil spray

Instructions 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with oil.
  • Cut tofu into thin slices, approximately 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) thick.
  • Gently pat the tofu dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  • In a shallow bowl, whisk together soy sauce, barbecue sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  • Gently place tofu slices into the prepared marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  • Let sit for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in a covered dish.
  • Lay the marinated tofu strips on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Spray the tops with oil.
  • Bake for 22-25 minutes. Watch closely at the end to avoid burning.
  • Let the strips cool for 2-3 minutes to crisp up before serving.

Notes

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover tofu bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Place the bacon slices in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • To reheat: Reheat tofu bacon in a nonstick skillet, in a 375ºF oven, in the air fryer, or in the microwave. The microwave is the last option I’d choose, as it won’t be as crispy that way.
Calories: 33kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.02g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 800mg, Potassium: 70mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 256IU, Vitamin C: 0.04mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 1mg

Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast, brunch
Author: Jessica Hylton