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Crispy Tofu Bacon for a Perfect Vegan Breakfast

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This crispy tofu bacon is smoky, salty, and sweet with a shatteringly crisp texture. It’s the perfect plant-based addition to any vegan breakfast, made with simple ingredients and a foolproof baking method.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block (14-16 oz) extra-firm tofu
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Remove tofu from package and drain water. Wrap in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place on a plate, put another plate on top, and weigh down with a heavy object. Press for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  3. Make the marinade: In a small bowl or shallow dish, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  4. Slice the tofu: Once pressed, slice the block lengthwise into very thin rectangles, about ⅛-inch thick. You should get about 20-24 slices.
  5. Marinate the tofu: Place tofu slices in the shallow dish with marinade in a single layer. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  6. Arrange on baking sheet: Remove tofu slices from marinade, letting excess drip off. Arrange in a single layer on prepared baking sheet without overlapping.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes. Flip each slice carefully. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until deep golden brown, dry to the touch, and slightly shrunk. Watch closely in the last 5 minutes.
  8. Cool for crispiness: Remove from oven and let cool on the pan for at least 5-10 minutes. The bacon will crisp up as it cools.

Notes

For best results, slice tofu as thin as possible (⅛-inch). Do not over-marinate (10-15 minutes is enough). Watch the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning. The bacon will crisp up as it cools. For an air fryer option, cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Re-crisp in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes or in a dry skillet over medium heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan bacon, tofu bacon, crispy tofu bacon, vegan breakfast, plant-based bacon, smoky tofu

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/crispy-tofu-bacon-for-a-perfect-vegan-breakfast/