Indulge in the irresistible flavors of vegan tofu bacon! These savory tofu strips are smoky, salty, chewy, and packed with delicious umami goodness. Best of all, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for satisfying your cravings!
INGREDIENTS
Tofu
- ½ block (140 g or 5 oz) extra-firm tofu
Marinade
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tsp liquid smoke
- ¼ tsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp dried rosemary, ground
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
For Frying
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Preparation
- Wrap the tofu in a clean cloth or paper towel and gently squeeze to remove excess water, helping it absorb the marinade better. If your tofu isn’t very firm, press it with a weight until firm.
- Slice the tofu into strips. Opt for thin slices for a crispier texture or thicker ones for a chewier “bacon.”
- In a bowl, mix the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, rosemary, and black pepper.
- Dip the tofu slices into the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Place them in a shallow dish and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (see notes for marinating tips).
Cooking
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated tofu slices in a single layer, reserving the remaining marinade. Fry for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crisp.
- If your pan isn’t large enough, cook the tofu in batches, then combine them back into the pan for the next step.
- Reduce the heat to medium and pour the reserved marinade over the tofu, ensuring even coverage.
- Continue cooking gently until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the tofu turns a rich, dark brown.
- Bonus: For extra flavor, add a splash of water to the pan to deglaze and stir up the leftover smoky goodness. Use this “bacon juice” as a condiment or sauce enhancement.
