Craving that smoky bacon flavour but want a healthier, plant-based option? These incredible Tofu Bacon Bits deliver! They’re quick, easy, and perfect for adding flavour and texture to any dish. Sprinkle them on salads, soups, pasta, or enjoy them as a crunchy snack. Get ready for a flavour explosion that’s both delicious and guilt-free!
😋 Why I love this Tofu Bacon Bits Recipe
- Quick & Easy: These tofu bacon bits are incredibly simple to make and require minimal effort. You can easily whip them up while preparing the rest of your meal.
- Healthy & Guilt-Free: Enjoy the crispy, smoky goodness of bacon without the unhealthy saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Packed with Protein: Tofu is a fantastic source of plant-based protein, making these bacon bits a satisfying and nutritious addition to your meals.
- Versatile & Delicious: Use these tofu bacon bits to elevate any dish! Sprinkle them on salads, soups, pasta, baked potatoes, or even enjoy them as a crunchy snack on their own!
📝 Ingredient notes
- 500g block tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. If using firm tofu, it’s essential to press it well to remove excess water. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper, resulting in delicious, crispy tofu bacon bits. Extra-firm tofu requires less pressing and has a naturally lower water content.
- 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavour that’s essential for mimicking traditional bacon. It’s a powerhouse of flavour with a hint of sweetness and a vibrant red colour.
- 1/2 tbsp agave / maple syrup: A touch of sweetness balances the smoky and savoury notes. Agave nectar was used in this recipe, but any liquid sweetener, such as maple syrup, will work just as well.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a subtle garlic flavour that complements the other ingredients beautifully. It’s an easy way to add a savoury depth without using fresh garlic.
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke: Liquid smoke is a key ingredient for achieving that authentic smoky bacon flavour. It’s a concentrated flavouring made from the condensation of smoke from burning wood.
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce: Light soy sauce adds a salty and umami element to the marinade. It enhances the overall flavour profile and helps create a crispy texture when cooked.
- 1 tsp MSG: MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a flavour enhancer that adds a savoury, umami depth to the tofu bacon bits. While optional, it does enhance the overall flavour. If you prefer not to use MSG, you can substitute it with 1 tbsp of nutritional yeast, which has a slightly cheesy and nutty flavour.
🥣 How to make these tofu bacon bits
- Press the Tofu (Optional): If using firm tofu, press it for 5-10 minutes to remove excess water. This helps the tofu absorb the marinade and crisp up beautifully. Skip this step if using extra-firm or super-firm tofu, as they naturally have a lower water content.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the smoked paprika, agave/maple syrup, garlic powder, liquid smoke, light soy sauce, and MSG (or nutritional yeast). Whisk well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Slice the Tofu: Once the tofu is pressed, slice it into thin pieces, about a few centimetres in length. The thinner the slices, the crispier your plant based bacon bits will be. Aim for a thickness of around 2-3mm, similar to traditional bacon bits.
- Marinate the Tofu: Add the sliced tofu to the marinade and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 5 minutes to absorb the flavours. Since we’ve removed the excess water, the tofu will soak up the marinade quickly.
- Air Fry or Bake the Tofu: For the crispiest results, arrange the marinated tofu in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 205°C (400°F) for 14 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even browning. Alternatively, you can bake the tofu in a preheated oven at the same temperature for about 18 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Keep a close eye on the tofu while it’s baking, as oven temperatures can vary.
🍽️ How to use these tofu bacon bits
These versatile Tofu Bacon Bits can add a smoky, crispy touch to many dishes. Try them:
- Pasta Power-Up: Sprinkle them over creamy vegan pasta dishes like our Creamy Sriracha Pasta or Cacio e Pepe for an irresistible salty crunch.
- Soup-erb Addition: Crumble them over Cauliflower Potato Leek Soup or Vegan Chili for a smoky depth and satisfying texture.
- Salad Superstar: Toss them into your favourite salads, like our Super Healthy Vegan Rice Salad or even the cucumber salad, for an extra layer of flavour and crunch.
- Burger Buddy: Crumble them on top of our Jackfruit Burger or Vegan Philly Cheesesteak for an authentic bacon-like experience.
- Baked Potato Bliss: Load your baked potatoes with these tofu bacon bits, along with your favourite vegan toppings, for a comforting and flavourful meal.
🤔 Frequently asked questions
Can I freeze Tofu Bacon Bits?
Yes, you can freeze them for longer storage. Simply spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before using.
Can I use a different type of tofu?
While firm or extra-firm tofu is recommended for the best texture, you can experiment with other types of tofu. Just be aware that silken or soft tofu may not crisp up as well and could result in a softer texture.
Do I have to press the tofu?
Pressing the tofu is essential if you’re using firm tofu, as it helps remove excess water and allows the marinade to penetrate deeper, resulting in crispier bacon bits. If using extra-firm or super-firm tofu, pressing is not as crucial, but you can still lightly press it if desired.
Can I make these oil-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is already oil-free, making it a healthy and guilt-free snack or topping. The tofu gets crispy in the air fryer or oven without the need for any added oil.
Can I store leftover Tofu Bacon Bits?
Yes, you can store leftover Tofu Bacon Bits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes until heated through and crispy.
Tofu Bacon Bits
Equipment
- 1 Airfryer
Ingredients
- 500 g Firm Tofu
- 1/2 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 Tbsp Agave Or maple syrup
- 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tsp Liquid Smoke
- 2 Tbsp Light Soy Sauce
- 1 Tsp MSG
Instructions
- Press Tofu (Optional): Press firm tofu for 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare Marinade: Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Slice Tofu: Slice tofu into thin pieces.
- Marinate Tofu: Coat tofu in marinade for at least 5 minutes.
- Cook Tofu: Air fry at 205°C (400°F) for 14 minutes, shaking halfway through. Alternatively, bake at 205°C (400°F) for 18 minutes, turning halfway through.
Notes
- If using firm tofu, pressing it is crucial for optimal texture.
- Oven temperatures may vary, so keep a close eye on the tofu while baking.
- Adjust cooking time as needed to achieve desired crispness.