Did you know you can make your very own Vegan Bacon Bits using just tofu and a few other pantry ingredients? They're easy to make and so super crispy, salty smokey, and a great little way to add extra delicious meat-free protein to your meals.
I like to make a batch or two of these delicious vegan bacon bits so I have them on hand to sprinkle on top of salads, over pasta dishes, on a sandwich or into creamy soups. Even better, these crispy homemade bacon bits only contain a few simple ingredients without any extra additives or food coloring, unlike store-bought bacon bits. (I like to sometimes sneak a few from the jar as a little snicky snack in the afternoon!)
If you're wanting to make vegan bacon in strips, why not try my Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon! Alternatively if you're wanting some great meat substitute recipes, definitely check out my Seitan Chicken Recipe which then goes perfectly with this great recipe for Hoisin Seitan Ch'kn Bao . Plus, these delicious bacon bits are delicious as a substitute for the chorizo in my Vegan Scallops with Garlic Pasta recipe!
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🥓Ingredients
You only need a few ingredients to make your own homemade vegan bacon bits!
- Extra Firm Tofu: I like to get extra firm tofu that doesn't need pressing- it comes in a kind of vacuum pack in the fridge. (in the UK the brand Tofoo is great, as is the one you can get at Lidl) however if you can't get extra firm, regular firm is good - but press it first to remove some moisture.
- Garlic Powder: Essential for a little garlicky tang. (You can also substitute in onion powder !)
- Smoked Paprika: This creates the smokey bacon-like flavor!
- Soy Sauce/Tamari: The salty flavor of this umami rich sauce is great for penetrating the tofu evenly.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Just a little to help the tofu get crispy and help with the mouth-feel texture.
See recipe card for quantities and the substitutions/variations section below for flavor ideas.
👩🍳Instructions
Follow along with these super simple steps for the perfect crispy bacon bits!
1.First grate the block of tofu using the larger holes on your box grater.
2. In a large bowl add the seasonings to the grated tofu.
3. Mix the tofu and seasonings until completely mixed and the tofu is evenly covered.
4. Spread the tofu mixture in a thin layer onto a prepared baking tray that has been lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake the tofu mixture at 180C/360F for 35 minutes or until super crispy.
Hint: If the tofu isn't crispy in the middle sections, flip some over and return to the oven until crispy and golden brown.
🌶️Substitutions & Variations
Here are some substitiuion and flavor variation ideas so you can customise your tofu bacon bits!
- Soy Free- replace the tofu for shaved coconut and the soy sauce for coconut aminos. This version only takes a few minutes in the oven, and is not a good source of protein, but it is delcious!
- Gluten-Free - make sure to choose gluten-free tamari (soy sauce made without wheat)
- Maple Bacon- Add a teaspoon of maple syrup to the mixture for a salty-sweet flavor.
- Extra Smoky Flavor- add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for extra smoky flavored bacon bits.
- Alternative Oils: I like to use a little olive oil in this recipe, but you can use any neutral oil such as canola oil or avocado oil if you wish.
- Extra savoury- Add a good teaspoon of nutritional yeast to the mixture for a slightly cheesy, nutty flavor.
🔪Equipment
You'll need a box grater, a medium bowl for mixing and a parchment lined baking sheet to make this recipe. You can make this recipe in the air fryer, however as most air fryers aren't large enough to lay the tofu in a single layer you might need to do it in batches, or keep stirring until all the bacon bits have a lovely crunchy texture.
🫙Storage
These bacon bits won't last quite as long as traditional bacon bits you can find at grocery stores as they have less preservatives, however they should last for at least a week in an airtight container.
Top tip
If you want chewy bacon bits rather than crispy, don't cook the tofu for quiet as long. I like to use the chewy version in sandwiches for extra protein and flavor!
Related
Want more meaty vegan recipes?
Pairing
Why not try these yummy vegan recipes to sprinkle the vegan bacon bits over ?
📖 Recipe
Vegan Tofu Bacon Bits: Easy DIY Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Baking parchment
Ingredients Note:
For accuracy, I measure all ingredients in metric as standard, then convert and test the recipe for American cup measurements etc.
(Heads up Aussie and UK readers- your measurements in cups are sometimes different, so please use metric or check you have the correct cup and spoon type!!)
Ingredients
- 280 g tofu (extra firm)
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180℃/360℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Grate the tofu using the larger holes in your box grater.280 g tofu
- In a bowl, mix the tofu with the other ingredients.2 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic granules, 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Lay out the tofu in a single layer on the parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until super crispy and golden (Baking times will vary according to your oven)
- Allow to cool and serve or store in an airtight container ready for sandwiches, salads and soups
Notes
- Soy Free- replace the tofu for shaved coconut and the soy sauce for coconut aminos. This version only takes a few minutes in the oven, and is not a good source of protein, but it is delcious!
- Gluten-Free - make sure to choose gluten-free tamari (soy sauce made without wheat)
- Maple Bacon- Add a teaspoon of maple syrup to the mixture for a salty-sweet flavor.
- Extra Smoky Flavor- add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for extra smoky flavored bacon bits.
- Alternative Oils: I like to use a little olive oil in this recipe, but you can use any neutral oil such as canola oil or avocado oil if you wish.
- Extra savoury- Add a good teaspoon of nutritional yeast to the mixture for a slightly cheesy, nutty flavor.
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